CSTE Certification Process

Certified Software Tester V2.0

CSTE Certification Process

Copyright 2006 - 2008. MSQAA Federation Chapter

Certified Software Tester

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

Agenda



CSTE Introduction Program



• CSTE stands for Certified Software TEster which provides a professional level on the principles and practices of quality control in the IT profession.

CSTE Introduction Program



CSTE Prerequisites



To become a CSTE you must meet the following prerequisites:

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

−Working in the software testing field for at least 2 years.

−Significant testing vocabulary to master the basics on the CSTE Body of Knowledge.

CSTE Prerequisites



CSTE Body of Knowledge−Test Principles and Concepts.−The Tester’s Role in Software Development

and Acquisition.−Test Management.−Build the Test Environment.−Risk Analysis.−Test Planning Process.−Test Design.

CSTE Prerequisites



−Performing Tests.−Defect Tracking and Correction.−Acceptance Testing.−Status of Testing.−Test Reporting.

NEW Knowledge Domains as of 2006−Testing software Developed by outside

organizations.−Testing Software Controls.−Testing New Technologies.

CSTE Prerequisites



Applying for CSTE Certification



1. Analyze your background in testing:−Familiarity with some topics of the CSTE Body

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

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

http://www.qaiworldwide.org




2. The process to submit the application form to do the exam has been changed as of 2008.

3. As of 2008 a Certification Candidacy Application must be submitted through the new Customer Portal in Software Certifications Website at:

http://www.softwarecertifications.org/portal/default.asp




4. Once you have submitted your application through the Customer Portal, you must read the instructions provided in the website to Schedule your Exam.

−The cost of the exam is $350





5. As of 2008 exams are being offered through a Prometric Testing Center (online exam), more information at: http://www.softwarecertifications.org/index.htm

6. In Mexico, these Prometric Testing Centers are located in Mexico DF, Monterrey and Guadalajara.



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 (Next Slide illustrates a chart with

milestones)

The recommended amount of time to prepare for CSTE 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

CSTE Milestones Duration

CSTE Reading I 99 days (3 months)

CSTE Reading II 76 days (2.5 months)

CSTE Reading III 54 days (1.5 months)

CSTE Rehearsal 15 days

CSTE Beta Reading 15 days

CSTE Travel Phase 1 day

CSTE Big Bang Day 1 day



CSTE Study Best Practices

Read the CSTE Study guide at least 2 times.

Underline the most important points on the CSTE guide.

Prepare a Questionnaire of the most important points on the CSTE guide.

Self-Study Program



Read Testing books Books of reference

−Testing Computer Software, by Cem Kaner.−Testing Applications on the Web, 2e, by Hung

Q.−Effective Methods for Software Testing by

William Perry.−Managing the testing process, by Rex Black.

Self-Study Program



Read Testing Articles Reference website:

−http://www.stickyminds.com−http://www.softwareqatest.com/−http://certification.about.com/

CSTE Yahoo Forums These forums provide very good tips for the

exam.

Self-Study Program



CSTE 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.

CSTE 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.

CSTE Exam



As of 2004 - The minimum grade to pass the exam was 75 points in each section .

As of 2005 - 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.

If you failed the exam you had to wait 6 months to try again.

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

CSTE 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.

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

CSTE Exam



Sample CSTE Examination



Multiple Choice questions: What is QA? What is QC? What is Validation?

Essay questions: Define 4 functional testing techniques. Define the process to conduct an effective

constructive criticism.

Sample CSTE Examination



Benefits of Becoming CSTE



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




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%−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 Quality Analyst (CSQA), provides a level of competence in the principles and practices of quality assurance 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



For more direction on how to prepare for Certifications visit Monterrey QAI Federation Chapter at: http://www.msqaa.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



Any questions…

Q&A



Thank you…

CSTE Certification Process

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