The Certified Software Tester

The Certified Software Tester (CSTE) certification is intended to establish standards for initial qualification and provide direction for the testing function through an aggressive educational program. Acquiring the designation of Certified Software Tester (CSTE) indicates a professional level of competence in the principles and practices of quality control in the IT profession. CSTE's become members of a recognized professional group and receive recognition of their competence by business and professional associates, potentially more rapid career advancement, and greater acceptance in the role as advisor to management.

Examination Availability: (CSTE)
The CSTE Examination are now being offered worldwide either through a Prometric Test Center (online exam) or a Sponsored Site (paper-based exam). The location where you plan to take your examination will determine the site you must select. See Exam Scheduling: (CSTE) located at the bottom of this page for more details.

Applicant Prerequisites: (CSTE)
To qualify for candidacy, each applicant must meet ONE of four prerequisites listed below:

1. A 4 year degree from accredited college-level institution & 2 years experience in the information services field
2. A 3 year degree from accredited college-level institution & 3 years experience in the information services field
3. A 2 year degree from accredited college-level institution & 4 years experience in the information services field
4. Six years experience in the information services field

AND

Are working, or have worked at any time within the prior 18 months, in the field within covered by the certification designation.

An applicant for certification must adhere to the Code of Ethics that outlines the ethical behaviors expected of all certified professionals by the ISCB.

Depending upon a compliance sample selected according to program criteria, the applicant may be required to provide upon request detailed education, employment, and reference documentation supporting the information entered in the Customer Portal during the application process. If selected the applicant must supply the required documentation and those who fail to provide the requested documentation may be subject to decertification.

Initial Application & Fee: (CSTE)
For those who qualify for the CSTE certification and are prepared to establish candidacy must complete an online Certification Candidacy Application in the Customer Portal and pay the application fee.

The CSTE application fee is:

* $350 or $420 ~ All fees to be paid in US Dollars (see Payment Policy).

The application fee includes the following:

* Instant access to a PDF file of the CSTE CBOK (561 pages) which is a useful tool to help prepare for the exam. After payment go to the CBOK Manuals page of Customer Portal for access. The $420 fee also includes a CD / book of the CBOK materials (same content as found on the PDF).
* The candidates Initial Exam which must be taken within one year from the date payment was processed or the application will expire (see Application Length).

To apply for the CSTE certification candidates must first login to their Customer Portal account. If new to the Portal then they will need to create one by clicking on the Register Now link, and then the Register as a New User tab.

IMPORTANT:
Make sure the first / last names entered when creating an account matches what is on your government issued photo ID (i.e. drivers license, passport). DO NOT abbreviate or use a nickname. If they do not match when presenting your ID at check-in you will NOT be granted entrance to the examination.

Examination Details: (CSTE)

Candidates are tested on their knowledge and practice of the skill areas defined in the CSTE CBOK. The exam itself consist of four parts:

* Parts 1 & 3 - Multiple choice (50 questions each - objective / 45 minutes time limit)
* Parts 2 & 4 - Short answer / essay (10 questions each - subjective / 75 minute time limit).

There is a total of 120 questions and the exam will take over 4 hours to complete which includes a 10 minute break after the first three parts. The passing mark is 75% which is the average score of both parts.

Depending on where taking the exam it will either be computer-based (online) or paper-based.

Exam Scheduling: (CSTE)
The location where you plan to take your examination will determine the site type you MUST select for the list below. Click on the links provided for more details and instructions on how to schedule / reschedule an examination once the site type has been determined.