[Offtopic] IEEE Professional Certification

[stephen at melbpc.org.au]

IEEE Computer Society to Launch Professional
Certification for Entry-Level Software Developers

http://www.computer.org

LOS ALAMITOS, Calif.- The IEEE Computer Society, the world's leading 
organization of computing professionals, today launched a new professional 
certification for entry-level software developers ..

Formal announcement of the Certified Software Development Associate (CSDA) 
program will take place on Tuesday, 13 May at 5 p.m. in conjunction with 
the IEEE Computer Society's annual meeting. The first CSDA exam will be 
held the same day..

The Computer Society developed the certification in response to industry's 
requests for a way to evaluate the skill and knowledge of those entering 
the software field. 

The CSDA exam covers core software-engineering principles and validates an 
entry-level candidate's knowledge of the foundations of computer science, 
mathematics, and engineering. 

It is designed to complement the Computer Society's Certified Software 
Development Professional program.

"Software engineers should take the CSDA because it offers them the 
opportunity to demonstrate their proficiency in, and commitment to, 
software-engineering principles,"said Susan K. (Kathy) Land, CSDP and 
president-elect of the IEEE Computer Society. 

Land, principal software and systems engineer at MITRE Corp., said there's 
a difference between individuals who can code and individuals who 
understand the engineering discipline as it's applied to the software 
lifecycle. She added that employers are searching for well-rounded 
information technology experts. Unlike vendor- or application-specific 
certifications, a broad range of topics are covered by the CSDA, which is 
based on the IEEE's Guide to the Software Engineering Body of Knowledge.

The CSDA certification was developed through rigorous adherence to 
internationally accepted procedures. It features a self-directed learning 
system that consists of print modules, an online course, and instructor 
materials. Prometric will administer the exam through its thousands of 
testing centers around the world. 

Individuals interested in the CSDA can visit http://www.computer.org/csda 
and sign up to take the exam at their convenience. Proctors can be also 
arranged for companies interested in having groups of their employees take 
the exam. This site and all contents (unless otherwise noted) are 
Copyright ©2008, IEEE, Inc. All rights reserved. 
--

Cheers people
Stephen Loosley
Victoria, Australia