Certified Software Quality Analyst CSQA Certification Process

Certified Software Quality Analyst

CSQA Certification Process

Copyright 2006. MSQAA Federation Chapter


CSQA Introduction Program CSQA Prerequisites Applying for CSQA certification Self-Study program CSQA Exam Sample CSQA Examination Benefits of becoming a CSQA Other Certifications Reference Q&A

Agenda



CSQA Introduction Program



CSQA stands for Certified Software Quality Analyst provides a level of competence in the principles and practices of quality assurance in IT.

CSQA Introduction Program



CSQA Prerequisites



To become CSQA you must meet the following prerequisites:

−CSQA Body of Knowledge (Described in the next slide.)

−Working on the Quality Software Assurance and Quality Software Testing fields for at least 2 years.

−Significant testing and quality assurance vocabulary to master the basics on the CSQA Body of Knowledge.

CSQA Prerequisites



CSQA Body of Knowledge−Quality Principles and Concepts.−Quality Leadership.−Quality Baselines (Assessments and Models).−Quality Assurance.−Quality Planning.−Define, Build, Implement and Improve Work

Processes.−Quality Control Practices.−Metrics and Measurements.

CSQA Prerequisites



CSQA Body of Knowledge−Internal Control and Security.−Outsourcing, COTS and Contracting Quality.

CSQA Prerequisites



Applying for CSQA certification



1. Analyze your background in Quality Assurance:

−Familiarity with some topics of the CSQA Body of Knowledge.

−Worked at least in 2 - 3 different QA projects. −Estimate the time it would take to study the

CSQA guide and based on that, select the most appropriate date to do the exam.– CSQA Guide cost: $100– CSQA Guide can be ordered from

http://www.qaiworldwide.org




−A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college-level institution.

−An associate degree and two years of experience in the information services field.

−Six years of experience in the information field.




2. You must submit the following form, two months before the exam date:

−Certification Candidacy Application:– Personal Information– Payment $350– Exam Location– This form can be found at:

» www.softwarcertifications.org– The next slide displays a snapshot of the candidacy

application form.







3. Once the form has been submitted, you must wait for your Admission Ticket.

– The Admission Ticket usually takes 1-2 weeks. (The next slide displays a snapshot of the Admission Ticket)

– You will receive a CD of the Guide to the Common Body of Knowledge.

– You must be aware that the institute might ask you to bring your Bachelor Degree (BS) paper with you by the time you take the exam. This process is done randomly with some candidates only.

4. Once you have received your Admission Ticket, you need to do the logistics for the trip.

– Flight tickets.– Hotel reservation.







Self-Study program



Establish a Study Plan before hitting the books:

– Set your study objectives in measurable terms.

– Set Milestones.– Be consistent.– Stick to the plan.

Example of a Study Plan– Microsoft Project is a good tool to develop

the Study Plan:

Self-Study program



Self-Study program



A good approach is to divide the Study Plan in Milestones:

Reading I Reading II Reading III (Next slide illustrates a chart with milestones)

The recommended amount of time to prepare for CSQA is 8-12 months:

Studying 1.5 to 2 hrs every day.

Avoid cramming which it is not beneficial in the long term.

Self-Study program



Self-Study program

CSQA Milestones Duration

CSQA Reading I 102 days (3 months)

CSQA Reading II 76 days (2.5 months)

CSQA Reading III 54 days (1.5 months)

CSQA Rehearsal 15 days

CSQA Beta Reading 15 days

CSQA Travel Phase 1 day

CSQA Big Bang Day 1 day



CSQA Study Best Practices

Read the CSQA Study guide at least 2 times.

Underline the most important points on the CSQA guide.

Prepare a Questionnaire or summary of the most important points on the CSQA guide.

Self-Study program



Read Testing books Books of reference

−Effective Methods for Software Testing by William Perry.

−Managing the testing process, by Rex Black.−Step-by-step QFD by John Terninko.−Ken Blanchard books (“The One Minute

Manager”, “The Secret What great leaders know and do”, just to name a few)

Self-Study program



Read Testing Articles Reference websites:

−www.stickyminds.com−www.qaforums.com−www.qaiworldwide.org (Newsletter)

CSQA Yahoo Forums These forums provide very good tips for the

exam.

