Topic: 4 Tips you need to know for CSTE Certification

1. There will be a theory tested directly from the book and most of our test questions practice tests knowledge of concepts and principles.
2. The objectives are most often directly from the book with more than double negative (ie: NO)
3. For subjective - write a few bullet points. Let them be concise and just the main points would. Draw numbers where appropriate. Linking Responses to "Test" if any, principles. Underline key words where possible. Remember to make your answers "Economical. Possible and in accordance with the principles of testing." Read, understand the issues and liberal to cite the "control" of the books you've read. Follow the "control" approach. Let your handwriting is neat.
4. The examination consists of 4 articles. The review begins at 9.15am and goes until 2:00 pm. About 10-15 min breaks b / w each document. The time is usually sufficient.
5. We must become the place where they check the id and ticket hall and 4 give us the slip pasted on each of 4 sheets of answers.
6.       Paper 1: Objective (about 45-50 questions)
         Paper 2: Subjective (Around issues 8-10)
         Paper 3: target (approximately 45-50 questions)
         Paper 4: subjective (Around issues 8-10)
7. For the objectives - the sheet is a sheet of paper that has 5 choices for each Q (a, b, c, d, e). We need to darken the correct answer with a pencil 2. For True / False Q we need to choose a darker / b accordingly. Only 1 correct answer and no negative marks.
8. For the subjective - the question comes as the paper answer sheet will be blank spaces with b / w each Q. We must adapt our responses in the space provided ONLY and no record will be given. The space is between 1 / 3 page to almost a full page. Space is not related to the total marks, not to take it as a measure of the amount of writing. (Ex: 25 Q mark just 7-8 lines of space).

The Run-up:
1. In my humble opinion, 10 weeks of preparation is quite successful in passing the examination (Unlike me ur goal is much more important than that right?)
2. Take the CSTE book and start reading through it, taking care to emphasize important words (almost 75% are). As you progress, be sure to review all the previous chapters, by the time you're done, you will be very complete, with at least 50% -60% of the first chapters (I call it the "Sweep-Through the approach). Take about 3 weeks for that.
3. Make a study group of at least 5 people to take up for consideration (plus Merrier). Sit at least 2-3 times a week for about 1-2 hours with them to the following:
A. When you've done the first pass, take impressions of all the previous Q's Objective of this DB and others (TCS folks, CSTE Groups etc.) Answer all the objectives (take time to browse the book for the answers you do not know). Discuss Q doubtful and flag for later. Watch the book only from a perspective which aims skip the detail. Take about 2 weeks for that.

B. When you are thorough with the goals to take a subjective impression of all the Q's. This is the group to operate at its best. Sit for 2 hours at least 2-3 times a week group, with a clear agenda to discuss "x", no. case studies. Distribute the case studies in advance so the group can prepare. Invite SMEs (subject matter experts, but the oldies Goldies CSTE the world) and ask them to preside over the trial. Discuss all the case studies and note relevant points of each. What SMEs to launch their ideas too. Look at the book from a subjective angle. Your experience will play a crucial role in determining the maturity of your responses. Take about 3 weeks for that.

C. Take the last but one week before the examination, to browse through the net for articles on testing concise (completion criteria, test plan templates, stopping criteria, etc.), requirements lists control, differences in b / w different types of tests, tools and other frequently tested areas of the exam.

D. At that time, it will be very helpful (calling a must if you) if someone is preparing a document of 4 pm and the group meets to write it in all sincerity. Level of the participants in the objectives and discuss the subjective. It will help you know where you are and most importantly, give you an idea of the testing session for the entire 4 hours and answers using the writing of a long pencil.

E. Take the weeks leading to the consideration of purely revision. Go through the book twice (do not spend more than 4 days in total). Access all the difficulties already marked Objective Q's. Access all possible points for the various case studies as well as articles on the net and elsewhere. Practice writing in pencil. Practice drawing and diagrams.

4. We had a good group of about 13 people who met for about 2-3 times a week during the past 3 weeks. We discussed the objective, subjective and simulation examination too. It was very useful. Another good practice is to allocate a chapter to each of 2 people and asking them to prepare objective and subjective of the Q book. In this way, you could catch things that maybe you failed in your readings. (SDC Does not better. They allocate only 2 pages to each individual to ensure the Q's are very comprehensive.)

Hopefully the above give you an idea of the review and probably one of the approaches you can take to crack this.

Please remember to put articles of lasting interest you arrive to collect in the Db and is therefore useful for future applicants. Brain Dumps of the exam will be a great asset.