The Certified Manager of Software Testing (CMST) certification establishes a worldwide standard for the assessment of the capabilities and competencies of software testing professionals that are working at, or soon will work at, the software testing management level.
Acquiring the designation of CMST indicates a level of professional competence in both the principles and practices of software testing, demonstrating the skills and capabilities necessary to manage the software test function. The CMST certification provides IT upper management a necessary tool to predict the likelihood of success of individuals applying for management level positions. The CMST certification also provides the IT professional with an objective assessment of their management skills.
Examination Availability: (CMST)
The CMST certification exam is currently ONLY available in the following areas
Belarus, India, and Sri Lanka.
To qualify for candidacy, each applicant must:
• Currently hold an activeCSTE Certification (recommended, not required).
• Be working in the field covered by the certification designation.
• Have the experience to demonstrate mastery of the skills identified in the current Software Testing Common Body of Knowledge(CBOK) and be prepared to submit Real-World Experience documentation that supports your experience in the software testing field.
• Be prepared to take the required manager’s level examination.
AND meet one of the following three prerequisites:
1. A bachelor’s degree from accredited college-level institution & 4 years of experience in the software testing field
2. An associate degree & 6 years of experience in the software testing field
3. Eight years of experience in the software testing field.
An applicant for certification must adhere to the Code of Ethics that outlines the ethical behaviors expected of all certified professionals by the ISCB.
The CMST application fee is:
• $450.00
The application fee includes the following:
• Instant access to a PDF file of the CMSTCBOK (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 candidateInitial Exam which must be taken within one year from the date payment was processed or the application will expire
Examination Details: (CMST)
The exam itself is paper-based consisting of four parts - constructed response (essay) questions. The examination tests the candidate’s “practical” knowledge in the following four areas:
1. Test Management
2. Test Analysis
3. Test Planning and Execution
4. Communications and Relationships
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.
If you had an activeCSTE certification at the time of applying for the CMST, once you become a CMSTcertificant then your CSTE will remain active and mirror the CMST as long it remains active. CSTE certifications are not subject to reactivation if expired prior to applying for the CMST certification.
IMPORTANT:
Until the Real World Experience documentation has been submitted and approved by the ISCB the candidate will NOT be able to schedule their CMST exam.
Recertification
To maintain the CMST certification, it is a requirement that the certified manager continue to mature their technical and managerial competencies. Certified managers must earn 30 CPE (continuing professional education) points in each of the following four categories every three years (120 CPE total in three years):
• Management Skills (30 CPE / 3 years)
• Technical Skills (30 CPE / 3 years)
• Professional Development Activities in the Industry (30 CPE / 3 years)
• Additional activities in selected categories (30 CPE / 3 years)
