CSQE
Certified Software Quality Engineer (CSQE)
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ExploreAbout this exam
The Certified Software Quality Engineer (CSQE) is a certification offered by ASQ for professionals who work on software quality development and implementation, software inspection, testing, verification and validation, and the processes and methods used to develop and maintain software. It suits practitioners who already hold a software quality or software engineering role and want a credential that signals depth in testing, validation and QA. The exam is multiple choice and measures comprehension of the CSQE Body of Knowledge, which ASQ publishes as a downloadable document; that document is the authoritative statement of what the exam covers, including the cognitive level at which each topic is tested. All ASQ exams are open book, so candidates bring their own bound reference materials, and a basic scientific calculator is available on-screen for computer-based testing. ASQ lists a question bank and the ASQ CSQE Handbook as preparation resources, and also publishes a list of references that form the basis for exam questions. Eligibility rests on years of on-the-job experience in Body of Knowledge areas, part of it in a decision-making position, with waivers for completed degrees.
What you'll study
About CSQE preparation
How long is the CSQE exam and how many questions does it have?
It depends on delivery mode. Computer-delivered, the exam is one part, 175 questions, four and a half hours, with 160 questions scored and 15 unscored. Paper and pencil, it is one part, 160 questions, four hours. Both are offered in English only.
What score do I need to pass?
ASQ does not publish a passing score on the CSQE certification page, and no scaled cut score or percentage is stated there. Treat any specific pass mark you see elsewhere as unverified and check ASQ's exam results FAQ for how results are reported.
Is the exam open book?
Yes. All ASQ exams are open book and you bring your own reference materials, but everything must be bound and stay bound during the exam: stitched or glued, or fastened through all pages with ring binders, spiral binders, plastic snap binders, brads or screw posts. Hand-stapled documents are not allowed.
What can I bring into the test room?
Bring one valid government-issued photo ID with a signature, matching the name on your application. Prometric provides scratch paper and pencils, and a basic scientific calculator is on-screen for computer-based exams. Hand-stapled materials, unbound notes or tablets, and slide or wheel charts are prohibited.
What happens if I fail?
You receive a summary of your performance by email within 3-5 business days of your computer-based exam. For 2 years from your previous attempt you can apply at a significantly reduced retake rate. Results for paper-based tests are slightly delayed.
How far ahead should I plan my exam appointment?
Arrive 30 minutes before your scheduled appointment for check-in; if you are late you will not be allowed to test and forfeit your exam fee. To change your date or time, do it at least five days before the appointment through Prometric. There is a $130 fee for changing an appointment.
How long does the application take to process?
Application review takes 1-2 business days for online applications and 3-5 for hardcopy applications. After approval, computer-based candidates get an eligibility email with Prometric scheduling instructions 1-2 business days later. Paper-based candidates instead get a seating letter about 2 weeks before the exam date.
How much experience do I need before applying?
Eight years of on-the-job experience in one or more CSQE Body of Knowledge areas, at least three of them in a decision-making position, in a full-time paid role. Degree waivers reduce the eight years: one year for a technical or trade school diploma, two for an associate degree, four for a bachelor's, five for a master's or doctorate. Only one waiver may be claimed.
What should I study first?
Start with the CSQE Body of Knowledge document, which lists topics with subtext and the cognitive level tested. Then use ASQ's published reference list, which forms the basis for exam questions. The CSQE Question Bank offers sample questions with a simulated timed exam, and the ASQ CSQE Handbook supports preparation.
What trips candidates up most often?
Preparation mismatches the exam: candidates study general software testing rather than the Body of Knowledge topics and their stated cognitive levels. Others overlook the open-book rules and arrive with unbound or hand-stapled notes, which are refused, or arrive late and forfeit the fee. Build a bound reference set in advance and rehearse finding material quickly.