Agentic AI Reference Architecture

Cognition · Software component

Progress Validator

Software componentCognitionCognition & Memoryarc:ProgressValidator

A cognition component that checks each iteration's tool results against success criteria to decide whether the workflow advanced or strategy must change.

Responsibility. Judges whether each iteration made progress toward the goal.

Also known as: Progress check, Success validation gate

is invoked byevaluatesis invoked byis invoked byAgent Controller: is invoked byAgent ControllerTool Executor: evaluatesTool ExecutorSequential Tool Dispatcher: is invoked bySequential Tool DispatcherPrompt Chain Orchestrator: is invoked byPrompt Chain Orchestrator
Direct neighbourhood (hover for relationship types)

Relationships

is invoked by dependency

evaluates assurance

Design guidance

Classification

Patterns
Progress validation
Quality attributes
Reliability (ISO/IEC 25010 | NIST AI RMF: valid and reliable)
Risks mitigated
Deterministic retry loops on failing tools

Sources

  1. Ch1.6: T. Nguyen, "Stateful Orchestration - Pitfalls, Integration, and Synthesis," in Mastering Agentic AI Systems: Guide for the NVIDIA NCP-AAI Exam, 1st ed. 2026, ch. 1.6. ISBN: 9798244538229.
  2. Ch2.6: T. Nguyen, "Tool Integration and Function Calling," in Mastering Agentic AI Systems: Guide for the NVIDIA NCP-AAI Exam, 1st ed. 2026, ch. 2.6. ISBN: 9798244538229.