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Is it right for you? Software Quality Engineer Certification - CSQE

Step 1. Is this the right certification for you?

Here are the requirements and exam specifics for a Reliability Engineer. If you already know that this is the certification you want to pursue, move on to exam preparation.

Minimum Expectations for a Certified Reliability Engineer - 2008

  • Must possess a fundamental understanding of quality philosophies, principles, methods, tools, standards, organizational and team dynamics, interpersonal relationships, professional ethics, and legal and regulatory requirements.
  • Must evaluate the impact of software quality management principles on business objectives and demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of developing and implementing software quality programs, which include tracking, analyzing, reporting, problem resolution, process improvement, training, and supplier management. Must have a basic understanding of how and when to perform software audits including audit planning, approaches, types, analyses, reporting results and follow-up.
  • Must understand systems architecture and be able to implement software development and maintenance processes, quantify the fundamental problems and risks associated with various software development methodologies, and assess, support, and implement process and technology changes.
  • Must be able to apply project management principles and techniques as they relate to software project planning, implementation and tracking. Must be able to evaluate and manage risk.
  • Must select, define and apply product and process metrics and analytical techniques, and have an understanding of measurement theory and how to communicate results.
  • Must have a thorough understanding of verification and validation processes, including early software defect detection and removal, inspection, and testing methods (e.g., types, levels, strategies, tools and documentation). Must be able to analyze test strategies, develop test plans and execution documents, and review customer deliverables.
  • Must have a basic understanding of configuration management processes, including planning, configuration identification, configuration control, change management, status accounting, auditing and reporting. Must assess the effectiveness of product release and archival processes.

Education and/or Experience

Work experience must be in a full time, paid role. Paid intern, co-op or any other course work cannot be applied towards the work experience requirement.

You must have eight years of on-the-job experience in one or more of the areas of the Certified Software Quality Engineer Body of Knowledge. Compare the old and new BOKs (PDF, 321 KB). A minimum of three years of this experience must be in a decision-making position. ("Decision-making" is defined as the authority to define, execute, or control projects/processes and to be responsible for the outcome. This may or may not include management or supervisory positions.).

If you are now or were previously certified by ASQ as a Quality Engineer, Quality Auditor, Software Quality Engineer, or Quality Manager, experience used to qualify for certification in these fields often applies to certification as a Reliability Engineer.

If you have completed a degree* from a college, university, or technical school with accreditation accepted by ASQ, part of the eight-year experience requirement will be waived, as follows (only one of these waivers may be claimed):

  • Diploma from a technical or trade school—one year will be waived
  • Associate degree—two years waived
  • Bachelor’s degree—four years waived
  • Master’s or doctorate—five years waived

*Degrees or diplomas from educational institutions outside the United States must be equivalent to degrees from U.S. educational institutions.

Examination

Each certification candidate is required to pass a written examination that consists of multiple choice questions that measure comprehension
of the Body of Knowledge. The Reliability Engineer examination is a one-part, 150-question, four-hour exam and is offered in English.

Examinations are conducted twice a year, in March and October, by local ASQ sections and international organizations.
All examinations are open-book. Each participant must bring his or her own reference materials. Use of reference materials and calculators is
explained in the seating letter provided to applicants.

Please Note: The Body of Knowledge for certification is affected by new technologies, policies, and the changing dynamics of manufacturing
and service industries. Changed versions of the examination based on the current Body of Knowledge are used at each offering.

Are you ready to get started? Prepare for the exam. >>>