IEEE CS Certification Programs
 
FAQs
 

General

CSDA

CSDP

Exams

Logos

Recertification

Qualifications: Definitions

Tax, Customs, Shipping & Handling Fees

 

General

Why should I become certified?  What are the benefits in becoming a certificate holder in the IEEE CS certification programs?

  • Strengthens your employment and marketablity through increased knowledge and skills
  • Builds proficiency of the software development process
  • Expands your professional network with industry experts and peers
  • Increases your level of customer entrustment based on your credentials
  • Boosts your morale and personal confidence

 


How do I register for the Certification exam?
Candidates have four options to register/apply and submit examination and registration/application payment.

  1. Online: visit http://www.computer.org/certification
  2. Fax: Candidates must complete and submit the registration/application form along with full registration/application fee. Fax to 1-866-489-5084.
  3. Phone: Call 1-703-356-4388 or toll free 1-866-681-7613. Candidates must also complete and submit the registration/application form via mail or online.
  4. Mail: Candidates must complete and submit the registration/application form along with full registration/application fee.  Mail form and payment to:
    IEEE Computer Society, Certification
    10662 Los Vaqueros Circle
    Los Alamitos, CA 90720-3014

 


How much do certification exams cost?

 IEEE or CS MemberNonmember
Application/Registration Fee$100$100
Examination Fee$350$450
Total$450$550

* Certification exams are priced according to currency values in specific countries and regions.  In some countries and regios, additional taxes may apply.  Please contact csda@computer.org or csdp@computer.org for further information.
* Certification exam prices are subject to change.
 


Can I participate in the IEEE CS certification programs if I am in Malaysia?
Yes, IEEE CS supports certification programs in Malaysia.  The testing center address is shown below:
Prometric Testing Center
Suite 21A-15-1, Faber Imperial Court
Kuala Lumpur 50250
 


In what countries are the IEEE CS certification programs available?
IEEE CS Certification programs are available in North America, India, China, and Europe.  For other countries, please contact IEEE CS at csda@computer.org or csdp@computer.org.
 

How do the IEEE CS certification programs differ from certification programs from Microsoft and others?
Certification programs from Microsoft, Oracle and others are proprietary, product-specific, and measure a certificate holder's knowledge in that particular product area.  The IEEE CS has developed certification programs that are industry standard measurements of fundamental software engineering practices.  Our certification programs can be used by any company, in any industry, to develop and measure a baseline of knowledge for their software engineers/developers.

 


How will the certification credentials help an individual advance in his/her career?
The impact of the certification credentials on your career opportunities will grow as the industry increasingly attaches value to this designation.  Each year, more and more employers are expected to seek individuals who have earned certification.  Attaining this certification will provide a means of assessing your personal progress in your occupation and will serve as a motivator for continuing your education. 

 

CSDA

What are the qualifications to take the CSDA?
There are no qualifications needed to register for the CSDA.
 


How do I become CSDA certified?
There are 3 steps to becoming certified.

  1. Prepare for the exam
  2. Register for the exam
  3. Take the exam

Therefore, the time it takes to complete certification depends on how ready and how much time each individual is dedicated to the preparation.

 

What learning/prep materials are available for the CSDA exam?  Where can I find them?
There are many preparation materials available.  IEEE CS recommends the CSDA Learning System to prepare for the exam.  For more information and to purchase the learning system, please visit http:www/computer.org/csda/prepare.
 


How will the learning system help me to master the CSDA materials and prepare for the exam?
The learning system has 4 modules.  After purchasing the CSDA LS, candidate will have access to th online exercises.  The online exercises include a pre-test (50 questions), and each module tests.

  1. Module 1 (86 questions)
  2. Module 2 (35 questions)
  3. Module 3 (67 questions)
  4. Module 4 (81 questions)

Afte taking all the pre-test and module tests, the candidate will be directred to a post-test (180 questions).  The post-test has the same format as the actual exam.  At the end of each test, the candidate will have the test report which correlates to how well the candidate has mastered the materials compared to the weight of the actual exam.  In any areas where the candidate scored poorly, they can go back to re-study the module and re-take the module test.

 


What other study methods are avaliable to prepare for the CSDA examination?
Study methods available include self study and a seminar with instructor led training.  Contact csda@computer.org for more information.
 


