Question

Two ways to increase your knowledge and advance your professional standing in the IT field are through certifications and participation in professional associations. Professional association memberships are available to professionals in the field, and there are often student memberships available. Becoming a member of a professional association provides opportunities for networking, training, and more depending on the goals of the association. In many IT areas, professional associations have developed certifications that are used as credentials to indicate an individual's mastery of the related topics. Search online to find and read articles about hiring certified employees and best IT certifications. Share the following information about a certification or professional association that pertains to your IT area of interest (select 1): Professional associations What is the goal or focus of the .association? How do you become a member? What benefits do you see to your education and future career if you were to become a member? Certifications What is the process associated with becoming certified? What is the estimated amount of time necessary to prepare for the certification exam? What requirements are associated with the certification? What are some of the topics covered in this certification.

Answer 1

Hi,

Please find the answers below:

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Professional associations

IEEE Computer Society (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers )

Goal or focus of the association:

Primary goal is to get involved in technology innovations for the betterment of the society.

Getting involved in standards and protocols development in key technology aspects.

Membership:

Join the network by filling an application form on the IEEE website.

Benefits of the member:

• Grants and Awards
• Awareness to the community.
• Conferences and Events: Members get invitations for the key events and conferences in technology.
• Recognition as the member in the society.

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Certifications

Some of the examples of software certifications in the field of Quality Assurance/Testing are:

• CSQA (Certified Software Quality Analyst)
• CSTE (Certified Software Test Engineer)

These certifications are issued by QAI (Quality Assurance Institute)

Process of becoming certified:

Candidate needs to register and enroll for the certification test

Pay the fee: $350

Appear for the CSTE test.

Clear the test with 70% or 65% passing marks.

Certificate would be awarded to the candidate.

Estimated amount of time:

Time required to prepare for the certification is brushing up the topics in the course study material.(CBOK) Candidates need to do self study and apply work knowledge gained in the job. Anywhere from 3 months + time is required to prepare for the certification.

Requirements of the certification:

Requirements may vary from certification to certification and from time to time. Basically, a 4 year degree from accredited institution

2+ years of experience in the IT field.

Or

3 year degree from accredited institution

3+ years of experience in the IT field.

etc

Topics covered in the certification:( CSTE )

• Software Testing Principles,
• Testing Metrics.
• Test planning.
• Designing Testcases
• Executing Testcases
• Risk management etc.

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Hope this helps.