| Examination Information | |||||||||||
| Preparing for the Examination | |||||||||||
| The certification examination is designed to identify the candidate's ability to assist management in improving the quality of information systems within the specialization represented by the certification, evaluate his/her ability to apply quality assurance knowledge to practice in the discipline, and provide a foundation for granting professional recognition. The framework of any profession is the body of knowledge upon which it bases its standards. The examination reflects state-of-the-art principles and practices from the disciplines included in the associated Body of Knowledge for the certification specialty. The exam expects that familiarity with current industry topics via experience, periodicals, and textbooks is continually being maintained. It is the philosophy of the Software Certifications Board that knowledge of significant developments in the information services industry, as well as a basic understanding of the various disciplines affecting software quality assurance, be current. For this reason the examination instrument is continually reviewed and revised to implement these factors into the testing process. Professional certification is a significant undertaking .Sufficient time and energy should be allocated by the candidate toward preparation. Most of the needed preparation involves reviewing and brushing up on the various knowledge domains in the certification’s respective Body of Knowledge. If candidates have extensive experience in the quality practices described in the knowledge domains of the Body of Knowledge, the examination should not be difficult. Candidates should avoid last minute cramming, as it is rarely beneficial in the long term. If their experience is minimal, or is limited to only certain areas of those related knowledge domains, they should seek study materials and work experience that will broaden their knowledge and experience. Unless candidates have had extensive exposure to quality management principles, and a broad array of job responsibilities within information services related to the certification knowledge domains, they are very unlikely to pass the certification examination. The examination presumes that candidates have had a broad exposure to quality practices and have reviewed and read the current literature available on quality management in their particular area. Candidates should avoid last-minute cramming, as it is rarely beneficial in the long term. There is no specific outline of study curriculum established by Software Certifications. Candidates are responsible for their own study and preparation. The Quality Assurance Institute, as administrator of Software Certifications, does not infer that attending specific courses or programs will significantly enhance the candidate’s chances of passing the examination. Bibliographic references are included in the applicable Body of Knowledge description for information purposes. Candidates are expected to know and pursue other and more recent resources. |
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| Scheduling an Examination | |||||||||||
| Exams are now being offered either through a Prometric Test Center or Sponsored Site so the location where you plan to take your exam will determine the site you must select. Use the available links below to review each certification(s) scheduling details carefully before proceeding as they do differ. |
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| Taking the Examination | |||||||||||
| Candidates should arrive at the examination location at least 30 minutes before the scheduled start time of the examination. Candidates must have their examination admittance letter (Sponsored Exams only) and photo identification with them in order to register and gain admission to the examination. No study or supporting materials are permitted in the examination room. Seats are assigned for each individual. Breaks are taken between each examination part, and are not permitted during the taking of the examination sections. The examinations can take from 2 to 4 hours depending on the certification you selected. See the individual certification pages for more information about that particular certification exam. No Shows Candidates who fail to appear for a scheduled examination are considered a "No Show". Candidates must pay a $100 Resit fee before they will be able to reschedule once there exam record is reset in the Portal. Note that the exam record will not be reset until the results for the missed exam are released which normally takes 6 to 12 weeks, and there are no exceptions. Once your record has been reset a Resit link will appear on your My Examination page which can be used to start the rescheduling process. NOTE: Make sure you know exactly when your expiration date is as although your application may still be active when the Resit payment is made, that does not guarantee you will be able to reschedule your exam before your application expires. If you are not sure contact certify@softwarecertifications.org before proceeding as once funds are processed they are not refundable or transferable (Payment Policy). |
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| Examination Results | |||||||||||
Examination results will be available on the Software Certification's Customer Portal when the grading is complete, so DO NOT email Software Certifications regarding your results status. Once grades have been announced you will receive an email informing you that your results are online for viewing in the Customer Portal. To view your results simply login to the Portal and go to the My Examination page and click on the View Results link. The passing mark is 75% which is the average score of all parts. A certificate will be sent regular mail via the United States Postal Service using the default address in the Portal so it is critical that candidates keep their Portal records up to date as once mailed they are not traceable. Now even the smallest error or omission of information can cause serious delays in receipt or non delivery so make sure the address is complete and correct. Many candidates change their residence or job situations during their certification candidacy. If any such changes occur, it is the candidate's responsibility to change their My Profile information in the Software Certification's Portal. The processing of examination results will depend on how the examination was scheduled. DO NOT email Software Certifications regarding your results status.
Examination papers are not returned to the candidates. The examination process is not a diagnostic tool. Specific discussion concerning an individual's exam results is prohibited by the policies and practices of the Software Certifications. Original exam papers are destroyed one year after the exam date. |
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| Retake the Examination | |||||||||||
Candidates who do not pass their examination can retake the exam as long as their application has not yet expired by either reaching the expiration date of their application or three attempts. The cost to retake an exam is $100 and to retake an exam you simply login to your Customer Portal account and go to the My Examination page and click on the Retake link. |
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| Appeals Process | |||||||||||
Individuals dissatisfied with a failed exam score may appeal such results to the Appeals Committee of the Software Certifications Board. Requests must be submitted in writing, and sent via certified mail, to:
It is the individual's responsibility to include any and all supporting documentation that they believe is needed by the Appeals Committee to understand and properly assess the issue. The Appeals Committee meets quarterly. All Appeals Committee decisions are final. |
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Copyright © 2010, Software Certifications. All rights reserved. |
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