Certified Software Tester (CSTE) Certification

Certified Software Tester (CSTE)

CSTE testing certification is the basic certification to check testers skill and understanding of software testing theory and software testing practices.

The CSTE program was developed by leading software testers as a means of recognizing software testers who demonstrate a predefined level of testing competency. The CSTE program is directed by an independent Certification Board and administered by the Quality Assurance Institute. The CSTE program was developed to provide value to the profession, the individual, the employer, and co-workers.

Common Body of Knowledge (CBOK)-

The Certification Board defines the skills upon which software testing certification is based. The current CBOK includes these skill categories: 

1) Test Principles; 
2) Test Planning; 
3) Test Management; 
4) Building a Test Environment; 
5) Risk Analysis; 
6) Text Execution; 
7) Test Design; 
8) Defect Tracking; 
9) Acceptance Testing; and 
10) Test Analysis and Reporting.

Examination Process to Evaluate Competency-

The successful candidate must pass a four-part examination (based on the CBOK) with a grade of 75%, or greater, on each part. Only 31% of the prequalified applicants pass the examination the first time, making this a prestigious certification to obtain.

Here are some important links that would be handy to all aspirants:
(I have collected these at one location as I found them)

1. Main website for Certified Software Tester (CSTE)

2. CSTE software testing certification exam question pattern

3. Check your eligibility for CSTE certification
(Take this sample CSTE examination)

4. Learning resource

5. Resources for Professional s/w testers (Bret Pettichord)

6. CSTE CBOK V6.2

7. V-Model of software testing

8. CSTE Certification Mock Test
(Test has 50 Multiple Choice Question with only ONE answer   
To pass you need 38 marks)

9. CSQA V6.2 CBOK  [this is not required but just in case anyone wants]


Lets see more (as given in the official website) about CSTE certification:

Checking Prerequisites:

To qualify for candidacy, each applicant must meet one of four prerequisites:

1. A 4 year degree from an accredited college-level institution and 2 years experience in the information services field
2. A 3 year degree from an accredited college-level institution and 3 years experience in the information services field
3. A 2 year degree from an accredited college-level institution and 4 years experience in the information services field
4. 6 years experience in the information services field

AND

Are working, or have worked at any time within the prior 18 months, in the field within covered by the certification designation

Depending upon a compliance sample selected according to program criteria, the applicant may be required to provide detailed education and/or employment documentation supporting the prerequisite option selected on the application. If selected for verification, the applicant must supply the documentation to the program. Applicants who fail to provide the requested documentation will not be allowed to sit for the exam or, if the exam has been taken and passed, may be subject to de-certification.

If you want to apply for the examination:
A. A completed Certification Candidacy Application must be submitted through the Customer Portal for entrance to Software Certifications as a candidate for any particular certification. It should be submitted by individuals who:

1. Are working, or have worked at any time within the prior 18 months, in the field covered by the certification designation
2. Have significant experience and breadth of knowledge to have mastered the basics of the entire Software Testing Common Body of Knowledge
3. Have reviewed the Software Testing Common Body of Knowledge

The Application Fee options are:

• $350.00 ~ (Fees to be paid in US Dollars - see Payment Policy). Fees includes CBOK (PDF) & Initial Exam. OR
• $420.00 ~ (Fees to be paid in US Dollars - see Payment Policy). Fees includes CBOK (PDF, Book, and CD) & Initial Exam

How will certification help me?

* In today's compititive IT industry there is a need for you to stand out in the crowd, to get distinguished from others. By doing the certification you are telling the management & world that your expertise is now recognized and you are serious about your profession. It gives confidence to others that  you can now lead and demonstrate a level of understanding in carrying out assignments according to industry principles and practices.

* You get recognized by business and professional associates as a PROFESSIONAL

* The certifications will lead you to  career advancement and will help you lead at your job better in a way that you can never imagine.

* Studies show that Certified professionals get higher salaries and its easy to get better jobs as compared to Non certified professionals