1. Certification of Software Testers Benefits & Risks David Gelperin Software Quality Engineering

2. Tester Benefits  Improves the image of test  Increases professionalism, credibility, and respect  Improves communication and coordination with others  Facilitates relevant training, professional growth, achievement, recognition, and higher pay

3. Employer Benefits  Clarifies definitions of activities, capabilities and responsibilities  Improves job and career path descriptions as well as hiring / promotion criteria  Clarifies required knowledge and training needs  Enables improvement in academic offerings and research

4. More Employer Benefits  Provides evidence of interest, knowledge, and accomplishments  Attracts skilled testers  Promotes more cost-effective practice

5. Consumer Benefits More reliable products from more effective testing

6. Potential Risks  Exclusion of effective knowledge, skills, and practices because of either (1) an overly rigid initial formulation or (2) failure to update in a timely manner as changing technology requires changing practices  Inclusion of narrowly applicable or unproven knowledge, skills, and practices

7. More Risks  Misinterpretation of significance -- i.e., over valuing (zero defects and legal liability) or under valuing (good exam takers)  No mobility mechanism (e.g. mentoring) in a multi-level scheme  Limited acceptance -- Very few testers become certified

8. Even More Risks  Significant time & effort ($$$) to: develop & maintain processdevelop & maintain process acquire & maintain certificationacquire & maintain certification  Could lead to licensing  No guarantee of effectiveness

9. What Do You Think ??? Other risks?risks? benefits?benefits? thoughts?thoughts?