RISC-V Foundational Associate (RVFA)

The RVFA exam demonstrates an individual possesses the fundamental, entry-level knowledge and skills required of RISC-V hardware and software professionals.

An RVFA will have demonstrated skills and knowledge relating to the RISC-V ISA (Instruction Set Architecture), including basic architecture and terminology. In addition, an RVFA candidate understands Embedded Hardware Design, including Internet of Things (IoT), industrial, medical, and automotive applications.

RVFA certificate holders have demonstrated the ability to write, debug, optimize, and compile code in RISC-V Assembly Language, as well as the ability to use toolchains (GCC, LLVM) and understand RISC-V calling conventions.

The (RVFA) certification is intended for those interested in an entry-level RISC-V role or transitioning from another architecture.

The certification is ideal for those pursuing a career in roles such as Embedded Engineer, RTL Design Engineer, Design Verification Engineer, Software Developer (specifically Device Driver, Kernel, and Toolchain), or Documentation Engineer.

RISC-V Overview - 10%

• History of RISC-V: The Free and Open ISA
• RISC-V International
• RISC-V Documentation
• Contribute to RISC-V

RISC-V Instruction Set Architecture - 35%

• RV32I and RV64I
• Understand Instruction Formats: branching, accessing memory, and accessing data structures
• Understand the modularity of RISC-V as an ISA: core ratified (M, C, F, D, A) and other extensions
• Understand Privilege Modes, system calls, CSRs, exceptions, and interrupt handling
• Understand memory model, cache management, and virtual memory management

Assembly Language for RISC-V - 25%

• Understand RISC-V specific assembly language syntax and features, including CSR access
• Write and debug RISC-V assembly code
• Assess performance of assembly code
• Convert high-level code to assembly code

High Level Languages for RISC-V: C Programming - 15%

• Understand RISC-V tools including compilers, debuggers, simulators, performance tools, OSes, and SDKs
• Understand calling conventions (ABIs), the stack, and disassembly
• Understand inline assembly

RISC-V Operating Systems & Tools - 15%

• Fundamentals of Operating Systems including implementing basic OS functionality in RISC-V ASM
• Understanding basic use and functionality of firmware for RISC-V platforms
• Understanding microcontrollers versus application processors
• Running RISC-V Applications in a General Purpose OS

1. After purchase the exam voucher, please log into your portal LFOSSA website, your exam voucher will be available under "Exam & Learning Voucher" (password-protected).

2. You need an LFID to register for and take Linux Foundation (LF) certification exams. If you already have a Linux Foundation ID (LFID), you can redeem your exam voucher at https://trainingportal.linuxfoundation.org/redeem . If you do not have a LFID, click here (https://trainingportal.linuxfoundation.org/access/saml/login) to create one.

3. Log in to your LF Education portal,  enter your exam voucher code in the Enter Registration Code field and click Validate, then check the box: " I agree to The Linux Foundation Training Terms, Conditions & Policies and the Thought Industries Terms & Conditions." 

4. A confirmation message “Congrats, your code has been validated” will appear upon successful validation, confirming your voucher is valid. Click Register to complete the exam voucher registration.

5. Log in to LF Education global website with your LFID.   After the registration process, the certification exam will be available in the learner's portal within 24 hours, then the candidate will be available to take and schedule exam. 

Linux Foundation Global Certification & Confidentiality Agreement

Candidate Handbook

Important Instructions

Frequently Asked Questions

The Exam Voucher is non-refundable upon purchase.

Exam Voucher is redeemable within 90 days post-purchase; Exam eligibility will be valid for 1 year from your registration date. You now have 90 days + 365 days for exam preparation!