RISC-V Foundational Associate (RVFA) Practice Exam

RISC-V Foundational Associate (RVFA) Practice Exam

The RISC-V Foundational Associate (RVFA) certification is an entry-level certification that introduces learners to the RISC-V architecture—an open-standard instruction set used in processors around the world. Unlike proprietary processor architectures, RISC-V is open source, meaning it can be freely used and adapted, which makes it increasingly popular in industries ranging from consumer electronics to advanced computing. RVFA certification helps individuals understand the basics of RISC-V design, operation, and its role in modern computing systems.

This certification is designed for beginners and professionals who want to build their careers in computer architecture, embedded systems, or hardware design. It provides foundational knowledge about how processors work, instruction sets, and the importance of open standards in technology. With the rising adoption of RISC-V across industries, RVFA serves as a strong starting point for those aiming to take advanced specializations in hardware engineering, chip design, or software optimization.

Who should take the Exam?

This exam is ideal for:

• Students in Computer Science or Electronics
• Junior Hardware/Embedded Engineers
• Software Developers working on low-level systems
• Technical Support Specialists in hardware companies
• Research Assistants in computer architecture
• IoT and robotics enthusiasts

Skills Required

• Basic understanding of computers and programming
• Interest in hardware and processor technologies
• Logical and analytical thinking
• Curiosity about embedded systems and chip design
• Problem-solving skills

Knowledge Gained

• Fundamentals of RISC-V architecture
• Basics of instruction sets and processor design
• Understanding hardware-software interaction
• Concepts of embedded systems and computing efficiency
• Awareness of open-source hardware movement

Course Outline

The RISC-V Foundational Associate (RVFA) Exam covers the following topics - 

• Domain 1 - RISC‑V Overview (10%)
• History of RISC‑V: The Free and Open ISA
• RISC‑V International
• RISC‑V Documentation
• Contribute to RISC‑V 

Domain 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 

Domain 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

Domain 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

Domain 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