CSQM Certification Requirements
Two requirements must be satisfied before the CSQM certification can be granted. These are the Formal
Education Requirements and Experience Requirements
Formal Education Requirements
Ten days of instructor-led training to cover all ten area of the Software Quality Management Body of
Knowledge (SQMBOK). One day to cover each area.
Written Exam:
Candidates are required to complete a written exam for each course and pass with a level of performance no less
than 80%. For courses conducted by IIST, a candidate is allowed to retake the exam for a second time without
having to attend the course again. There is a $100 fee for retakes. If 80% performance is not achieved on a
second attempt, the candidate must retake the course or take another course covering the same BOK area.
Job Experience Requirements
In order for the CSQM certification to be granted, a candidate must have a total of at least three years working in
software projects, including 1 year in a lead or management position. This requirement must be completed by
the time CSQM is granted. This requirement shall be met by means of a letter of support describing the
candidate’s specific role and responsibilities over a period of three years or more. The letter must be authored
and signed by any of the following:
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•
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The candidate’s current or former supervisor/manager
The candidate’s client or customer (if self-employed)
A co-worker currently holding a CSQM certification who has worked with the candidate on a project.
Multiple sources may be submitted to cover the three year period. Any variation from this requirement
must be reviewed and approved by the IIST Chairperson.
Graduation
Upon satisfying both formal education and job experience requirements, a candidate shall submit an application
to the IIST Chairperson for the certification to be granted. Application forms can be obtained by contacting the
IIST office. The application must be accompanied by payment of the $120 non- refundable graduation fee. This
fee covers the cost associated with record-keeping, grading exams, and certification plaque.
The Software Quality Management Body of Knowledge (SQMBOK)
The SQMBOK consists of the following ten core areas:
1. Managing Software Quality
1.1.
1.2.
1.3.
1.4.
1.5.
1.6.
1.7.
1.8.
Software Quality defined
Software Quality Assurance and Testing defined and distinguished
The difference between QC&QA
The Software Quality Puzzle
The Software Quality Assurance function
The role of Software Quality Manager
Skill set of a Software Quality M