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Question of the week

Q1) I am interested in preparing for Certified Quality Analyst (CQA) and Certified Software Test Engineer (CSTE) certification programs. What is the cost of preparation materials and exams? How many exams must be completed? Can you please send me more information about these certifications? (From Natash)

ANS) Certified Quality Analyst (CQA) 

CQA certifies candidates‘ ‘professional level of competence in principles and practices of quality assurance in the IT profession’.

Candidates for CQA program should have either a bachelor degree or its equivalent from an accredited college-level institution, or an associate degree and two years experience in the information services field, or six years experience in the information services field. 

Candidates must pass a four-hour, four part exam comprising of multiple-choice and true/false questions. The exam tests their knowledge and skills in following knowledge domains: Communications, Human Resource Principles, Training and Development, Quality Management, Quality Assurance, Quality Control Techniques, Quantitative Methods and Reviews. 

Candidates need to get a minimum score of 75% in each part to pass the exam. An application fee of $250, which covers both exam fee and study guide, is charged. 

Certified Software Test Engineer (CSTE)

CSTE establishes 'initial qualification and provides direction for the testing function through an aggressive educational program.'

Candidates for CSTE program must demonstrate two years of test work experience and pass an exam, which will require them to demonstrate proficiency in the following knowledge domains: Communications, Professional Development, Quality Principles and Concepts, Methods for Software Development and Maintenance, Test Principles and Concepts, Verification and Validation Methods, Test Management, Standards, and Environment and Risk Analysis.

An application fee of $250, which covers both exam fee and study guide, is charged. 

For more details please refer to http://www.qaiusa.com/certification/index.html

Follow up to last week’s Cert Advisor

Q2) I hold a Microsoft Office User Specialist (MOUS) Authorized Instructor (AI) certificate. What are the changes Microsoft is making with this program? How am I affected? (From wordsmith71)

ANS) Microsoft is retiring the MOUS AI program on June 30, 2001. On July 1, 2001, it will be replaced by a new MOUS Master Instructor certificate for Office 97 and Office 2000.

Existing members of the MOUS AI program must stop using the MOUS AI designation and logo after June 30, 2001. To remain certified after that they will have to pass the Master Instructor program. 

The MOUS Master Instructor program will reportedly seek from candidates the same education requirements as the MOUS AI program. However, there may be more exams to pass in the new program than the current two. Microsoft is yet to announce the program and fee details, but has stated that there will be a discount for current MOUS AI certification holders.

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Q3) I have completed my Oracle 7.3 DBA certification in August 2000. Should I upgrade my certification to Oracle 8 and Oracle 8i? Is there a deadline to upgrade? Is there any institute near Irving Texas, USA that offers courses with practical training? (From Adeeb)

ANS) Upgrading to current versions of a product is recommended as it keeps you current with technology. 

Anyone that has completed the Oracle DBA 7.3 track can upgrade to Oracle 8 (1 exam) or Oracle 8i (2 exams). Candidates certified on Oracle 7.3 take exam #1Z0-010 Oracle8: New Features for Administrators to upgrade to Oracle8, then #1Z0-020 Oracle8i: New Features for Administrators to upgrade to Oracle8i. To the extent of our knowledge Oracle has not announced any deadline to take these upgrade exams. You can get more information about these exams by exploring relevant candidate guides at http://www.oracle.com/education/certification/objectives/index.html?content.html

To locate a training center near your city please visit http://www.certit.com
(Click on ‘IT directory’ under ‘Resources’)

Q4) I am an MCSE (NT). I am thinking of upgrading to MCSE 2000. Is the MCSE 2000 certificate worth the time and effort? (From Richard Wagner) 

ANS) IDC research has reported that Windows 2000 is gaining quick acceptance in corporate America. By year-end, IDC expects, Windows 2000 shipments to account for almost 71% of all Windows NT and Windows 2000 shipments. Hence, there would be demand for networking professionals who can plan and manage successful implementations of Windows 2000. So good demand for MCSE 2000 certified professionals is expected in the job market.

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"’CyndiKaye" says Microsoft bashing should stop.

“Last week’s cert-experience was Examsonline.com’s latest slam on Microsoft. I always thought Examsonline.com to be more on the middle of the road…The comments (expressed in this section) were totally unwarranted... I do not plan to continue my rave reviews of Examsonline.com with many of my associates now or in the near future.” 

(Dear CyndiKaye
CertAdvisor’s ‘cert-experience’ section is a popular forum for ExamsOnline.com members to share their certification-related experience and opinion. We respect our members’ right to free expression as long as it is exercised within reasonable limits. We edit ‘cert-experience’ only for grammar and style. The fact that Microsoft is a great company does not require our endorsement to be valid. At the same time it is natural for any company in business to have its products compared and their positive and negative features debated. This was the approach we took when we published last week’s ‘cert-experience’. We respect and appreciate your sentiments, and hope we have been able to communicate our perspective on this issue. We do count on your continued support. Good luck. -- CertAdvisor team) 


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