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Software Quality Certifications. CSQA and CSTE. By: Laura Widder, CSQA. Certification: What It Is. Formal recognition of skills by a professional organization Demonstrated level of proficiency in the QA industry or a discipline
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Software Quality Certifications CSQA and CSTE By: Laura Widder, CSQA
Certification: What It Is • Formal recognition of skills by a professional organization • Demonstrated level of proficiency in the QA industry or a discipline • Acknowledgement of having an overall comprehension of disciplines and skills in a body of knowledge
What It Isn’t • A license or degree • The last step in your career development
Why Become Certified? • An edge in a competitive job market • A way to advance your career and/or earning potential • A way to assure you continue to improve your skills
Types of Certifications Quality Assurance Institute (QAI) • Certified Software Testing Engineer (CSQE) • Focus on principles and practices of QC • Testing practices, processes, and techniques • Certified Software Quality Assurance (CSQA) • Focus on principles and practices of QA • Managing QA/QC Efforts • Process Management and Improvement
Other Certifications American Society of Quality (ASQ) • Six Sigma Black Belt A comprehensive understanding of Six Sigma and its methodologies. • Software Quality Engineer (CSQE) A comprehensive understanding of software quality development and implementation • Quality Manager Quality principles and standards in relation to organization and human resource management.
Prerequisites • Comprehension of the body of knowledge • Currently working in the field with a level of proficiency • A college or associate degree, and/or equivalent years of experience in the field • Apply for candidacy
Certification Candidacy • Complete an application • Submit a character reference • Schedule the examination
The Examination/Preparing • Four-part examination Multiple Choice, essay, and short answers • Study guides can be purchased from QAI • Prep courses available • Form study groups • Practice CSQA examination available for purchase
The Examination/Results • Results take up to 10 weeks • You can retake the exam two more times • You must wait six months between taking each exam • You must retake all of the exam
Maintaining Your Certification • Recertify every three years. • To recertify, you must: • Must have 120 continuing professional education (CPE) credits • Submit a recertification journal • Pay an administrative fee of $100
CPE Categories • Education Conferences, seminars, classes, other certs. • Publishing Books, articles, and columns • Teaching Presentations, night classes • Participation in profession Memberships, committees, proctoring exams
CPE Categories • Self-study Books, periodicals, videos, internet • Unique and innovative activities Job-related activities “over and above”
Keeping the Journal • Each CPE activity claimed must have a Recertification Activity form and accompanying documentation • Start it early and keep it updated • Keep a summary/log of activities and points earned • Figure out an organization
Submitting the Journal • Journals aren’t returned, so keep a copy • Submit in advance of expiration date (two to three months is a good rule) • Can submit materials to include in journal up to two months after expiration date • If the journal is rejected, you can resubmit it • There is an appeal process