CSQA Vs CSTE which is better?

I work for a top MNC in India. Before doing CSQA I was not sure what value it will add. Once I was certified, I was surprized to find that my manager started looking at me as a Quality consultant and assigned me some tasks where i can lead.

 Within few months I was Leading project teams. I had been trying hard to be a Project lead for long time. 

 Not only that the knowledge and expertise I got while studying for CSQA helped me a lot in my job too. I was able to direct and guide my peers. 

I have been offered some good roles in past 3-4 years related to Quality leadership although my main job function is of a Technical Lead.

 Currently I am pursuing PMP certification. 

When I got my CQA (now CSQA) in 1999, there were 2 other CQAs in my group, so it just added cred for my work.  Since then, they have left, and before I retired from that company, it helped in establishing a baseline for discussions.  Folks saw the CQA/CSQA by my name, and realized they could go to the meat without bringing me up to speed on processes.  I found myself being asked to confirm process oriented info for others, and people relied on my opinions. 

Being certified has been an asset, and demonstrated to others that I knew my stuff, especially if they were also certified.

Hope that helps, CJ

Clarence Wm. Jackson, CSQA

"Plan Your Work, Work Your Plan"

Hi,

I have completed CSTE.....rite now I am not able to decide what Can I do next...is it CSQA or something else...

Please suggest me. 

Thanks & Regards,

Rajanikanth

Hi Nankalai,

I wud jst like to know are u a developer...If so then CSQA wont be of much help to you...But still if u r planning to move to process side CSQA wud surely help u...Getting certified wud surely not affect u...It's surely going to benefit u by giving u a certification...So if u r looking out to make ur career in QA(I mean process) it's better u go for CSQA

I m not pretty sure of the part of whether u would get openings in other field too...I hardly think recession wud affect it...

My final words wud be...If u r looking out for a certification and that too in Quality CSQA is the best option...

Do let me know if u have any other questions... 

Regards
Sudhakar Packiamuthu(CSQA,CSTE)

Hi Ganesh,

Since u r in testing i would suggest u go for CSTE...First let me tell u whats CSTE & CSQA are all about...CSTE talks of testing...& CSQA talks more of process...A associate who wants to make his career in process(QA) and is already working in that field can opt for CSQA...Now since u r already working in testing it's better u opt for CSTE...

U have also talked of taking a leap as in to a higher position...Somewhere certification wud surely help u in that case...But then if there's a associate who is having 6 years of experience and u have 2+ with CSTE certification,the other person gets a change to go to a higher position when compared with u...bcause he has more experience than u...

But any way doing a certification does not harm u...It gives u a strong edge since u r certified...Moreover companies tday look out for certified people bcause clients prefer associates who are certified...Now if u r looking up to a lead position it would be always better if u r certified...So that u can guide ur team mates also to get certified...

So go for CSTE...If u later think that u need an extra certification then u could opt for CSQA(For Process) or PMP(Management)...For now i wud suggest u CSTE...

Hope i have answered most of ur questions...

Do let me know if u have any other questions...

Regards
Sudhakar Packiamuthu(CSQA,CSTE)

Hi Radha,

Great to c ur interest inclined towards Quality Processes...If ever u r interested in enhancing ur career in QA...CSQA certification is a good choice...It would surely help u find a opportunity for urself in Quality...I am not sure whether u r already working in processes(QA) or no...If not ,start working from now itself(Along with ur testing job) and then side by side u can do ur certification also...That wud surely help u...CSQA talks more of processes...ISO,CMM...It also covers few aspects of testing...& Management concepts...

As far as CSQA is concerned most(all) the questions come from CBOK...Very few questions are based on the experience...

Do let me know ur email ID,So that i can send u the CBOK & Question bank...Make sure u r thorough with CBOK...Questions asked in the paper are from CBOK...U only need to recollect the domain from where the question is asked...And that possible only when u r thorough with CBOK...

Do let me know if u have any other questions...

Regards
Sudhakar Packiamuthu(CSQA,CSTE)

Hi Suri 

Thanks for your advice i would really start preparing for the CSQA so that i can write the exam asap .Since im keen to pursue my career further as a Quality Consultant i believe i  should be thorough with all QA Processes.

Hi Munissh,

Great to c ur interest in Quality Certification...CSQA wud be a good choice for you...CSQA talks more of processes...It also covers few aspects of testing and management...Please visit the site www.softwarecertifications.org for more informations...Please make sure that u have all the mentioned pre requisites as specified on the site bfore u take up the certification...(i.e Qualification,Experience etc)...

U have asked From where do u need to start ? I wud suggest u to start reading CSQA CBOK...Thats the book which u need to refer for the exam...If u do not have the CBOK,send me ur mail ID...I wud send u the CBOK & Sample Question Papers...U can get CBOK the moment u register for the exam...Remember this certification is valid only for three years after u complete the same...

Do let me know if u have any other questions...

Regards
Sudhakar Packiamuthu(CSQA,CSTE)