An increasing number of employers are seeking software development professionals who have earned a CSDA or CSDP credential. In this very competitive and global economy, having one of these credentials is a great benefit to you, the software development professional, and your employer. These credentials provide a means of assessing your personal progress and will serve as a motivator for continuing your professional education.
CSDA and CSDP certifications are vendor neutral, and designed to provide a solid measure of your understanding of software development principles. They are the only two credentials based upon both an ISO-IEC Technical Report and the Guide to the Software Engineering Body of Knowledge (SWEBOK), an internationally-accepted consensus on industry-standard software practices.
Both the CSDA and CSDP distinguish you with a credential that is based on the Guide to the Software Engineering Body of Knowledge (SWEBOK). They communicate to the world that you are up to date on established, industry-standard, software development practices, demonstrate your commitment to expanding your knowledge and increasing your responsibilities, and equip you with an internationally-accepted software certification that is globally transportable. In addition, holding a credential motivates you to participate in professional activities and educational opportunities, and connects you with a network of software engineering professionals, all dedicated to advancing the profession.
Employing software developers with CSDA or CSDP certifications raises the competency level of your workforce, resulting in a more efficient and competitive workforce that produces higher-quality software. It provides an objective measure of an individual's level of competence and lowers hiring risk by providing an objective measurement to help select the right candidate for the job. Employing IEEE Computer Society certification holders increases the overall pedigree and reputation of your company and enables your company to objectively respond to contracts and quotes with measurable software development skills.
Candidates have four options for registering or applying and submitting examination and registration or application payment.
- Online: visit http://www.computer.org/certification, and go to CSDA or CSDP.
- Fax: Send the completed registration or application form along with full registration or application fee to 1-866-489-5084.
- Phone: Call toll free 1-866-681-7613. Candidates must also complete and submit the registration or application form via mail or online.
- Mail: Mail the completed registration or application form along with full registration or application fees to:
IEEE Computer Society, Certification
10662 Los Vaqueros Circle
Los Alamitos, CA 90720-3014
| IEEE or IEEE Computer Society Members | Non-Member | ||
| CSDA Preperation Course | $245* | $345* | |
| Total CSDA Examination Fee | $295* | $395* | |
| CSDA Bundle package (preparation and exam) | $495* | $645* |
| IEEE or IEEE Computer Society Members | Non-Member | ||
| CSDP Preperation Course | $445* | $545* | |
| Total CSDP Examination Fee | $395* | $495* | |
| CSDP Bundle package (preparation and exam) | $695* | $845* |
* Certification exams are priced in US dollars. In some countries and regions, additional taxes may apply. Contact csda@computer.org or csdp@computer.org or call 866-681-7613 for further information.
* Certification exam prices are subject to change.
The IEEE Computer Society offers various preparation options for the CSDA and CSDP examinations. Please visit the preparation pages at http://www.computer.org/portal/web/certification/csda/prepare or http://www.computer.org/portal/web/certification/csdp/prepare.
Special pricing is offered at various times of the year. For the latest offers, visit http://www.computer.org/portal/web/certification/promos.
We accept payment by Visa, MasterCard, American Express, check, and wire transfer. Checks should be made payable to the IEEE Computer Society and drawn on a US bank. To pay by wire transfer, please follow the instructions below:
The net amount of US dollars received must equal the amount due. Send sufficient funds to cover the amount due and any bank charges. Ask your bank to include the invoice number and other identifying information such as name or item ordered in the reference information sent with the funds. For further wire transfer information, please contact certification@computer.org or call 866-681-7613.
IEEE Computer Society certification programs are available worldwide. For specific countries, please visit http://www.pearsonvue.com/ieeecs/ or contact csda@computer.org or csdp@computer.org or call 866-681-7613 to locate a testing center near you.
Send your request for cancellation in writing. You may fax your notice to the certification department at 1-866-489-5084 or e-mail it to certification@computer.org. Cancellations may only be made by the candidate.
The exam will take place in a Pearson VUE Testing Center.
To find out all the details about exam registration and what to do on "Test Day", download the CSDA or CSDP bulletin.
The reference list can be found at http://www.computer.org/portal/web/swebok/consolidated_reference_list.
The IEEE Computer Society recommends the CSDA Preparation Course to prepare for the exam.
After purchasing the CSDA Preparation Course, you can assess your knowledge of the Software Engineering Body of Knowledge (SWEBOK). This self-paced, online course is for entry-level software development professionals and contains four modules that span the 15 knowledge areas (KAs) of the new SWEBOK Guide Version 3. Each module features in-line quizzes on topics so that you will be able to track your progress every step of the way. Online access is available for 6 months.
If you are a Senior Member of IEEE or a licensed software engineer, no further qualifications are necessary. All other candidates are required to have either a bachelor's degree or a CSDA, or be a full IEEE member or a post-secondary teacher. In addition, one of the following is required: an advanced degree in software engineering or at least two years (about 3,500 hours) of experience in the software industry.
The IEEE Computer Society offers the CSDP Preparation Course, the SWEBOK Guide, and other resources for preparing for the exam.
For rescheduling or canceling your scheduled examination, contact the IEEE Computer Society at certification@computer.org or call 866-681-7613 before proceeding with Pearson VUE. If your scheduled exam appointment is less than 30 days away and you decide to reschedule or cancel through Pearson VUE prior to contacting IEEE Computer Society, you will still be charged with the fees below.
The CSDA/CSDP exam takes places in a Pearson VUE Testing Center. The next test window runs from 18 November to 29 December, with a 29 November registration deadline.
Pearson VUE requires written documentation of the disability from the candidate's doctor or another qualified medical professional. There may be an extra fee for making these arrangements; please contact certification@computer.org for more information. Special accommodations are granted to give a candidate the opportunity to be tested in an equivalent manner as other candidates, but not to provide an advantage over other candidates.
The scale score for the certification exam ranges from 120 to 200, with the passing point at a scaled score of 170. If you receive a scale score equal to or greater than 170, your score report will have only the word "PASS." If you receive a scaled score less than 170, you will have a numeric scaled score and the word "FAIL." The score report will also include diagnostic information to help the unsuccessful candidate identify strengths and weaknesses in the different content areas of the exam.
If you don't pass the CSDA or CSDP, you have the opportunity to retake the exam after 30 days. You may be eligible for a discount when retaking the exam. For more information, contact certification@computer.org or call 866-681-7613.
Candidates who successfully complete the IEEE Computer Society certification requirements and who enter into the Certification Candidate Agreement may use the certification logo as a graphic symbol to demonstrate to clients their expertise.
No, the CSDA does not require recertification.
Yes, the CSDP requires recertification every three years. A minimum of 30 Professional Development Units (PDU) credits must be earned over the three-year reporting period.
By keeping your certification current, you are demonstrating that you are a leader in your field with the expertise and skills needed to meet the diverse technical challenges of today's business.
Recertification costs $200 for IEEE or IEEE Computer Society members and $300 for nonmembers. A $100 late fee will be charged if payment is received later than the certificate holder's recertification deadline.
A licensed software engineer is someone who is licensed as a professional engineer in their own country or state. Currently the state of Texas, some Canadian provinces, the United Kingdom, and Australia require that software engineers be licensed. A licensed software engineer is automatically qualified to take the CSDP examination.