CATEGORY TEMPLATES

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In each of the categories below, a minimum of 40 credits must be attained for the category to qualify for submission.

Category Name: Work Experience (WE) (40%)

Description:

This category awards applicants for providing life cycle support for the tools and processes that constitute a software measurement program. The credits for mentoring are awarded on a per contact hour (pch). A minimum of 40 credits must be attained for this category to qualify for submission.

Example inclusion:

	The applicant has created two unique and significant software measurement programs for two different projects (could be in a single organization or across organizations). (In this case, created means planned and designed.) Award 80 credits (40 for each project).
	The applicant is asked to review and make recommendations regarding a metrics program process. Award 20 credits for evaluate.
	The applicant performs statistical, comparative, and cause and effect analysis on defects for a project. The applicant performs analysis every other month over the past six months. Award 20 credits. (award a max of one-fourth of the credits due to duration / maturity (compare to a quarterly-based 2-year “practice”; also see analysis definition below))
	The applicant performs statistical, comparative, and cause and effect analysis on defects for two projects over the past 10 years. Award 240 credits. (Years 4 – 10 are likely irrelevant for purposes of this certification.)
	Over the past year, the applicant evidences the mentoring of a peer about the organization’s measurement process. The applicant meets with the peer every week for an hour. Award 52 credits.

Example exclusion:

	Nothing included in other Categories.
	The applicant purchased a tool for use in a measurement program. Award no credits. Credits may be awarded if this was part of a planning or some other activity on the matrix.
	The applicant purchased a tool that the applicant used during planning, designing, and implementing of a measurement program. Award credits based on a relevant description of how the tool was used in various stages of the measurement program.
	The applicant developed a report on the status of the metrics process and presented it to senior management. Award no credits. Credits may be awarded if the activity included an evaluation of the process with recommendations for improvement.

Definitions

	Administer: to demonstrate the benefit of the tool, process, or measure; providing guidance for the program and its practitioners; a “help desk” like service for the software measurements
	Analyze: to utilize collected data to meet business needs and requirements identified during Planning, Design, Implementing and Sustaining a Software Measurement Program. Activities include (but are not limited to) statistical analysis, comparative trending, root cause analysis, cause and effect analysis and other tasks to assist with ever changing user and management questions and expectations. This activity is performed for two years on a quarterly basis, or an equivalent level of activity (monthly for one year).
	Design: to define software measurement architecture, database, access controls, data integration, and “drill down” capability, as well as the tools, techniques, processes and/or procedures to optimize value based on a software measurement plan.
	Evaluate: to assess the state and value of an organization’s measurement program. Making specific recommendations relevant to the improvement of the measurement process.
	Implement: to carry out and fulfill the Software Measurement Plan. Actions include at least three of the following:
	~	identifying benefits and risks,
	~	training staff through direct or contracted training programs, (cannot be claimed for credit as part of TE)
	~	defining and writing processes and/or procedures,
	~	collecting data,
	~	determining reliability and consistency of data,
	~	reporting results, and
	~	providing guidance for all levels of an organization.
	(IT) Measurements: (From Guidelines to Software Measurement Glossary, GSMG) assigning relative value. Usually, in the improvement process, measures gained from this activity are combined to form Metrics.
	Measure: (from GSMG) as a noun, a number that assigns relative value; as a verb, to ascertain or appraise by comparing to a standard.
	Mentor: (verb form) to perform a documented process and establish a formal relationship in which one party (mentee) is the primary recipient of measurement knowledge and experience, often in place of or as a supplement to other forms of training.
	Metric: (from GSMG) no single universal definition exists for metrics. In the context of this document, a metric is a combination of two or more measures or attributes.
	Plan: to meet with Executives and / or Sponsors to identify the steps and actions necessary to establish a Software Measurement Program. Variables here can include, but are not limited to: number of people involved, knowledge and/or previous experience of the organization, organizational issues, sponsor needs and requirements, time constraints, budget constraints, physical proximity of staff, availability, reliability and consistency of other measurement data. Planning also means defining a strategy for deploying a software measurement program such as pilots and incremental improvements, releases, or deployments.
	Process: The steps, procedures, forms, training, monitoring and reporting to ensure measures are carried out in an objective, consistent, auditable fashion.
	Report: not the act of generating reports; rather, to interface with middle and upper level customers and IT Management. This activity is “listening, selling and leading” through oral and written communications that demonstrate comprehensive understanding of software metrics, their uses and value added in Business Processes; in other words “board room presence.” The full number of credits is based on a two-year duration with a minimal of quarterly reporting contact with Management, or an equivalent level of activity (monthly for one year).
	Senior Management: Program or director level management as opposed to line management, project management, or project leaders. Senior management is not typically involved in the day-to-day operations of the organization.
	Sustain: to analyze and to act to evaluate and enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the Measurement Program. This includes maintaining and/or increasing “momentum” in an “inherited” Measurement Program. Key topics include flexibility, relevance, alignment, sponsorship, communications and/or training. Moving a Program to “critical mass,” where it survives even after the departure of key individuals.
	Tools: Automated software, including Excel spreadsheets, for capturing, collecting and/or reporting Measurement data such as (but not limited to) Function Points, time, defects, cost, and customer satisfaction.

