What is smart Identification in QTP?

Smart identification mechanism is one of the most important and effective mechanisms of the quick test professional. Usually for the identification of an object the quick test professional goes around the usual i.e., the normal identification process.

But what the quick test professional is supposed to do when this usual object identification routine fails? At this point the smart identification mechanism of the quick test professional comes to the rescue of the testers.

Smart Identification in QTP

- The smart identification mechanism has got many positive attributes.

- It is more flexible and works with more efficiency for the identification of the difficult objects present in the application that cannot be found with the normal identification mechanism. 

- But for the smart identification to work, it is required that you enable this option in the object identification settings. 

- Smart identification mechanism works up on two types of properties as mentioned below:

1. Base filter properties and
2. Optional filter properties.

- The first category of the properties i.e., the base filter properties constitute of the most fundamental properties pertaining to a particular class of test object. 
- The values of the properties falling in this category cannot be changed or altered without changing the same properties in the original object.
- The second category of the properties i.e., the optional filter properties consists of the other properties that contribute in the identification process of the objects. 
- In the process of smart identification of an object, the quick test professional first erases from its memory the learnt description or the description that was entered by the user in to the physical description field of the object. 
- Instead of this single object, a list of matching objects (in this case such objects are called candidates) is created by the quick test professional called the candidate list. 
- This list is created based up on the properties that have been defined in the category of base filter properties and thus all the objects match a little or lot (i.e., to say one or more properties) with the base filter properties. 
- Base filter properties as the name suggests are the major properties that help cut down or reduce the number of objects in the candidate so that an exact match can be found or we can say that the area of search is reduced. 
- The idea is to be left with only one object matching with most or all of the properties mentioned in the saved description. 
- In some cases it may happen that it may be required to invoke smart identification mechanism during the run session. 
- In such cases a warning message is generated by the test results tree which indicates about the invocation of the smart identification and insertion of a smart identification process. 
- It is said that the smart identification is applicable only for the web based applications. 
- The object is recorded from the AUT or application under testing and its properties are identified accordingly and finally the scripts are executed. 
- Some times you may receive a warning alert in the results of the tests. 
- You just need to navigate over this message in the file which stores the messages and read what it says and follow accordingly. 
- Usually the normal identification routine fails whenever there occurs a dynamic change in the properties of the object to be identified. 
- Because of such dynamic changes the value of the object properties keep on changing thus making it difficult for the quick test professional to track that particular object. 
- These dynamic changes are shown only in the result and are not stored in the local object repository and are accessible only for the run  time. 

What are different concepts of Certified Software Quality Analyst (CSQA)?

Certified software quality analyst or CSQA as it is known in short form, is the certification that checks the software quality analysing capabilities and skills of an individual who applies for it.

Certified software quality analyst certification is gaining fast popularity in the field of software testing these days. Number of CSQA aspirants is growing day by day. More and more skilled individuals are now seeking to get this certification.

The certified software quality analysts use the principles of quality analysing in assessing the quality of the software. CSQA plays a great role in building up the reputation of an organization since it helps in improving the quality of the software products that it manufactures.

CSQA certification provides three main benefits.They have been mentioned below:

- It gives an acknowledgement about the skills and competency of the certified individual or professional.
- It proves to be a great factor in helping the deserving individual in getting job, promotion and good hike in salary.
- He/ she can continue his/ her education after fulfilling the re-certification requirements.

The duration of exam is 4 hours but it if you get qualified you will have great benefits. There are certain things that you need to fulfil before appearing for the examination.

These include:

- The candidate needs to fulfil all the prerequisites as laid down by the CSQA certification norms.
- The applicant needs to abide by the guidelines stated by the code of ethics and stick to them while discharging their duties.
- The applicant needs to submit a document for character reference along with the exam form.

An individual or professional can hold CSQA certification only for 3 years at a time and after that he/ she need to get re-certification for the same. This can be done by the following procedure:

- The applicant needs to submit a recertification journal which gives an account on the qualified educational activities by the professionals.
- The applicant may appear for a recertification exam.

What does this certification do?
- This certification tests the principles and practices that an individual or a professional follows regarding the management of good quality.

