First-of-Its-Kind IEEE Computer Society Software Development Certification Examination Offered

After a rigorous three-year development process, the IEEE Computer Society will offer its new Certified Software Development Professional (CSDP) examination twice in 2002, 15 April to 30 June and 5 to 26 October. The new CSDP credential is intended for mid-level professionals.

Washington, DC -After a rigorous three-year development process, the IEEE Computer Society will offer its new Certified Software Development Professional (CSDP) examination twice in 2002, 15 April to 30 June and 5 to 26 October. The new CSDP credential is intended for mid-level professionals. The 3.5-hour examination covers topics such as software design, software requirements, and software testing. Candidates are required to have a baccalaureate or equivalent university degree and a minimum of 9,000 hours of experience in at least 6 of 11 knowledge areas.

The CSDP is designed to elevate educational standards and recognize those who demonstrate knowledge ential to the practice of software engineering. The IEEE Computer Society, the leading association for computing professionals, brought together industry and academic experts to create a first-of-its-kind examination. The CSDP examination is unique in its scope, depth, and candidate requirements, and is the only certification credential offered within the IEEE.

The certification examination is the first in a series to be offered under the societys Doing Software Right" initiative. "With the launch of this certification program," noted Leonard L. Tripp, former society president and chair of the Professional Practices Committee, "individuals will have a mechanism to demonstrate their understanding of software engineering knowledge and skills. This program is a step forward in the professionalism of the software engineering field."Steve McConnell, CEO and Chief Software Engineer, Construx Software, and author of Code Complete, Software Project Survival Guide, and After the Gold Rush, stated that Software engineering is a young field, and it can be difficult to distinguish amateurs from true professionals.

That's the vision that inspired the CSDP - a certification that measures personal competency against comprehensive standards. Because the CSDP is offered by the largest independent society of computing professionals, it is a uniquely valuable credential."The IEEE Computer Society developed the CSDP exam in conjunction with the Chauncey Group International, a leading certification test consultant and subsidiary of the Educational Testing Service.

The exam will be offered at more than 300 testing centers in the United States and Canada, as well as in select cities in Brazil, China, Hungary, India, Ireland, Japan and Russia.The Computer Society has also published a new two-volume resource guide for the CSDP program, an updated and expanded version of the best-selling CS Press tutorial, Software Engineering. Dr. Richard H. Thayer, author and widely recognized expert in the field of software engineering and software project management, will teach a three-day preparation course in Sacramento, CA; Austin, TX; and Washington, DC in April. Further information about the CSDP examination and the CSDP preparation program is found at http://computer.org/certification.

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The IEEE Computer Society is the worlds oldest and largest membership association of computer professionals and is the largest technical society within the IEEE. The IEEE Computer Society offers its nearly 100,000 members in more than 150 countries a comprehensive program of publications, meetings, and technical and educational activities. The society is also the worlds leading publisher of technical material in the computing field. Headquartered in Washington, DC, the society serves its members from offices in Los Alamitos, CA; Tokyo; and Brussels.

For more than 50 years, the IEEE Computer Society has provided opportunities for professionals to exchange insights and ideas, to solve problems, and to learn what the future of the industry may hold. Membership in the IEEE Computer Society is open to anyone with a serious interest in the computing field. For more information about the IEEE Computer Societys programs, publications, and services, visit http://computer.org.