Friday, May 29, 2009

Software Testing Certification

Quality Assurance (QA) is a thriving area in Information Technology which is unfortunately, not known to many. QA provides a means of monitoring the software engineering processes and methods used to ensure quality.

QA includes the developer’s effort to test his own code, as well as the IT professionals who are involved in testing tools. Many organizations and vendors have acknowledged testing as an integral part of development and maintenance process. Below are some certifications in this domain, developed to standardize and validate knowledge of QA process and testing tools.

Certified Associate in Software Testing (CAST)
As the IT industry becomes more competitive, the ability for management to distinguish professional and skilled individuals in the field becomes pertinent. CAST Certification verifies basic-level knowledge of quality testing principles and practices. Certified Associate in Software Testing (CAST) signifies a professional level of expertise in the principles and practices of software testing in the IT profession

Prerequisites for CAST
To earn CAST, applicants must satisfy one of the three prerequisites:
1.Three year degree or 4 year degree from an accredited college-level institution
2.Two year degree from an accredited college-level institution and One year experience in the IT Field.
3.Three years experience in the information services field.

The applicant is required to provide detailed education or employment documentation, with selected prerequisite option on the application. If chosen for verification, applicant must provide all the documents for the program.

Certified Software Test Engineer (CSTE)
The Certified Software Test Engineer (CSTE) Program is intended to confirm standards for initial qualification and provide direction for the testing function through an educational program. Certified Software Tester (CSTE) indicates a professional level of proficiency in the principles and practices of quality control in the IT profession. CSTE’s become members of recognized professional groups and receive recognition by other professional associates. It provides rapid career advancement.

Prerequisites for CSTE
To earn CSTE applicant must satisfy one of the four prerequisites:
1.Four year degree from recognized university and 2 years of work experience in IT field.
2.Three year degree from recognized university and 3 years of work experience in IT field.
3.Two year degree from recognized university and 4 years of work experience in IT Field.
4.Six years experience in IT Field.

It is required to provide detailed education or employment documentation, with selected prerequisite option on the application. If chosen for verification, applicant must provide all the documents for the program.

Certified Manager of Software Testing (CMST)
The Certified Manager of Software Testing (CMST) certification confirm a worldwide standard for the assessment of the potential and competencies of software testing professionals that are working at, or will work at, the software testing management level. Certified Manager of Software Testing (CMST) indicates a level of professional proficiency in both the principles and practices of software testing, signifying the skills and capabilities necessary to manage the software test function. CMST certification provides the IT professional with an intention for assessment of their management skills.

Prerequisites for CMST
Each applicant must have:
1.CSTE Certified
2.Must be working in Software Testing
3.Have the experience (described under the Real World Experience section) to demonstrate mastery of the skills identified in the current Software Testing
4.Be prepared to submit documentation that supports your real-world experience in the software testing field under the Real World situation
5. Prepared to take the required manager’s level examination

To earn CMST applicant must satisfy one of the four prerequisites:
a. A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college-level institution and minimum of four years of experience in the software testing field, or
b. An associate degree and a minimum of six years of experience in the software testing field, or
c. Eight years of experience in the software testing field.

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