- CBOK only helps with understanding of concepts but does not provide any practical knowledge and experience.

- CSQA aims to test the ability of an individual to face the real world challenges.

- Most of the aspirants don’t know how to approach CSQA exam. It is just like a regular exam but with a more need of practical knowledge and awareness.

Try to understand the concepts listed in CBOK properly. You can also prepare questions for testing your preparation. While studying a concept, you need to relate those concepts to the real world challenge as to how you will use them in solving real world problems.

The candidate needs to meet any one of the following condition:

- A bachelor’s degree from a reputed and accredited institution along with an experience of 2 years.
- An associate degree along an experience of 4 years.
- If the applicant is not having any degree, he/ she must have an experience of 6 years minimum.

The aspirants must learn to adhere to the code of ethics. It is very important not abide by the code of ethics as it defines the behaviour that is expected from a professional. Depending up on your compliance, you may require submitting your education and employment documents. If you fail to submit, then you may be disqualified. To abide by the code of ethics is extremely important as one can even be subjected to decertification if his/her conduct is not good.

What are different characteristics of Certified Association in Software Quality (CASQ)?

CASQ is the abbreviated form of Certified Association in Software Quality. Day by day the competition is increasing in the market. Therefore it becomes necessary to incorporate ability in the management by virtue of which it can easily distinguish the skilled individuals and professionals. CASQ certification lays down a basic foundation for understanding of principles of quality assurance as well as the practices.

- Whenever software attains the certification of CASQ it attains a level of professionalism with regard to the principles and practices of software quality assurance in the field of information technology.

- The software becomes a member of an acclaimed group of professionalism and receives the recognition for its competency by professional and business associates.

- It is guaranteed with fast career advancement.

OBJECTIVE OF CASQ
This certified association of software quality is aimed at establishing the standards of the qualification. Its objective is to continue the advancement in the professional competence.

CASQ BENEFITS

- It defines the tasks and skills associated with the quality of the software in an appropriate order to determine the level of skill mastery.

-It brings out the will of an individual to make a professional improvement.

- It acknowledges the attainment of an standard of professional competency which is duly acceptable.

- It aids the other organizations in the process of selection and promotion of the individuals who qualify successfully.

- It motivates the skilled individuals and professionals to maintain their professional competency and also take up their software quality responsibilities effectively.

- It assists the skilled individuals and professionals in enhancing and improving the software quality assurance programs that are carried out by their organizations.

WHAT CERTIFIED CANDIDATES SHOULD DO?
- To accept the responsibility is a distinguishing mark of professional competency.

- The certified individuals must maintain their standards with regard to their conduct.

- This helps them in discharging their responsibilities effectively.

- If an individual wants to apply for certified association of software quality certification than he/ she has to strictly abide by the policy of the code of ethics that guide the principles and practices of software quality assurance.

- This software certification program comprises of procedures for monitoring the individuals’ behaviour and whether they are sticking to the certification policies and ethics or not.

- If a certified individual or a professional later fails to adhere to these policies, than he is subjected to de-certification.

There are some common principles that one needs to adhere to and these have been mentioned below:

1. Principles
2. Quality concepts
3. Quality assessments
4. Quality models
5. Quality baselines
6. Quality practices
7. Quality planning
8. Quality assurance
9. Define
10.Build
11.Implement
12.Quality work
13.Quality metrics and measurements
14.Security
15.Internal control
16.COTS and contracting quality
17.Out sourcing

There are certain prerequisites that each candidate needs to qualify such as complete a course for a stipulated period of time from an accredited institution, and some experience in information science. The candidate needs to strictly follow the guidelines and commit to the code of ethics.

EXAMINATION FOR CASQ
- The examination for obtaining this kind of certification is available in many countries.

- The QAI global institute is famous for its professionalism in software quality assurance.

- It was established in 1980 and basically was a software quality assurance industry.

- The first certified association of software quality certification was carried out in the year of 1985. The company launched its first formal process in the year of 1990.

- These days, the QAI global institute has attained the multinational reach. The company has certified over 36,000 professionals in the IT sector in over 44 countries of the world.