Designing the Post-Quantum Migration
The PQCA certification validates that you can assess a complex cryptographic environment and design a sound, implementable PQC migration architecture. Where PQCS builds foundational competence and PQCM covers program leadership, PQCA focuses on the technical design decisions that determine whether a migration actually works.
What PQCA Certifies
A PQCA credential holder has demonstrated the ability to:
- Assess existing cryptographic architectures for quantum vulnerability, mapping every dependency and trust relationship
- Select PQC algorithms for specific deployment contexts based on performance, key sizes, security assumptions, and operational constraints
- Design hybrid implementation architectures for key exchange and digital signatures
- Evaluate migration patterns (in-place, parallel, gateway-based) for different system types and risk profiles
- Design PKI migration strategies including dual-certificate hierarchies and HSM upgrade paths
- Apply cryptographic agility principles at the protocol, application, and infrastructure layers
- Produce implementation-ready architecture decision records and technical specifications
Who Earns the PQCA
Security architects, enterprise architects, solutions architects, principal engineers, cryptographic engineers, and senior technical consultants who design cryptographic systems.
Path to PQCA
- Hold an active prerequisite: Active PQCS certification
- Complete the PQCA Training course (online self-paced, live online, or in-person)
- Pass the PQCA certification exam
Exam Format
- Proctored exam administered online with a live proctor, or in person at authorized testing centers worldwide
- Scenario-based questions emphasizing applied competence and professional judgment
- Results delivered promptly after completion
Certification Details
- Digital badge issued upon certification, verifiable at pqca.pro
- Post-nominal designation: PQCA
- Annual maintenance fee: US$149 (covers all active Quantum Academy credentials)
- Recertification through continuing education credits (36 CPEs per cycle) or re-examination (US$399)
What Comes Next
Earn PQCM + PQCA + PQCV → automatically awarded PQCX — Post-Quantum Certified Expert.
Pricing
| Option | Price |
|---|---|
| PQCA exam only | US$699 |
| Online training + exam bundle | US$2,999 |
| In-person training + exam bundle | US$3,999 |
Verify a Credential Holder
Send the candidate’s full name to validation@quantumacademy.com.
The PQCA is a private professional credential issued by Quantum Academy, a trade name of Post-Quantum Institute, Inc. It is not a government-issued license, an accredited degree, or academic credit.