Source: IEEE
March 4, 2008

IEEE To Expand Advocacy Of Professional Certification For Software Developers

IEEE Computer Society Partners with ITPG to Enhance Outreach for Certified Software Development Professional (CSDP)

SD WEST 2008, Booth 418, March 4, 2008 – The IEEE Computer Society, the world’s leading organization of computer professionals, today announced it would expand advocacy of the Certified Software Development Professional (CSDP) program among its nearly 90,000 members worldwide and the IT community at large, as well as increase the numbers of those taking the software engineering e-learning course associated with the certification.

“Although software engineering is projected to be one of the fastest-growing occupations through 2014, employers and the public-at-large can’t be assured of the quality or knowledge of these workers, even those involved in mission-critical applications,” said Susan K. (Kathy) Land, CSDP, president-elect of the IEEE Computer Society. “IEEE believes the software engineering field must incorporate all the rigorous requirements of a professional discipline so employers and society are assured developers have validated skills and are receiving continuing education.”

IEEE is partnering with ITPG, Inc., a global leader in the development and delivery of world-class professional education and certification programs, to provide market analysis and develop strategic relationships, staff a call center in support of CSDP exams and e-learning courses, and promote the CSDP worldwide.

With offices in Virginia, London, Hong Kong and Tokyo, ITPG will utilize its global marketing resources to reach software engineering professionals around the world for IEEE, according to Dow Williamson, ITPG’s vice president of corporate development.

“ITPG is perfectly suited to help IEEE members and non-member software developers learn more about the CSDP and become trained and certified,” said Williamson. “We are gratified that the IEEE Computer Society, one of the pre-eminent technology professional organizations in the world, has entrusted us to promote the growth of this important certification.”

Introduced in 2001, the CSDP is the only professional certification offered by IEEE and the sole brand name credential for software developers. It is intended to validate competence for mid-level software developers and software engineering professionals.

“The CSDP provides a true measure that a professional possesses a broad understanding of the software development discipline and is committed to his or her career,” said Steven C. McConnell, CSDP, CEO and chief software engineer at Construx Software, a leading technical consulting firm in software development best practices.

To obtain the CSDP, candidates must pass an exam demonstrating mastery of the software engineering body of knowledge (SWEBOK), subscribe to a professional code of ethics, as well as possess a bachelor’s or equivalent degree and at least 9,000 hours of experience in at least six of the 11 knowledge areas the exam covers. To maintain their certification, CSDPs must complete annual continuing professional education.

The CSDP exam was developed and is regularly updated through a job-analysis process that provides an industry-accepted, systematic procedure for identifying and validating specific domains of the profession, as well as the knowledge and skills that are necessary to perform it. The e-learning course is designed to help those preparing to take the CSDP exam better understand best-practice principles and concepts in designing, constructing and testing software.

Those interested in more information about the CSDP or to schedule an e-learning course or exam can visit: www.computer.org/certification.

About the IEEE Computer Society

With nearly 100,000 members (40 percent of whom reside outside of the United States), the IEEE Computer Society (www.computer.org) is the world’s leading organization of computer professionals. Founded in 1946, it is the largest of the 39 societies of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE).

The Society is dedicated to advancing the theory, practice, and application of computer and information processing technology. Through its conferences, applications-related and research-oriented journals, local and student chapters, distance learning campus, technical committees, the Society promotes an active exchange of information, ideas, and technological innovation among its members. Its Certified Software Development Professional (CSDP) program feeds the demand for fully trained, competent software engineers as the computer industry has expanded and systems have become more complex and sophisticated requiring higher competence in building quality systems.

The IEEE Computer Society is also known throughout the world as the leading organization for developing technology standards in computing. Its Standards Activities Board provides an organizational framework and conducive environment within which to develop broadly accepted, sound, timely, and technically excellent standards that will advance the theory and practice of computing and information processing science and technology.

About ITPG

ITPG is an internationally recognized leader in the development, delivery, and management of world-class professional education and certification programs. Founded in 1998, ITPG has educated more than 25,000 high-technology professionals while conducting 1,500 classes in over 40 countries; and has delivered 75,000 candidates for professional certification examinations. Based in Vienna, Va., USA, ITPG has offices in London, Hong Kong and Tokyo. More information is available at www.ITPG.org.