Self-Study program



CSQA Exam



Exam duration: 4.5 hours.

Once you are in the exam you are not allowed to leave the classroom.

Ten minute break between each part.

CSQA Exam



Structure of the exam: The exam is divided in 2 parts:

−Multiple choice: 100 multiple choice questions– 2 parts of 50 questions each.

−Essay and short answer: 15 essay questions.– 2 parts of 7-8 essay questions. – There is no right or wrong answer on this

section. – You will be evaluated according to your

knowledge.

CSQA Exam



2000-2005 Requirement - If you didn’t get 75 points in each section you failed all the test. No matter if you passed 3 sections with 100

points if you failed one section you failed all the exam.

2006 New change- Now you can pass the exam if your average score is 75 points.

If you fail the exam you need to wait 6 months to

try again.

CSQA Exam



Results are sent via regular postal service in approx 3 months.

The software certification website contains an index section named “Active CSTE Roster,” which is updated 2 times a month with all the names of the people who have passed the exam.

2006 New- Now the institute sends a report with your grades to your email address.

CSQA Exam



Sample CSQA Examination



Multiple Choice questions: What is a Process? What are the two quality gaps? What is the difference between Traditional

management and Quality management?

Essay questions: List a few differences between MBNQA and ISO

9000 Model? Define a Planning Process for your organization. What are the processes of Risk Management?

Sample CSQA Examination



Benefits of becoming a CSQA



Value Provided to the Profession Common Body of Knowledge (CBOK) Examination Process to Evaluate Competency Code of Ethics.

Benefits of becoming CSQA



Value Provided to the Individual Credibility in your IT profession. Recognition by Peers of Personal Desire to

improve. Increased confidence in Personal Capabilities. Knowledge to improve processes in your IT

organization.




Value Provided to the Individual Recognition by IT Management for Professional

Achievement (USA only)−13% receives an immediate bonus of $610−12% receives an immediate average increase of 10%

Non Monetary Recognition:−36% are recognized in staff meetings.−20% are recognized in newsletters or e-mails and by

receiving rewards, management visits or calls, and lunch with the boss.

−29% are promoted to better assignments.




Value Provided to the Employer Increased Confidence by IT Users and Customers Improved Processes to Build/Acquire/Maintain,

Operate and Measure Software. Independent Assessment of Competencies Competencies Maintained Through

Recertification




Value Provided to Co-Workers Mentoring the Staff Testing Resource to “IT” Staff Role Model for Quality Assurance Practitioners




How to Improve Quality Assurance Effectiveness Through Certification A “driver” for improved IT effectiveness is the

integration of the certification program in your “IT” career development plan. This can be accomplished by:

− Creating an awareness of the certification program and its benefits to your practitioners.

− Requiring or encouraging your practitioners to become certified.− Recognizing and rewarding successful candidates.− Supporting recertification as a means of maintaining competency.




Other Certifications



Certified Software TEster (CSTE), provides a level of competence in the principles and practices of quality control in IT.

•Certified Software Project Manager (CSPM), provides a level of competence to effectively design, manage, test and monitor the status of software projects.




Advance Level of Certification Certified Manager of Software Testing (CMST)

indicates a level of professional competence in both the principles and practices of software testing and the skills and capabilities necessary to manage the software test function.

Certified Manager of Software Quality (CMSQ) indicates a level of professional competence in both the principles and practices of software quality assurance and the skills and capabilities necessary to manage the quality assurance function.




Reference



For more information on certification process and schedule dates visit: http://www.softwarecertifications.org

For more information on the Quality Assurance Institute (QAI) and preparation guides: http://www.qaiworldwide.org

Reference



Perhaps the most important thing you can do to improve yourself professionally and personally is to develop a lifetime learning habit.

REMEMBER: If it is going to be – It’s up to me.

Quote



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Q&A



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Certified Software Quality Analyst CSQA Certification Process