Certified Software Testing Engineer (CSTE)

Certification Overview

Certified Software Testing Engineer (CSTE)

Exam Code: CSTE-001

Software engineering is about teams. The problems to solve are so complex or large, that a single developer cannot solve them anymore. Software engineering is also about communication. Teams do not consist only of developers, but also of testers, architects, system engineers, customer, project managers, etc. Software projects can be so large that we have to do careful planning. Implementation is no longer just writing code, but it is also following guidelines, writing documentation and also writing unit tests. But unit tests alone are not enough. The different pieces have to fit together. And we have to be able to spot problematic areas using metrics. They tell us if our code follows certain standards. Once we are finished coding, that does not mean that we are finished with the project: for large projects maintaining software can keep many people busy for a long time. Since there are so many factors influencing the success or failure of a project, we also need to learn a little about project management and its pitfalls, but especially what makes projects successful. And last but not least, a good software engineer, like any engineer, needs tools, and you need to know about them.

There are different methods of software testing. Static testing consists of examining or inspecting code, while dynamic testing refers to running the actual program. Static testing is generally less detailed, and is considered a verification process. Dynamic testing runs the software and has different methodologies, and is considered a validation process. Testing checks functionality, such as correctness, reliability and integrity. It also checks the engineering and the adaptability.

Testing is generally done after the needs of the target audience have been identified and the coding is complete. Testing rarely identifies any and all bugs in software, but it can assess general performance, especially in comparison to similar products.

Because software bugs can be very cost-inefficient and create major financial losses for companies, software testing is and will continue to be an important job in the field of computers. And because software is only becoming more and more complex, therefore making it more vulnerable to errors, testing will be an important part of this growth. As it gets more specialized, it will also require specific training and/or experience for testers to do their job well.

E-Course Duration: 30 to 35 Hours

Exam Information

The Exam contains 80 Multiple Choice Questions and you must correctly answer 56 (56 out of 80 correct) to pass the exam.

Exams are online and proctored based, using a webcam and a reliable internet connection exams can be taken anywhere and anytime.

The total duration of the exam is 1 hour (60 Minutes).

No external sources of information may be accessed during the exam held via ProctorU. Further details of the materials permitted are provided:

  • Identification Proof
  • If a candidate does not pass the exam in the first (1st) attempt, the candidate must wait for a period of at least seven (7) calendar days from the date of their attempt to retake the exam for second (2nd) time or any subsequent time.
  • The exam can be taken any number of times.

The Certified Software Testing Engineer (CSTE)® Certificate is valid for life.

Certified Software Testing Engineer (CSTE)® is a Registered Trademark of GAQM.

N/A

The Certified Software Testing Engineer (CSTE)® Certification has a pre-requisite (Completion of an E-Course is mandatory from GAQMBok portal) as maximum number of questions are drawn from the E-Course in the actual exam.

Course Outline

Module 1 - Foundation

  • Course Objectives
  • What is Systems Engineering
  • What is Software Systems Engineering?
  • Why Should We Use Standards?
  • Basic Principles for Standards
  • ISO Compared to IEEE
  • How Standards are Developed
  • Organization of the SESC Standards
  • Clauses
  • Normative vs. Informative
  • What Is in a Standard?
  • What Is Not in a Standard?
  • Where Standards Can Be Obtained?
  • How to Tailor and Apply Standards
  • Final Thoughts
  • Other Resources

Module 2 - STDB

  • Introduction to IEEE/EIA 12207
  • Application of the IEEE/EIA 12207
  • Applying the IEEE/EIA 12207 to Organizations and Projects
  • 12207 Life Cycle Processes and Roles
  • IEEE/EIA 12207 Processes and Their Interactions
  • Tailoring the Processes
  • The Structure of Life Cycle Processes
  • The Influence of Total Quality Management
  • The Relationship Between Systems and Software
  • The Relationship Between Organizations and Parties
  • Responding to Technology Evolution
  • Events and Milestones
  • Documenting Outputs
  • The Role of Software Metrics
  • Certification and Compliance
  • Other Related Standards and Their Relationship

Module 3 - Module STDC - IEEE 12207 Project Life Cycles

  • Overview of Project Lifecycle
  • Types of Prototypes
  • Applying Prototyping to Life Cycle Models
  • Risks of Prototyping
  • Commercial Items (COTS) and Reuse
  • Selecting a Software Lifecycle Model
  • Which Development Strategy to Pick?
  • Using Risk Analysis to Determine the Right Development Strategy
  • SLCM Selection Criteria
  • Steps in Creating Life Cycle Processes
  • SLCM Plans
  • SLCM Plan Contents
  • Considerations in Implementing and Maintaining the Software
  • Establishing Life Cycle Processes
  • Monitoring Life Cycle Processes
  • Evaluating the Impact of Changes on Life Cycle Processes


Target Audience

  • Compliance Managers
  • Software Testing Engineers
  • Technical Managers
  • Software Design Engineers
  • Test Consultants
  • Software Quality Engineers
  • Senior Test/Analyst
  • Test Team Leaders
  • Performance Test Engineers
  • Documentation Specialist
  • Process Analysts
  • Project Managers

Registration Process for E-Course and Exam

Premium Package
(E-Course Version)

  • Self Explanatory
  • Valid for 40 days
  • The Package also includes E-Voucher/Access Key for Certification Exam
  • The E-Voucher/Access Key can be used via ProctorU Globally.
  • Includes E-certificate and Digital Badge if you qualify in the exam.
  • Course Duration: 40 Days
  • Price: 270 USD

Standard
Package

  • Self Explanatory
  • E-Course is Valid for 20 days
  • This Package doesn't includes E-Voucher for Certification Exam.
  • Candidate has to purchase the E-Voucher separately to take the Certification Exam.
  • Course Duration: 20 Days
  • Price: 150 USD

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  • Validity: 240 Days
  • Price: 170 USD
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