What is the cost for the CSDA Learning System?
The CSDA Learning System, online preparation course, cost is $695 for members and $795 for non-members.  The CSDA Learning System format comes either as a CD Rom or printed materials.  CSDA Sample Exam questions are available for free after completing a contact questionnarie.  CSDA Learning System prices are subject to change.  For pricing in other countries, please contact csda@computer.org.
 

CSDP

What are the qualifications to take the CSDP?
If you are a Senior Member of IEEE or a licensed software engineer, no further qualifications are necessary.  All other candidates are required to meet both Education and Experience requirements to be qualified for the examination:

Education (must have at least one):

  • I have a bachelor's degree
  • I am a CSDA certificate holder
  • I am an educator at the post-secondary level
  • I am a full member of the IEEE

Experience (must have at least one):

  • I have an advanced degree in software engineering and at least two years (about 3,500 hrs) of experience in the software industry
  • I have at least four years (about 7,000 hrs) experience in the software industry

 

How do I become CSDP certified?
There are 4 steps to becoming certified.

  1. Make sure you meet the qualifications
  2. Prepare for the certification exam
  3. Apply for the exam
  4. Take the exam

Therefore, the time it takes to complete certification depends on how ready and how much time each individual is dedicated to the preparation.

 


What learning/prep materials are available for the CSDP exam?  Where can I find them?
There are many preparation materials available.  IEEE CS recommends the candidate to prepare for the exam with online materials and SWEBOK.  The online prepartion course can be purchased at http://www.computer.org/csdp/prepcourse.  The SWEBOK book can be purchased at http://www.computer.org/swebokbook.  We have an excellent selection of Workbooks, Resource Guides, a CD, primary references, and sample exam questions.  These receommended study materials can be found at http://www.computer.org/csdp/prepare.
 


What study methods are available to prepare for the CSDP examination?
Study methods available include self study and a seminar with instructor led training.  Contact csdp@computer.org for more information.
 


What is the cost for the learning materials?
The online preparation course is a one time fee of $395 for members and $495 for nonmembers.  The SWEBOK reference book is available for $60.00.  The CSDP resource guide is available for $74.50 and the CSDP Workbook is available for $60.00.  Primary references are available are available for free.  CSDP Sample Exam questions are available for free after completing a contact questionnaire.
 


 

Exams

Where and when can I take the CSDA/CSDP exam?
The CSDA/CSDP exam takes places in a Prometric Testing Center. We Support testing in various centers across the world.  Please visit the following website to locate a testing center near you: http://www.prometric.com/IEEE/default.htm.  There are different testing windows and deadlines to take the CSDA/CSDP exam.  Please view the table below for important dates.

 

Testing WindowRegistration Deadline
1 January - 11 July 200927 June 2009
12 July - 12 December 2009

1 December 2009

 

I have a disability that might affect my performance on a certification exam.  What accomodations are available?
Prometric requires written documentation of the disability from the candidate's doctor or another qualified medical professional.  There is no extra fee for making these arrangements.  Special accommodations are granted to give a candidate the opportunity to be tested in an equivalent manner with other candidates, but not to provide an advantage over other candidates.

 


How should I interpret my score report?
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 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.
 


What if I do not pass the CSDA/CSDP exam?  Is there an opportunity to retake the exam?  When can I retake the exam?
If you do not pass the CSDA, you will receive a numeric scaled score immediately following the examination and the word "Fail".  The score report will also include diagnostic information to help the unsuccessful candidate identify strengths and weaknesses in the different examination areas.  The candidate has the opportunity to retake the exam.  You can retake the exam after 30 days.
 


Logos

How do I use the Certification logo, and what are my rights and responsibilities when I use it?
Candidates who successully 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.  Please contact csda@computer.org or csdp@computer.org to request the CSDA or CSDP logo.
 



Can I add the Certification designation to my business card and resume?
Yes, you can add the Certification designation to your business card and resume throughout the period of certification.  The current logos for certification will remain usable by those who have achieved those credentials.
 


How can I receive the logos?
Once you have completed and passed the certification exam, please contact either csda@computer.org or csdp@computer.org to receive the digital logos?
 



Recertification

Does the CSDA require recertification?
No, the CSDA does not require recertification.
 



Does the CSDP require recertification?
Yes, the CSDP requires recertificaiton every 3 years.  Please go to http://www.computer/prg/csdp/recertification for more details.
 



Why should I keep my certification current?
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.
 



How do I get recertified for the CSDP?
For recertification, you must apply to take the exam or apply for the exam waiver.  A minimum of 30 PDU credits must be earned over the three-year reporting period.  For recertification applicaiton, please visit http://www.computer.org/csdp/recertification.
 



