Strategy for CSQA preparation ( 1 )

• First Read the CBOK completely- You have 80% chances of getting Objective
type questions from this CBOK.

• Read the theory ..... go thru all of it .... then again and again and again
.... (that makes it about 3 readings after the intial reading ....)

• Prepare a list of simple objective questions based on the material .. each
line may yeild one question.... for each chapter / Skill.

• Go thru the list of questions .. put them up on a wall ..... coz getting it
right will be a matter of semantics i.e. knowing what is written in the
material.

• The exam looks at how you will tackle a situation, Exam looks at how you
will face up to problems in day to day IT life.

• In most of the objective questions - they would be definitions. We need to
be clear of all definitions say for E.g. What is Software Engineering

1. Is it a Scientific Discipline 2. Systematic Discipline ... In such a case
we will be puzzled - what exacly it is? both seem right answers - but the
correct one will get a point.

• So we have to be very careful reading and understanding definitions.

• Some questions came outside the CBOK - we have to be careful to see that we
have read and understood again most of the definitions.

• Software Testing, difference between QA and QC, Metrics, Demings 14 points,
Malcom Baldrige ...

• So to pass the exam we have to read and understand CBOK completely and read
some supplimentary books on Metrics, Testing, Demings 14 points, Out of crisis
for e.g. ..Anything that will help gain more knowledge.

• CQA looks at knowing more rather than in depth. If some one asks you is
there a difference between ReEnginnering and Reverse Engineering?

• Then the CQA should be in a position to convince him what these two stand
for - so the exam expects us to know More definitions.

For the Theory.

•
Understand the Theory given in the material ....

• Try and exptrapolate the thoertical Principles with what you are doing in
real life.......

• Visit and Read as many websites on NET as possible ...(Specially those
related to testing/QA/QC) .Look for Web Links on href="http://csqa.info">http://csqa.info.

• Read the Clasisic on Testing by Glenford Meyers (Cover to cover atleast
twice)

• Read the book - software Testing in REal World by Edward KIt -- (Covers a
lot of aspects of ISO, CMM and TQM, also )

• Understand the basis of Demings Principles ..

• Read books by Eliyahu Goldratt visit the website ...

• Read some of the MBA material related to Quality Management / H. R.
Management

But most important of all

• Join a discussion group and air out all your ideas conflicts doubts ..

• Get in touch with people and discuss practical work and how it differs from
theory

• Try and explain the theory to some one in the same field .. i.e. Teach it
...(the best way of learning it ..)

• You will be given situations - most of them will come from your day to day
experiences - You will be required to come up with a solutions

• Use Bullet points - Do not write history- be specific and to the point.

• Some Examples.

• What are The Measurements you will collect to help your Management.

• They give scenario and you may be required to draw a Pareto or a cause and
effect or a Histogram

• When you will stop testing?

Well each company has its own practice and defined procedure of doing. You
can write one which you find meaningful.

General Suggestions:

• We have to be very calm that day- be cool - be ready to spare 5 hours with
10 minute break between papers.

Before Answering Descriptive type
Questions,

• Read the questions thoroughly and understand that the Question is asking,
accordingly frame your answers. You have 4.5 minutes approximately for each case
study. Try and read the actual meaning .. one beyond the obvious .. Try and get
to the heart of the matter

• If Question asked you to answer 1 ,2 ,3 then you have to answer all the
three or in some cases it is a,b,c or i, ii, iii - some thing like. Make sure
that You attempt everything. Also Your answers should be like this

• First write 1 or a or i - as per the question - then below that write your
answer - again Bulleted points.

• Note that if a question asked you points 1,2,3 and you attempted only 1 and
2 or you included point 3 in point 2 - so the evaluator will defnitely will not
give any credit. So Be and Be careful.

• Gather your thoughts carefully about the subject.

• Note them down point wise -- brief precise and "To the Point". Doing so
will fetch good marks. It will attract the evaluator.