Preparing for the Examination
The certification examination is designed to identify the candidate’s ability to assist management in improving the quality of information systems within the specialization represented by the certification, evaluate his/her ability to apply quality assurance knowledge to practice in the discipline, and provide a foundation for granting professional recognition. The framework of any profession is the body of knowledge upon which it bases its standards.
The examination reflects state-of-the-art principles and practices from the disciplines included in the associated Body of Knowledge for the certification specialty. The exam expects that familiarity with current industry topics via experience, periodicals, and textbooks is continually being maintained. It is the philosophy of the DQS Certification™ India Board that knowledge of significant developments in the information services industry, as well as a basic understanding of the various disciplines affecting software quality assurance, be current. For this reason the examination instrument is continually reviewed and revised to implement these factors into the testing process.
Professional certification is a significant undertaking .Sufficient time and energy should be allocated by the candidate toward preparation. Most of the needed preparation involves reviewing and brushing up on the various knowledge domains in the certification’s respective Body of Knowledge. If candidates have extensive experience in the quality practices described in the knowledge domains of the Body of Knowledge, the examination should not be difficult. Candidates should avoid last minute cramming, as it is rarely beneficial in the long term. If their experience is minimal, or is limited to only certain areas of those related knowledge domains, they should seek study materials and work experience that will broaden their knowledge and experience. Unless candidates have had extensive exposure to quality management principles, and a broad array of job responsibilities within information services related to the certification knowledge domains, they are very unlikely to pass the certification examination. The examination presumes that candidates have had a broad exposure to quality practices and have reviewed and read the current literature available on quality management in their particular area. Candidates should avoid last-minute cramming, as it is rarely beneficial in the long term.
There is no specific outline of study curriculum established by DQS Certification™ India. Candidates are responsible for their own study and preparation. The Institute, as administrator of DQS Certification™ India, does not infer that attending specific courses or programs will significantly enhance the candidate’s chances of passing the examination. Bibliographic references are included in the applicable Body of Knowledge description for information purposes. Candidates are expected to know and pursue other and more recent resources.
Taking the Examination
Candidates should arrive at the examination location at least 30 minutes before the scheduled start time of the examination. Candidates must have their examination admittance letter (Sponsored Exams only) and photo identification with them in order to register and gain admission to the examination.
No study or supporting materials are permitted in the examination room. Seats are assigned for each individual. Breaks are taken between each examination part, and are not permitted during the taking of the examination sections. The examinations can take from 2 to 4 hours depending on the certification you selected. See the individual certification pages for more information about that particular certification exam.
Absence in Examination
Candidates who fail to appear for a scheduled examination are considered “Absent” and must reschedule their exam.
Candidates must first pay a $100 fee before they will be able to reschedule. This only applies if your application has not expired**.
** Note: Make sure you know exactly when your expiration date is as although your application may still be active when the payment is made, that does not guarantee you will be able to reschedule your exam for a future date as it may be after your application expiration date. If you are not sure contact DQS Certification™ India before proceeding as once funds are processed they are not refundable or transferable (see Payment Policy).
Examination Results
Examination results will be available in the Member Area, when the grading is complete, so there is no need to contact DQS Certification™ India regarding the results status as you will receive notification via email when results are posted. To view your results simply login to the Member Area and view Exam Status. The passing mark is 75% which is the average score of all parts.
Note: Once your online results are available, you will not receive your certificate for those passing for possibly another 3 to 6 weeks. Please be patient and if nothing is received 5 weeks after your results were announced then feel free to contact us at DQS Certification™ India, but NOT until then.
A certificate will be sent regular mail via the Postal Service using the default address in the Portal so it is critical that candidates keep their Portal records up to date as once mailed they are not traceable. Now even the smallest error or omission of information can cause serious delays in receipt or non delivery so make sure the address is complete and correct. Many candidates change their residence or job situations during their certification candidacy. If any such changes occur, it is the candidate’s responsibility to change their Profile information in the Member Area.
The processing of examination results will depend on how the examination was scheduled.
If you took your examination at DQS Certification™ India center, you will typically receive your results in 6 weeks:
Examination papers are not returned to the candidates. The examination process is not a diagnostic tool. Specific discussion concerning an individual’s exam results is prohibited by the policies and practices of the DQS Certification™ India. Original exam papers are destroyed one year after the exam date.
Candidates who do not pass the examination will need to retake the examination as long as their application has not yet expired** by either reaching the expiration date or their two attempts.
** Note: Make sure you know exactly when your expiration date is as although your application may still be active when the Retake payment is made, that does not guarantee you will be able to reschedule your exam for a future date as it may be after your application expiration date. If you are not sure contact DQS Certification™ India before proceeding as once funds are processed they are NOT refundable or transferable (see Payment Policy).
Appeals Process
Individuals dissatisfied with a failed exam score may appeal such results to the Appeals Committee of the DQS Certification™ India Board. Requests must be submitted in writing, and sent via certified mail, to:
Appeals Committee
DQS Certification India Private Limited
501, North-Ex GDITL Tower,
Netaji Subhash Place,
Pitampura,
Opposite to Netaji Subhash Place Metro Station,
Opposite to Wazirpur DTC Bus Depot,
New Delhi – 110034. INDIA
Mobile: +91 11 27025910, +91-9810268573, +91-9810895173
Email: support@dqsindia.com
Please note: Email communication would be preferred mode of communication.
It is the individual’s responsibility to include any and all supporting documentation that they believe is needed by the Appeals Committee to understand and properly assess the issue. The Appeals Committee meets monthly. All Appeals Committee decisions are final.