CCAF Framework

The CCAF (Claude Certified Architect - Foundations) Framework validates a practitioner’s ability to design, implement, and operate production-grade AI systems using Claude, Claude Code, and the Model Context Protocol (MCP). It emphasizes practical, scenario-based knowledge for building robust, scalable, and reliable AI systems.

Core Domains

• Agentic Architecture & Orchestration: Designing agent loops, multi-agent patterns, and session management.
• Claude Code Configuration: Utilizing CLAUDE.md, .claude/ rule sets, and agent skills for terminal-native automation.
• Prompt Engineering & Structured Output: Using JSON schemas, few-shot prompting, and context pipelines.
• Tool Design & MCP Integration: Designing tools, handling errors in MCP, and leveraging transport types.
• Context Management & Reliability: Managing context windows, caching, compaction, and implementing robust retry/escalation strategies.

Connections

• agentic-loop
• tool-use
• mcp-primitives

Sources

• certified-claude-architect-masterclass-2026-section-1-agentic-architecture-foundation
• Research: Preporato - What is CCA-F? (SHA: bg_00ae5353)