What is certification?
A process by which an authorized body, either a governmental or non-governmental organization, evaluates and recognizes either an individual or an organization as meeting pre-determined requirements or criteria.
Why do we need certification?
Certification demonstrates to your customers, competitors, suppliers, staff and investors that you use industry-respected best practices.
International Software Testing Qualifications Board (ISTQB):
Indian Testing Board (ITB) is the International Software Testing Qualifications Board (ISTQB) approved national board for India India
The ISTQB was officially founded as an International Testing Qualifications Board in Edinburgh
Anyone interested in taking up this examination can see the details about the same on this website (Indian Testing Board : http://istqb.in/).
Advantage of ISTQB Certificate
What is the advantage of ISTQB certification?
• Truly international nature of the certification: This certificate is recognized in multiple countries in multiple continents. Hardly any other certification has adoption in as many countries as this one. Please see http://www.istqb.org/members.htm
• The people behind this exam: Test experts from various countries are constantly working towards defining and refining the syllabus, the exam pattern, the examination questions and various other things. Rex Black, Randy Rice, Erik Van Veenendaal and many others from the academia as well as industry are involved in this effort.
• The multi-tier nature of the certification: This certification distinguishes between knowledge based exam (foundation level) and skill based (advanced level).
• Non-profit nature of ISTQB: Non-profit nature of ISTQB ensures that nobody has a vested interest in promoting a particular Body of Knowledge (BOK) or a particular book. All material developed by ISTQB is developed on a voluntary basis and is made available for free by ISTQB.
Study Material
• ISTQB Glossary of Testing Terms
• Syllabi
• Sample question papers
• Training Material
Currently there are two levels of examinations:
Foundation Level Syllabus version 2007:
Basics of Software testing
Life Cycle Testing
Dynamic Test
Static Test
Test Management
Testing Tools
Advanced Level:
Advanced Level Syllabus. The syllabus covers:-
Basic Aspects of Software Testing
Testing Processes
Test Management
Test Techniques
Testing of Software Characteristics
Reviews
Incident Management
Standards & Test Improvement Process
Test Tools & Automation
People Skills - Team Composition
Pattern of Advance Level
Time Duration: 180 Min. for each sub-level
Total No. of Question: 65 for each sub-level
Total Marks: 100 Marks (1 Mark, 2 marks & 3 mark questions)(Distribution not pre-specified)
Passing Criteria: 65%
The Advance Level is aimed at experienced test professionals. This level shows that the person has detailed knowledge regarding testing and skills to apply this knowledge in practice. The requirements for this level are available through the detailed syllabus.
The prerequisites for applying for the exam are as follows:
For Bachelor’s Degree (or higher) Holders in Computer Science or related fields
Foundation Level Clearance
24 Months of Testing Experience in IT, Testing,
Development, QA, Engineering or related fields (For any 2 sub-levels)
Min. 36 Months of experience mandatory for Adv. Complete Certification(For all 3 sub-levels)
For Non Bachelor ’s Degree (or higher) Holders in Computer Science or related fields
Foundation Level Clearance
60 Months of Testing Experience in IT, Testing,
Development, QA, Engineering or related fields
The exam has three sublevels:
Technical Test Analyst
Test Analyst
Test Manager
A single syllabus exists for all the three sublevels. There is an separate paper for each sub-level and each Paper is of 180 Minutes Duration. Sub-Levels can be taken up in any order. An individual Certificate is granted on successful completion of each sub-level.
