How to prepare for CSQA Exam ?

Pre-requisites 

CSQA requires you to have practiced QA profession for atleast 2 years. The exam tests your ability as a QA professional to deal with real life scenarios.  Make sure you meet the pre-requisites before you take the exam.

Make a start:

1. Undoubtedly the first step is to acquire CBOK. Get more information from http://softwarecertifications.org . Borrow from friend or library if that's easy.
2. First Read the CBOK completely- Most Objective type questions are from this CBOK. First read CBOK once and then do 2-3 readings to completely familiaze yourself.

For the Objective Papers

1. Prepare a list of simple objective questions based on the material .. each line may yeild one question.... for each chapter / Skill.
2. The exam tests your ablility to tackle a situation, Exam looks at how you will face up to problems in day to day IT life.
3. In most of the objective questions - they would be definitions. We need to be clear of all definitions say for E.g. What is Software Engineering Is it a Scientific Discipline 2. Systematic Discipline ... In such a case we will be puzzled - what exacly it is? both seem right answers - but the correct one will get a point. So we have to be very careful reading and understanding definitions.
4. There will be questions outside the CBOK - we have to be careful to see that we have read and understood again most of the     definitions.
5. Software Testing, difference between QA and QC, Metrics, Demings 14 points, Malcom Baldrige ...So to pass the exam we have to read and understand CBOK completely and read some supplimentary books on Metrics, Testing, Demings 14 points, Out of crisis for e.g. ..Anything that will help gain more knowledge.
6. CSQA looks at knowing more rather than in depth. If some one asks you is there a difference between ReEnginnering and Reverse Engineering? , Then the CQA should be in a position to convince him what these two stand for - so the exam expects us to know More definitions.

For Subjective Questions.

1. Understand the Theory given in the material ....Try and exptrapolate the thoertical Principles with what you are doing in real life.......
2. Visit and Read as many websites on NET as possible ...(Specially those related to testing/QA/QC) .Look for Web Links on http://csqa.info
3. Read the Clasisic on Testing by Glenford Meyers (Cover to cover atleast twice)

o                                 Read the book - software Testing in REal World by Edward KIt -- (Covers a lot of aspects of ISO, CMM and TQM, also )

o                                Understand the basis of Demings Principles ..

o                                Read books by Eliyahu Goldratt visit the website ...

o                                Read some of the MBA material related to Quality Management / H. R. Management

But most important of all

1. Join a discussion group and air out all your ideas conflicts doubts ..
2. Get in touch with people and discuss practical work and how it differs from theory
3. Try and explain the theory to some one in the same field .. i.e. Teach it ...(the best way of learning it ..)
4. You will be given situations - most of them will come from your day to day experiences - You will be required to come up with a solutions
5. Use Bullet points - Do not write history- be specific and to the point.
6. Some Examples. • When you will stop testing?• They give scenario and you may be required to draw a Pareto or a cause and effect or a Histogram • What are The Measurements you will collect to help your Management. Each company has its own practice and defined procedure of doing. You can write one which you find meaningful.

General Suggestions:

ð      We have to be very calm that day- be cool - be ready to spare 5 hours with 10 minute break between papers.

Before Answering Descriptive type Questions,

1. Read the questions thoroughly and understand that the Question is asking, accordingly frame your answers. You have 4.5 minutes approximately for each case study. Try and read the actual meaning .. one beyond the obvious .. Try and get to the heart of the matter
2. If Question asked you to answer 1 ,2 ,3 then you have to answer all the three or in some cases it is a,b,c or i, ii, iii - some thing like. Make sure that You attempt everything. Also Your answers should be like this

o                                First write 1 or a or i - as per the question - then below that write your answer - again Bulleted points.

o                                Note that if a question asked you points 1,2,3 and you attempted only 1 and 2 or you included point 3 in point 2 - so the evaluator will defnitely will not give any credit. So Be and Be careful.

3. Note them down point wise -- brief precise and "To the Point". Doing so will fetch good marks. It will attract the evaluator.

 

CSQA Vs CSTE which is better?

ð      Welcome to the classic question that comes to everyone's mind when considering Quality certification. Which is better? CSQA, CSTE or something else.

To make such decisions it is important to understand what each of these certifications mean, Understanding about these will help you make the right decision.

According to QAI

"Acquiring the designation of Certified Software Quality Analyst (CSQA) indicates a professional level of competence in the principles and practices of quality assurance in the IT profession. CSQA certification is a highly respected attestation of skills in this critical area of information technology."

"The Certified Software Test Engineer (CSTE) Program is intended to establish standards for initial qualification and provide direction for the testing function through an aggressive educational program."

CSTE is more geared towards testing function. So if you are into Testing, testing automation tools and want to pursue your career in that area, CSTE is a very good certification to consider

If you are a project leader, Entry level PM, SQA or associated with Quality team in your organization then you already are doing lot of QA activities. CSQA will be the best for you.

How will certification help me?

ð      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.

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

ð      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.

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

 

Basic information on CSQA/CSTE

ð      All the exam information can be found at http://www.softwarecertifications.org/ about the EXAM , procedures, how to Apply and materials.

ð      Oultine of Certified Software Quality Analysts (CSQA) Prep Guide ( earlier name CBOK ) can be found at http://www.softwarecertifications.org/csqabok/csqabok.htm or http://www.softwarecertifications.org/csqabok/CSQACBOK2006.pdf .

ð      You can purchase the book at http://www.qaiworldwide.org/bookstore. Member & Nonmember price: $100 each ~ Hard Copy / $60 each ~ CD

ð      If you signup and pay $350. You will recieve CD as it is included in the price after you have been accepted.

Note: You do NOT have to select the exam date while applying. You have one year's time after your candidacy is accepted to choose exam date. Its recommended that you signup after you feel comfortable about the preparing on time.

ð      The exam consists of four papers, two objective papers (45 minutes each) and two subjective papers (75 minutes each). Duration is 4 hours and to pass you need overall average of 75% on the exam.

ð      You will need to read stuff outside CBOK to clear subjective questions. You can find the answers to subjective questions & question bank on this site. Feel free to post your questions in forums.

ð      See the QA books section here. It has list of books you can refer for your exam.

FAQ: If I have only 2-3 years experience in Quality can I pass  the exam.?

Answer: CSQA tests your ability to handle practical situations mainly in subjective questions. If you have hands-on experience for 2-3 years in Quality you should be able to clear the exam. If you have just started in quality then it is upto your individual ability which you can determine after reading some questions on this site. The pre-requisite of the exam is that you have atleast 1 year of experience in Quality.