Normally performed by programmers or technicians, early tests included unit, integration, regression and system checks. Throughout the 1980s, software testing grew in importance and prestige. However, the improved development methods that had been envisioned simply did not develop in many organizations.

Unlike early software, today's existing and newly developed applications are mission-critical. Imagine operating a company without technology and quality application software. The simple truth is you cannot. Failures result in loss of business and revenue.

The Quality Assurance Institute was one of the first professional organizations to recognize testing as a profession. In 1996, QAI started the first certification program for the test professional, the Certified Software Test Engineer. The CSTE certification, which is earned through a combination of education, work experience and, beginning Jan. 1, 1999, a self-study exam, gives the profession recognition and credibility, and sets the standard for individuals engaged in software testing. This certification is founded on a code of ethics, a common body of knowledge, an examination program and a continuing education program.

One company has found CSTE certification beneficial for its employees. Senior Managing Consultant Jacob Roitman oversees the one-year-old certification program at the New York branch of Interim Technology, The Consulting Group, an information technology and business management consulting firm. "We encourage our consultants to become certified through awareness of the CSTE designation, sponsorship of the designation, review of CSTE applications and supporting documentation, and payment of fees related to the program," states Roitman.

  One distinguishing mark of a profession is acceptance by its members of responsibility to the interests of those it serves. Those certified must maintain high standards of conduct in order to effectively discharge their responsibility.

  Acceptance of any certification designation is a voluntary action. By acceptance, those certified assume an obligation of self-discipline above and beyond the requirements of laws and regulations.

  The standards of conduct set forth in this code of ethics provide basic principles in the practice of information services quality assurance. Those certified should realize that their individual judgment is required in the application of these principles.

  Those certified shall use their respective designations with discretion and in a dignified manner, fully aware of what the designation denotes. The designation shall also be used in a manner consistent with all statutory requirements.

  Those certified who are determined by the Certification Board of QAI to be in violation of the standards of conduct of the code of ethics shall be subject to forfeiture of their designation.

  Define the profession--The CBOK permits test engineers to explain their profession through the knowledge domains needed in that profession.

  Define the needed knowledge domains--The CBOK for any profession defines the minimum level of proficiency needed for effective performance within the profession. Rather than embodying all the knowledge domains that quality practitioners might need during their lifetimes, the CBOK focuses on the knowledge needed by any entry-level quality professional to perform effectively.

  Lead the profession--Changes to the CBOK should precede changes in the practice of professional activities. Including new areas within the body of knowledge helps prepare professionals for inevitable challenges and allows them to perform effectively.

  Support certification--The examination that individuals must pass to become certified draws from the knowledge domains within the CBOK.

  Maintain proficiency--The CBOK describes the educational areas an individual should pursue--such as self-study, on-the-job training and work experience--in order to maintain proficiency. The certified software test engineer, like most other professional designations, requires 40 hours per year of continuing professional education credit to maintain the professional designation.

The CBOK for software testing includes 16 knowledge domains grouped into four categories. These domains are further subdivided into key topical areas:

  Category 1--Test management: Under this category are four domains covering communication, professional development, testing concepts and test environment.

  Category 2--Test planning: Includes the four domains covering risk analysis, development methods and environment, test methods and techniques, and planning process.

  Category 3--Test execution: Includes the four domains covering verification methods, test tools, test case design and performing tests.

  Category 4--Test results analysis and reporting: Includes the four domains of defect tracking and management, evaluating test results, quantitative methods and test reporting.

To qualify for the CSTE certification, a candidate must receive a score of 75 percent or higher on all four parts of the examination. All exams are given in the presence of a CSTE at a site mutually agreeable to the candidate and a CSTE.

Each CSTE candidate will be furnished with a 400-page study guide, which contains information about all 16 domains. However, the guide is not intended to include the entire common body of knowledge, and questions will be included on the exam that are not covered in the study guide. The certification board believes that mastering the information from the study guide, when coupled with one or more years of software testing experience, should be sufficient to pass the CSTE examination.

CSTE applications are being accepted and must include demonstrations of proficiency through reference letters and résumés.

All successful candidates must participate in continuing professional education in order to maintain their certification. Forty CPE credits and a $20 administrative fee are required annually. Certification candidates are exempt from paying fees and submitting credits during their certification year. Detailed information and reporting forms are provided upon certification and at the beginning of each year.

CSTE certification offers Interim Technology and its consultants the following five benefits:

  It sets a standard whereby knowledge is better measured--i.e., number of years in the field is not the sole determining factor. Certification requires demonstrating a broad knowledge base, including proficiency in test planning, using test tools, test performance and defect management.

  The employee search process is enhanced because QAI performs an independent evaluation of an applicant's software-testing skills during its own certification process. This process ensures that only those individuals who demonstrate proficiency in testing skills will be certified.

  Having the CSTE designation displayed on a résumé provides applicants with an opportunity to explain the designation and criteria for attainment. This enhances the interview process and establishes immediate credibility.

  Employees are encouraged, through the recertification provision, to stay current, maintain their proficiency level and update their professional skills. The 40 hours per year of continuing professional education improves employees' skill levels.

  Certification establishes a level of credibility. Employees are motivated to display their certification plaques and use the CSTE designation on stationery and correspondence. Additionally, they are encouraged to spread the certification message to their co-workers.

The current provision is designed to certify candidates who have two years of test work experience as well as proficiency in six skills. Four skills are mandatory and include test planning, using test tools, test performance and defect management. Candidates must also demonstrate proficiency in two of the following four optional skills: risk analysis, measurement, test case design, and establishing and maintaining a test environment.

To demonstrate skills proficiency, candidates must present, in a neat and logical manner, a summary of their experience, highlighting each of the six skill categories; references and testimonials to support professional experience; and samples of work performed. A résumé also is needed to verify work experience.

About 60 days after QAI receives the application, a results letter will be mailed to each applicant.

The CSTE certification has been offered since 1996 and is quickly gaining recognition among software testing professionals in the industry. This designation represents a key requirement for all test professionals in the industry. Increasingly, corporations are requiring the designation as part of employment eligibility, and employees are finding it beneficial for personal growth and development.