1. Certified Software Quality Analyst CSQA Certification Process

2. Copyright 2006. MSQAA Federation Chapter Certified Software Quality Analyst  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

3. Copyright 2006. MSQAA Federation Chapter Certified Software Quality Analyst CSQA Introduction Program

4. Copyright 2006. MSQAA Federation Chapter Certified Software Quality Analyst  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

5. Copyright 2006. MSQAA Federation Chapter Certified Software Quality Analyst CSQA Prerequisites

6. Copyright 2006. MSQAA Federation Chapter Certified Software Quality Analyst  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

7. Copyright 2006. MSQAA Federation Chapter Certified Software Quality Analyst  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

8. Copyright 2006. MSQAA Federation Chapter Certified Software Quality Analyst  CSQA Body of Knowledge − Internal Control and Security. − Outsourcing, COTS and Contracting Quality. CSQA Prerequisites

9. Copyright 2006. MSQAA Federation Chapter Certified Software Quality Analyst Applying for CSQA certification

10. Copyright 2006. MSQAA Federation Chapter Certified Software Quality Analyst 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 Applying for CSQA certification

11. Copyright 2006. MSQAA Federation Chapter Certified Software Quality Analyst − 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. Applying for CSQA certification

12. Copyright 2006. MSQAA Federation Chapter Certified Software Quality Analyst 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.orgwww.softwarcertifications.org –The next slide displays a snapshot of the candidacy application form. Applying for CSQA certification

13. Copyright 2006. MSQAA Federation Chapter Certified Software Quality Analyst Applying for CSQA certification

14. Copyright 2006. MSQAA Federation Chapter Certified Software Quality Analyst 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. Applying for CSQA certification

15. Copyright 2006. MSQAA Federation Chapter Certified Software Quality Analyst Applying for CSQA certification

16. Copyright 2006. MSQAA Federation Chapter Certified Software Quality Analyst Self-Study program

17. Copyright 2006. MSQAA Federation Chapter Certified Software Quality Analyst  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

18. Copyright 2006. MSQAA Federation Chapter Certified Software Quality Analyst Self-Study program

19. Copyright 2006. MSQAA Federation Chapter Certified Software Quality Analyst  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

20. Copyright 2006. MSQAA Federation Chapter Certified Software Quality Analyst Self-Study program CSQA MilestonesDuration CSQA Reading I102 days (3 months) CSQA Reading II76 days (2.5 months) CSQA Reading III54 days (1.5 months) CSQA Rehearsal15 days CSQA Beta Reading15 days CSQA Travel Phase1 day CSQA Big Bang Day1 day

21. Copyright 2006. MSQAA Federation Chapter Certified Software Quality Analyst  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

22. Copyright 2006. MSQAA Federation Chapter Certified Software Quality Analyst  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

23. Copyright 2006. MSQAA Federation Chapter Certified Software Quality Analyst  Read Testing Articles  Reference websites: − www.stickyminds.com www.stickyminds.com − www.qaforums.com www.qaforums.com − www.qaiworldwide.org (Newsletter) www.qaiworldwide.org  CSQA Yahoo Forums  These forums provide very good tips for the exam. Self-Study program

24. Copyright 2006. MSQAA Federation Chapter Certified Software Quality Analyst CSQA Exam

25. Copyright 2006. MSQAA Federation Chapter Certified Software Quality Analyst  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

26. Copyright 2006. MSQAA Federation Chapter Certified Software Quality Analyst  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

27. Copyright 2006. MSQAA Federation Chapter Certified Software Quality Analyst  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

28. Copyright 2006. MSQAA Federation Chapter Certified Software Quality Analyst  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

29. Copyright 2006. MSQAA Federation Chapter Certified Software Quality Analyst Sample CSQA Examination

30. Copyright 2006. MSQAA Federation Chapter Certified Software Quality Analyst  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

31. Copyright 2006. MSQAA Federation Chapter Certified Software Quality Analyst Benefits of becoming a CSQA

32. Copyright 2006. MSQAA Federation Chapter Certified Software Quality Analyst  Value Provided to the Profession  Common Body of Knowledge (CBOK)  Examination Process to Evaluate Competency  Code of Ethics. Benefits of becoming CSQA

33. Copyright 2006. MSQAA Federation Chapter Certified Software Quality Analyst  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. Benefits of becoming CSQA

34. Copyright 2006. MSQAA Federation Chapter Certified Software Quality Analyst  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. Benefits of becoming CSQA

35. Copyright 2006. MSQAA Federation Chapter Certified Software Quality Analyst  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 Benefits of becoming CSQA

36. Copyright 2006. MSQAA Federation Chapter Certified Software Quality Analyst  Value Provided to Co-Workers  Mentoring the Staff  Testing Resource to “IT” Staff  Role Model for Quality Assurance Practitioners Benefits of becoming CSQA

37. Copyright 2006. MSQAA Federation Chapter Certified Software Quality Analyst  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. Benefits of becoming CSQA

38. Copyright 2006. MSQAA Federation Chapter Certified Software Quality Analyst Other Certifications

39. Copyright 2006. MSQAA Federation Chapter Certified Software Quality Analyst  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. Other Certifications

40. Copyright 2006. MSQAA Federation Chapter Certified Software Quality Analyst 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. Other Certifications

41. Copyright 2006. MSQAA Federation Chapter Certified Software Quality Analyst Reference

42. Copyright 2006. MSQAA Federation Chapter Certified Software Quality Analyst  For more information on certification process and schedule dates visit:  http://www.softwarecertifications.org http://www.softwarecertifications.org  For more information on the Quality Assurance Institute (QAI) and preparation guides:  http://www.qaiworldwide.org http://www.qaiworldwide.org Reference

43. Copyright 2006. MSQAA Federation Chapter Certified Software Quality Analyst  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

44. Copyright 2006. MSQAA Federation Chapter Certified Software Quality Analyst  Any questions… Q&A

45. Copyright 2006. MSQAA Federation Chapter Certified Software Quality Analyst Thank you…