Transcript Certifications in QA

Software Quality Certifications
CSQA and CSTE
By: Laura Widder, CSQA
Certification: What It Is
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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
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A license or degree
The last step in your career development
Why Become Certified?
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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)
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Certified Software Testing Engineer (CSQE)
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Focus on principles and practices of QC
Testing practices, processes, and techniques
Certified Software Quality Assurance (CSQA)
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Focus on principles and practices of QA
Managing QA/QC Efforts
Process Management and Improvement
Other Certifications
American Society of Quality (ASQ)
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Six Sigma Black Belt
A comprehensive understanding of Six Sigma and its
methodologies.
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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
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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
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Complete an application
Submit a character reference
Schedule the examination
The Examination/Preparing
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Four-part examination
Multiple Choice, essay, and short answers
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Study guides can be purchased from QAI
Prep courses available
Form study groups
Practice CSQA examination available for
purchase
The Examination/Results
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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
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Recertify every three years.
To recertify, you must:
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Must have 120 continuing professional education
(CPE) credits
Submit a recertification journal
Pay an administrative fee of $100
CPE Categories
A.
Education
Conferences, seminars, classes, other certs.
B.
Publishing
Books, articles, and columns
C.
Teaching
Presentations, night classes
D.
Participation in profession
Memberships, committees, proctoring exams
CPE Categories
E.
Self-study
Books, periodicals, videos, internet
F.
Unique and innovative activities
Job-related activities “over and above”
Keeping the Journal
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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
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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
Panel Discussion