RISC-V Foundational Associate (RVFA)
The RVFA exam certifies that an individual has the essential, entry-level expertise in RISC-V hardware and software. Candidates preparing for the RVFA certification should already be familiar with tools and concepts like Git, high-level programming languages (such as C), debuggers (e.g., GDB), and system architecture. Prospective RVFA candidates typically possess programming or design experience and may have academic backgrounds in computer science, software engineering, computer engineering, or electrical engineering.
Target Audience
The RVFA certification is designed for individuals seeking entry-level roles in RISC-V or transitioning from a different architecture. It serves as a solid foundation for careers in positions such as Embedded Engineer, RTL Design Engineer, Design Verification Engineer, Software Developer (focused on Device Drivers, Kernel, and Toolchain), or Documentation Engineer.
Knowledge Validation
An RVFA-certified professional showcases a solid understanding of the RISC-V Instruction Set Architecture (ISA), encompassing fundamental concepts, architecture, and terminology. Additionally, they have expertise in Embedded Hardware Design, with applications spanning IoT, industrial, medical, and automotive fields. Those earning the certificate should prove their ability to write, debug, optimize, and compile code in RISC-V Assembly Language. They must be proficient in using toolchains like GCC and LLVM and have a clear grasp of RISC-V calling conventions.
Exam Details
The RISC-V Foundational Associate (RVFA) exam is designed for beginners and is delivered online as a proctored, multiple-choice test. It consists of 60 questions, all presented in English, which candidates must complete within 90 minutes. A minimum score of 75% is required to pass. The exam is remotely monitored via streaming audio, video, and screen-sharing feeds to ensure integrity. Certification remains valid for two years, and candidates receive their results via email within 24 hours of completing the exam.
Course Outline
The following are the RISC-V Foundational Associate (RVFA) exam topics to have a better preparation:
1. RISC-V Overview 10%
- History of RISC-V: The Free and Open ISA
- RISC-V International
- RISC-V Documentation
- Contribute to RISC-V
2. 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
3. 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
4. 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
5. 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
RISC-V Foundational Associate (RVFA) Exam FAQs
Exam Basic Requirements
Candidates are required to run the PSI Online Proctoring System Check to confirm that their device meets the technical specifications for taking a proctored exam. The exam is conducted on PSI’s “Bridge” proctoring platform, using the PSI Secure Browser—a custom browser designed to ensure secure exam delivery over a virtual connection.
Candidates must provide their own computer with the following requirements:
- Supported Operating System: Refer to the System Requirements published by PSI for details on supported OS versions.
- Browser: While all browsers are compatible, PSI strongly recommends using the latest version of Google Chrome for optimal scheduling and a seamless exam experience, as the secure browser is Chrome-based.
- Monitor: Only one active monitor (built-in or external) is supported; dual monitors are not allowed.
- Internet Connection: A stable and reliable internet connection is essential. A wired connection is preferred for greater stability. Minimize other bandwidth-intensive activities on the same network, such as video streaming, gaming, or file syncing (e.g., Dropbox, BitTorrent).
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RISC-V Foundational Associate (RVFA) Exam Study Guide
1. Understand the Linux Foundation Candidate Handbook
The Linux Foundation, established in 2007, is a non-profit organization committed to advancing the Linux ecosystem. It supports the work of Linux creator Linus Torvalds and is backed by leading companies and developers in the Linux and open-source community worldwide. Collaborating closely with open-source project communities, the foundation provides globally recognized, practical certifications for technology professionals. By hosting and supporting these projects, it offers vital resources and staffing to ensure the growth and sustainability of development communities. This unique position places The Linux Foundation at the forefront of open-source innovation.
2. Understand the Concepts Deeply
To truly master the RISC-V architecture, it’s essential to delve beyond surface-level knowledge. Focus on understanding the underlying principles and how different components interact. Instead of rote memorization, strive to grasp the “why” behind each concept. By doing so, you’ll be better equipped to solve complex problems and apply your knowledge to real-world scenarios.
3. Use Simulation Tools Effectively
Simulation tools are invaluable assets in your RISC-V learning journey. By actively using these tools, you can visualize the execution of your code, step through instructions, and debug issues in real-time. Experiment with different code snippets, explore various architectural configurations, and gain hands-on experience. This practical approach will solidify your understanding and provide a solid foundation for future projects.
4. Understand RISC-V Assembly Language Programming
Mastering RISC-V assembly language programming is crucial for a deep understanding of the architecture. By writing assembly code, you’ll gain insights into instruction encoding, memory access patterns, and the intricate details of processor execution. Start with simple programs and gradually progress to more complex ones, focusing on efficient code optimization and debugging techniques. This hands-on experience will empower you to effectively utilize the RISC-V platform for various applications.
5. Learn About RISC-V Ecosystem and Future Trends
The RISC-V ecosystem is rapidly expanding, with a vibrant community of developers, researchers, and industry leaders driving innovation. This open-source architecture is gaining significant traction in various domains, from embedded systems to high-performance computing. As the RISC-V community continues to evolve, we can expect exciting advancements in areas like AI acceleration, security, and low-power design. By staying updated with the latest trends and actively participating in the ecosystem, you can position yourself at the forefront of this technological revolution.
6. Use Official Learning Paths
If you’re aiming to become a RISC-V Foundational Associate (RVFA), consider following the curriculum path. By combining your prior education and experience with these courses, along with additional research, study, and practice, you can build the skills and knowledge assessed in the RVFA certification exam. This approach can help you achieve certification within 3 to 6 months.
– Introduction to RISC-V (LFD110)
This course is for RISC-V enthusiasts, hardware and software developers, and tech hobbyists eager to explore how an open-source ISA is revolutionizing the microprocessor landscape and unlocking new opportunities. It offers a comprehensive introduction to RISC-V as a technology, a global organization, and a thriving community of developers and implementers. Participants will gain hands-on experience by using a simulator to run simple assembly language applications and more. The course equips learners with the foundational knowledge needed to actively participate in the RISC-V community, contribute to ISA specifications, or develop diverse RISC-V hardware and software projects.
– RISC-V Fundamentals (LFD210)
This course is designed for computer engineers and programmers seeking to gain the expertise required to work with RISC-V processors and software, providing a valuable advantage in the competitive tech job market. It’s an essential resource for those aiming to advance their careers in the industry. The course covers writing assembly language code for RISC-V processors and using high-level languages like C to develop applications for RISC-V-based systems. You’ll also explore RISC-V operating systems and tools for developing and debugging RISC-V software.
By completing this course, you’ll be equipped to actively participate in the RISC-V community and master the RISC-V ISA, positioning yourself for success in this rapidly expanding field. Combined with practical experience and further study, this course prepares you for the Linux Foundation’s RISC-V Foundational Associate (RVFA) exam, ensuring you have the skills and knowledge to excel.
7. Join Online Communities and Forums
Engaging with the vibrant RISC-V community can significantly enhance your learning experience. By joining online forums, discussion groups, and social media platforms, you can connect with fellow learners, experienced professionals, and experts. Share your knowledge, ask questions, and participate in discussions. Collaborating with others will broaden your perspective, help you troubleshoot issues, and stay informed about the latest developments in the RISC-V ecosystem.
8. Take Practice Exams
To assess your knowledge and identify areas for improvement, practice exams are indispensable. These exams simulate the real-world testing environment and help you gauge your readiness. By taking multiple practice exams, you’ll become familiar with the exam format, time constraints, and the types of questions asked. This will boost your confidence and optimize your performance on the actual RVFA exam.
