CSTE Certification
Process
Certified Software Tester
V2.0
Agenda
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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
Certified Software Tester
Copyright 2006 - 2008. MSQAA Federation Chapter
CSTE Introduction Program
Certified Software Tester
Copyright 2006 - 2008. MSQAA Federation Chapter
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.
Certified Software Tester
Copyright 2006 - 2008. MSQAA Federation Chapter
CSTE Prerequisites
Certified Software Tester
Copyright 2006 - 2008. MSQAA Federation Chapter
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.
Certified Software Tester
Copyright 2006 - 2008. MSQAA Federation Chapter
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.
Certified Software Tester
Copyright 2006 - 2008. MSQAA Federation Chapter
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.
Certified Software Tester
Copyright 2006 - 2008. MSQAA Federation Chapter
Applying for CSTE Certification
Certified Software Tester
Copyright 2006 - 2008. MSQAA Federation Chapter
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
Certified Software Tester
Copyright 2006 - 2008. MSQAA Federation Chapter
Applying for CSTE Certification
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/d
efault.asp
Certified Software Tester
Copyright 2006 - 2008. MSQAA Federation Chapter
Applying for CSTE Certification
Certified Software Tester
Copyright 2006 - 2008. MSQAA Federation Chapter
Applying for CSTE Certification
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
Certified Software Tester
Copyright 2006 - 2008. MSQAA Federation Chapter
Applying for CSTE Certification
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.
Certified Software Tester
Copyright 2006 - 2008. MSQAA Federation Chapter
Self-Study Program
Certified Software Tester
Copyright 2006 - 2008. MSQAA Federation Chapter
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 Tester
Copyright 2006 - 2008. MSQAA Federation Chapter
Self-Study Program
Certified Software Tester
Copyright 2006 - 2008. MSQAA Federation Chapter
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.
Certified Software Tester
Copyright 2006 - 2008. MSQAA Federation Chapter
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
Certified Software Tester
Copyright 2006 - 2008. MSQAA Federation Chapter
Self-Study Program
 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.
Certified Software Tester
Copyright 2006 - 2008. MSQAA Federation Chapter
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.
Certified Software Tester
Copyright 2006 - 2008. MSQAA Federation Chapter
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.
Certified Software Tester
Copyright 2006 - 2008. MSQAA Federation Chapter
CSTE Exam
Certified Software Tester
Copyright 2006 - 2008. MSQAA Federation Chapter
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.
Certified Software Tester
Copyright 2006 - 2008. MSQAA Federation Chapter
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.
Certified Software Tester
Copyright 2006 - 2008. MSQAA Federation Chapter
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.
Certified Software Tester
Copyright 2006 - 2008. MSQAA Federation Chapter
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.
Certified Software Tester
Copyright 2006 - 2008. MSQAA Federation Chapter
Sample CSTE Examination
Certified Software Tester
Copyright 2006 - 2008. MSQAA Federation Chapter
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.
Certified Software Tester
Copyright 2006 - 2008. MSQAA Federation Chapter
Benefits of Becoming CSTE
Certified Software Tester
Copyright 2006 - 2008. MSQAA Federation Chapter
Benefits of Becoming CSTE
 Value Provided to the Profession
 Common Body of Knowledge (CBOK)
 Examination Process to Evaluate Competency
 Code of Ethics.
Certified Software Tester
Copyright 2006 - 2008. MSQAA Federation Chapter
Benefits of Becoming CSTE
 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 Tester
Copyright 2006 - 2008. MSQAA Federation Chapter
Benefits of Becoming CSTE
 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.
Certified Software Tester
Copyright 2006 - 2008. MSQAA Federation Chapter
Benefits of Becoming CSTE
 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 Tester
Copyright 2006 - 2008. MSQAA Federation Chapter
Benefits of Becoming CSTE
 Value Provided to Co-Workers
 Mentoring the Staff.
 Testing Resource to “IT” Staff.
 Role Model for Quality Assurance Practitioners.
Certified Software Tester
Copyright 2006 - 2008. MSQAA Federation Chapter
Benefits of Becoming CSTE
 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 Tester
Copyright 2006 - 2008. MSQAA Federation Chapter
Other Certifications
Certified Software Tester
Copyright 2006 - 2008. MSQAA Federation Chapter
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.
Certified Software Tester
Copyright 2006 - 2008. 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 Tester
Copyright 2006 - 2008. MSQAA Federation Chapter
Reference
Certified Software Tester
Copyright 2006 - 2008. 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 Tester
Copyright 2006 - 2008. MSQAA Federation Chapter
Reference
 For more direction on how to prepare for
Certifications visit Monterrey QAI Federation
Chapter at:
 http://www.msqaa.org
Certified Software Tester
Copyright 2006 - 2008. 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 – It’s up to
me.
Certified Software Tester
Copyright 2006 - 2008. MSQAA Federation Chapter
Q&A
 Any questions…
Certified Software Tester
Copyright 2006 - 2008. MSQAA Federation Chapter
Thank you…
Certified Software Tester
Copyright 2006 - 2008. MSQAA Federation Chapter