Documents to be submitted at the time of registration
Photograph
Foundation Level Certificate Copy
Education Degree Copy
Experience proof
Certified Software Tester(CST):
The Certified Software Tester (CSTE) certification is intended to establish standards for initial qualification and provide direction for the testing function through an aggressive educational program. Acquiring the designation of Certified Software Tester (CSTE) indicates a professional level of competence in the principles and practices of quality control in the IT profession. CSTEs become members of a recognized professional group and receive recognition of their competence by business and professional associates, potentially more rapid career advancement, and greater acceptance in the role as advisor to management
Prerequisites
• To qualify for candidacy, each applicant must meet one of four prerequisites:
• A 4 year degree from an accredited college-level institution and 2 years experience in the Information Technology field
• A 3 year degree from an accredited college-level institution and 3 years experience in the Information Technology field
• A 2 year degree from an accredited college-level institution and 4 years experience in the Information Technology field
• Six years experience in the Information Technology field AND
• Have worked in the information services field within the prior 18 months
Filing the Initial Application
• The initial application fee is as follows:
• $350.00 (includes PDF version of CBOK), or
• $420.00 (includes PDF version of CBOK, plus hard copy and CD)
• All fee paid in USD (see Payment Policy) Fees in this program are non refundable and nontransferable
Candidates for certification who rely only on limited experience or too few/specific study materials typically do not successfully obtain certification. Do not apply unless you feel confident that your work activities and past experience have prepared you for the examination
Examination :
Exams are now being offered either through a Prometric Testing Center Prometric Testing Center
Prometric Testing Center
Prometric Testing Center
Examination Results
Examination results will be available on the Software Certification's Customer Portal when the grading is complete, so there is no need to contact Software Certifications regarding the results status as you will receive notification via email when results are posted.
Although your online results are available, you will not receive your certificate for those passing for possibly another 3 to 6 weeks
A certificate will be sent via the United States Postal Service so it is critical that candidates keep their Portal records up to date. Many candidates change their residence or job situations during their certification candidacy. If any such changes occur, it is the candidate's responsibility to change their My Profile information in the Software Certification's Portal
Prometric Examinations
If you took your examination at a Prometric testing center, you will typically receive your results in 8 weeks:
If you took your examination at a Prometric testing center, you will typically receive your results in 8 weeks:
• 4 weeks of grading by multiple reviewers,
• 2 weeks for data processing.
• 2 weeks of statistical analysis and establishment of cut-scores
Sponsored Site Examinations
If you took your examination at a Sponsored testing center, you will typically receive your results in 10 weeks:
If you took your examination at a Sponsored testing center, you will typically receive your results in 10 weeks:
• 2 weeks for collection at the administration center from examination sites around the world,
• 4 weeks of grading by multiple reviewers,
• 2 weeks for data processing.
• 2 weeks of statistical analysis and establishment of cut-scores
Certified Software Quality Analyst (CSQA):
Certified Software Quality Analyst (CSQA) is a widely recognized certification in the software industry now. As a CSQA certified professional, the QA executives will be able to put the QA principles into practice in the right manner at the right time and hence will be able to play a huge role in building the organizations
Skill Categories/Knowledge Domains:
• Quality Principles
• Software Development, Acquisition, and Operation Processes
• Quality Models and Quality Assessment
• Quality Management/Leadership
• Quality Assurance
• Quality Control Practices
• Define, Build, Implement, and Improve Work Processes
• Quantitative Methods
Benefits
For the Individual
• The certification proves helpful in initiating new projects & software process improvement
• It helps in evaluating deployment options, including ROI, with a holistic perspective
• Helps in understanding the communication skills required for an interface with the management
• CSQAs contribute towards 'QA', 'QC' function, 'SEPGSM Group', and metrics based process management
For the Organization
• Enables management to distinguish CSQAs as professionals who can act as change agents for new or existing initiatives.
• Helps in weeding out inefficiencies in the system to minimize cost and increase ROI.
• Helps in identifying a competent workforce with the ability to drive quantified process improvement initiatives, using approaches like CMMI®, Six Sigma.
• The CSQA examination is designed to identify an individual's capability to assist the management in improving the quality of information systems, evaluate his/her ability to apply quality assurance knowledge to practice, and provide a foundation for granting professional recognition
In the increasingly competitive scenario of the IT industry, Quality is the only sustainable advantage for an organization or industry sector. Organizations looking for robust processes or performance management of processes (performance scorecard), require CSQAs who are crucial for the success of this journey.
In the increasingly competitive scenario of the IT industry, Quality is the only sustainable advantage for an organization or industry sector. Organizations looking for robust processes or performance management of processes (performance scorecard), require CSQAs who are crucial for the success of this journey.
No comments:
Post a Comment