1. Software Certifications in QA By Kapila Ranasinghe,

2. What is software certification Certification is formal recognition of a level of proficiency in the information technology (IT) quality assurance industry. The recipient is acknowledged as having an overall comprehension of the disciplines and skills represented in a comprehensive body of knowledge for a respective software discipline

3. Why become certified As the IT industry becomes more competitive, the ability for management to distinguish professional and skilled individuals in the field becomes mandatory. Certification demonstrates a level of understanding in carrying out quality assurance principles and practices. Certified Software Quality Analyst (CSQA) Certified Software Tester (CSTE) Certified Software Project Manager (CSPM) indicates a professional level of competence in the principles and practices of quality assurance in the IT profession.

4. Certified Software Tester (CSTE) The Certified Software Tester (CSTE) certification is intended to establish standards for initial qualification and provide direction for the testing function through an aggressive educational program. Acquiring the designation of Certified Software Tester (CSTE) indicates a professional level of competence in the principles and practices of quality control in the IT profession. CSTEs become members of a recognized professional group and receive recognition of their competence by business and professional associates.

5. Certified Software Quality Analyst (CSQA) 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. CSQAs become members of a recognized professional group and receive recognition of their competence by business and professional associates, potentially more rapid career advancement, and greater acceptance in the role as advisor to management

6. Certified Software Project Manager (CSPM) The need for improved and more reliable Software Project Management calls for professionals who can effectively – Design – Manage – Test – monitor the status of software projects. Organizations now demand high quality software, delivered on time and within budget. Certification is recommended as a means to define the Common Body of Knowledge for the practice of software project management, and to evaluate an individuals ability to apply that knowledge to practice.

7. Practitioner Certificate in Software Testing – ISEB To gain recognition for testing as an essential and professional software engineering specialization by industry To enable professionally qualified testers to be recognized by employers, customers and peers, and raise the profile of testers To promote consistent and good testing practice within all software engineering disciplines To enable software suppliers to hire certified testers and thereby gain commercial advantage over their competitors by advertising their tester recruitment policy To provide an opportunity for testers or those with an interest in testing to acquire an industry recognized qualification in the subject

8. Demand. Software sector BPO sector Other industries. IT Service Management Sector.

9. Supply Universities Institutes

10. Affiliations QAI will offer affiliations for few selected organisations. QAI will provide materials, exams, training trainers as a part of affiliation. Assure relevant placements for the qualified students.