How much does recertification cost?
 

 Application FeeExamination FeeRecertification Adminstration Fee
IEEE or CS Member$100$350$300
Nonmember$100$450$400

* Late fee of $100 will be charged if received later than certificate holder's recertification deadline.
* Members receive $100 discount on examination fee or recertificaiton adminstration fee.
* Certification is priced according to currency values in specific countries and regions.  In some countries and regions, additional taxes may apply.
* Certification prices are subject to change.
 



Qualifications: Definitions

Licensed Software Engineer
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 their software engineers be licensed.  A Licensed Software Engineer is automatically qualified to take the CSDP examination. 
 



Full member of the IEEE
Member of the Computer Society alone or in conjunction with the IEEE.  Must be one of the following:

  • Electrical engineer or computer scientist graduated from a recognized educational degree program
  • A related degree plus three years aplicabale professail experience
  • Six year applicable professional experience

 



Senior member of the IEEE
Computer Society members who are also regular members of the IEEE.  The Senior Member requires experience reflecting professional maturity.  Senior Members must be engineers, scientists, educators, technical executives, or originators in designated fields.  Senior Members must have professional practice for at least ten years and should have active professional practice over at least five of those years.  This should include one or more of the following:

  • Substantial engineering responsibilty or achievement
  • Publication of engineering or scientific papers, books or inventions
  • Technical direction or management of important scientific or engineering work with evident of accomplishment
  • Recognized contributions to the welfare of the scientific or engineering profession
  • Development or furtherance of important scientific or engineering courses or a Recognized Education program
  • Contributions equivalent to those of 1 and 5 above in areas such as technical editing, patent prosecution, or patent law, provided these contributions serve to advance progress substantially in IEEE designated fields

 



Educator at the baccalaureate level
In North America, the qualification for a full time educator is one who teaches 16 units per quarter or 12 units per semester in one year.
 



Advanced degree with 2 years experience
Master's degree or further and 2 years work experience in software engineering/development.
 

 

Tax, Shipping & Handling Fees

What additional charges are added to each CSDA Online Learning System & CSDP Online Learning System orders?
Handling charges (if applicable), sales tax (if applicable), and non-US or priority freight (if either is applicable) will be automatically added to your order.
 


What countries and US States have sales taxes applied to each CSDA Online Learning System & CSDP Online Learning System order?
Within the US: Please add applicable state/county/local sales tax for shipments to NM, WV.
Within Canada: Residents of New Brunswick, Newfoundland, & Nova Scotia, please add the HST of 13% to order total (including shipping & handling charges). Residents of other provinces, please add the GST of 5% to order total.
 


What countries and US States have sales taxes applied to each CSDA Printed Learning System & CSDA CD Learning System or CSDP CD Learning System order?
Within the US: Please add applicable state/county/local sales tax for shipments to AL, AZ, CA, CO, DC, FL, GA, IL, IN, KY, MA, MD, MI, MN, MO, NC, NJ, NM, NY, OH, OK, WI, WV.
Within Canada: Residents of New Brunswick, Newfoundland, & Nova Scotia, please add the HST of 13% to order total (including shipping & handling charges). Residents of other provinces, please add the GST of 5% to order total. GST & HST apply only to printed materials.
 


What are the handling charges per CSDA Printed Learning System & CSDA CD Learning System or CSDP CD Learning System order?
For orders totaling (before tax) over $200.00, the handling charges will be $22.00.
 


What are the tax and customs charges on shipping per CSDA Printed Learning System & CSDA CD Learning System or CSDP CD Learning System order?
Handling charges are taxable for shipments to Canada HST/GST and the United States of: AL, AZ, CA, CO, DC, FL, GA, IL, IN, KY, MD, MI, MN, MO, NC, NJ, NM, NY, OH, WI, WV.
Federal Express is taxable for Canada HST/GST and the United States of CO, GA, IL, IN, KY, MI, MN, NC, NJ, NM, NY, OH, WI, WV.  Customs duties, taxes, and other governmental fees are the responsibilities of the recipient.
For specific tax information, please contact 1 (800) 272-6657.
 


What are non-US freight charges per CSDA Printed Learning System & CSDA CD Learning System or CSDP CD Learning System order?
In addition to the handling fee, the actual FedEx Economy freight cost will be added to the total for non-US orders. Please contact 1 (800) 272-6657 for further information.