CSQA Certification Process

Certified Software Quality Analyst

Agenda

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

Certified Software Quality Analyst

Copyright 2006. MSQAA Federation Chapter

CSQA Introduction Program

Certified Software Quality Analyst

Copyright 2006. MSQAA Federation Chapter

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.

Certified Software Quality Analyst

Copyright 2006. MSQAA Federation Chapter

CSQA Prerequisites

Certified Software Quality Analyst

Copyright 2006. MSQAA Federation Chapter

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.

Certified Software Quality Analyst

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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.

Certified Software Quality Analyst

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

Certified Software Quality Analyst

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Applying for CSQA certification

Certified Software Quality Analyst

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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

Certified Software Quality Analyst

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Applying for CSQA certification

A bachelors 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.

Certified Software Quality Analyst

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Applying for CSQA certification

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.

Certified Software Quality Analyst

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Applying for CSQA certification

Certified Software Quality Analyst

Copyright 2006. MSQAA Federation Chapter

Applying for CSQA certification

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.

Certified Software Quality Analyst

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Applying for CSQA certification

Certified Software Quality Analyst

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Self-Study program

Certified Software Quality Analyst

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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:

Certified Software Quality Analyst

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Self-Study program

Certified Software Quality Analyst

Copyright 2006. MSQAA Federation Chapter

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.

Certified Software Quality Analyst

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Self-Study program
CSQA Milestones CSQA Reading I Duration 102 days (3 months)

CSQA Reading II
CSQA Reading III CSQA Rehearsal

76 days (2.5 months)

54 days (1.5 months) 15 days

CSQA Beta Reading

CSQA Travel Phase

15 days
1 day

CSQA Big Bang Day

1 day

Certified Software Quality Analyst

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Self-Study program
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.

Certified Software Quality Analyst

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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)

Certified Software Quality Analyst

Copyright 2006. MSQAA Federation Chapter

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.

Certified Software Quality Analyst

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CSQA Exam

Certified Software Quality Analyst

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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.

Certified Software Quality Analyst

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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.

Certified Software Quality Analyst

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CSQA Exam
2000-2005 Requirement - If you didnt 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.

Certified Software Quality Analyst

Copyright 2006. MSQAA Federation Chapter

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.

Certified Software Quality Analyst

Copyright 2006. MSQAA Federation Chapter

Sample CSQA Examination

Certified Software Quality Analyst

Copyright 2006. MSQAA Federation Chapter

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?

Certified Software Quality Analyst

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Benefits of becoming a CSQA

Certified Software Quality Analyst

Copyright 2006. MSQAA Federation Chapter

Benefits of becoming CSQA

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

Certified Software Quality Analyst

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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.

Certified Software Quality Analyst

Copyright 2006. MSQAA Federation Chapter

Benefits of becoming CSQA

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.

Certified Software Quality Analyst

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Benefits of becoming CSQA

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

Certified Software Quality Analyst

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Benefits of becoming CSQA

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

Certified Software Quality Analyst

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Benefits of becoming CSQA

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.

Certified Software Quality Analyst

Copyright 2006. MSQAA Federation Chapter

Other Certifications

Certified Software Quality Analyst

Copyright 2006. MSQAA Federation Chapter

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.

Certified Software Quality Analyst

Copyright 2006. MSQAA Federation Chapter

Other Certifications
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.

Certified Software Quality Analyst

Copyright 2006. MSQAA Federation Chapter

Reference

Certified Software Quality Analyst

Copyright 2006. MSQAA Federation Chapter

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

Certified Software Quality Analyst

Copyright 2006. MSQAA Federation Chapter

Quote
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 Its up to

me.

Certified Software Quality Analyst

Copyright 2006. MSQAA Federation Chapter

Q&A
Any questions

Certified Software Quality Analyst

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Thank you

Certified Software Quality Analyst

Copyright 2006. MSQAA Federation Chapter