Category Name: Education (ED) (25%)

Description:

This category awards applicants for attending classes, conferences and completing other forms of software measurement education using industry recognized prescribed techniques or processes. Areas of education include, but are not limited to project management, measurement, defects, estimation, quality, etc. The credits below are based on a daily accrual in ½ day increments. A minimum of 40 credits must be attained for this category to qualify for submission.

Example inclusion:

	The applicant attends the Annual IFPUG Conference over 2 ½ days. Award 40 credits.
	The applicant attends an eligible non-IFPUG software measurement conference which lasts four days. Award 32 credits.
	The applicant attends an IFPUG-sponsored one day CFPS preparation course. Award 16 credits.
	The applicant attends a week long CMMI® course taught by a Software Engineering Institute certified instructor. Award 40 credits.
	The applicant completes a three-week course and project for an organizational internal six sigma course which carries a certification. (If training is conducted eight hours per day) award the applicant 120 credits. If the course completion alone is the sole requirement for certification, no additional credits are awarded for the certification even if it is recognized by industry. However, the completion of the project may be a candidate for additional credit under WE.
	The applicant completes a one-week internal course and associated project on six sigma, which includes a certification. The certification is recognized outside the hosting organization. Award 50 credits. In this case, no additional credits are awarded for the training. The completion of the project may be a candidate for additional credit under WE.
	The applicant completes a one-week internal course and associated project on six sigma, which includes a certification. The certification is not recognized external to the hosting institution. Award 40 credits. In this case, no additional credits are awarded for the certification. The completion of the project may be a candidate for additional credit under WE.
	The applicant receives a certificate of completion for attending a 2-day IT project management course with a focus on measurement / management by data. Award 32 credits. (The focus on measurement / management by data qualifies this class as a Software Measurement Course.)
	The applicant is re-certified as a Certified Software Test Engineer. Award 50 credits.
	The applicant is certified as a Project Management Professional. Award 50 credits. Other industry certifications may include certifications from PMI, SEI, IEEE, and QAI. Note that this certification is the culmination of many courses for which the applicant may receive additional credit, not the completion of a single course that results in a certification (in which case credit is awarded for either the course or the certification). Any certification submission must include the certification requirements.
	The applicant receives a teaching certificate relevant to software measurement. Award 50 points with stipulations described above for the Project Management Professional. Any certification submission must include the certification requirements.
	The applicant obtains a teaching certification for Practical Software Management (or for teaching the CMMI©, or as a CMMI® lead assessor). Award 50 credits. Additional credits are awarded for courses that are taken as part (or not as part) of the certification. Note that the credits for Certification are intended for those who complete a certification program (series of courses, tests, demonstrated capabilities, not merely a course).

Example exclusion:

	Nothing included in other Categories.
	The applicant attends a one-hour non-IFPUG presentation on measurement. Award no credits. (Does not meet the ½ day accrual test.)
	The applicant is in the process of receiving a Project Management Professional certification. Award no credits.
	The applicant attends, but was unable to complete, a 2-day Software measurement course. Award no credits for completion. Applicant could submit for credit as attending an “Eligible non-IFPUG Presentation and Training.”

Definitions

	Attend: Be present at a qualifying event.
	Complete: Finish, with evidence of completion, a qualifying event.
	Obtain: To be awarded (or re-awarded) an industry-recognized certification.

Category Name: Professional Participation / Contribution to the Software Measurement Industry (PP) (15%)

Description:

This category awards applicants for participating and contributing to the Software measurement industry. The credits below are based on a daily accrual in ½ day increments. A minimum of 40 credits must be attained for this category to qualify for submission.

Example inclusion:

	The applicant attends a local IFPUG chapter meeting once a quarter for two hours. Attending four meetings in one year, the applicant is awarded 16 credits (on an equivalency basis).
	The applicant serves on or in behalf of an IFPUG committee and attends meetings once a year for two full days. Award 32 credits. In addition, the applicant participates in 10 one-hour long teleconferences during the reporting period for the same committee. Award 16 credits, which are treated as a one-day equivalent.
	The applicant attends one one-hour SPIN (Software Process Improvement Network) meeting. Award 0 credits. However, if the applicant attends four one-hour meetings over the application period, award 4 credits on a ½ day equivalency basis.
	The applicant serves on an IFPUG committee. The documented (and verified by a letter of reference) application indicates 10 days of work related to coordinating, writing, editing, and reviewing IFPUG materials (books and exams). Award 160 credits. No credit may be claimed for writing as part of the MP category.

Example exclusion:

	Nothing included in other Categories.
	The applicant is appointed (or elected) “chair” for a prestigious committee in a prominent industry standards group (IEEE, ISO, etc.) The applicant is awarded no credits for chairing but is still eligible for credits for attending and serving.
	The applicant attends a non-IFPUG software measurement related meeting. The first hour of the meeting is a “social hour”, the second hour is dinner and presentation, and the third hour is a business meeting. Award 0 credits for attending the business meeting. The two hours of presentation and business meeting do not meet the criteria for a ½ day equivalent.
	Same example as above, but the applicant attends two such meetings during the eligible reporting period; award four credits.

Definitions

	Attend: Be present at a qualifying event.
	Complete: Finish, with evidence of completion, a qualifying event.
	Serve: The act of providing goods or services to a relevant professional organization.
	Software Measurement Related Group Meetings – IFPUG: IFPUG, local IFPUG chapters, organizations affiliated with IFPUG
	Software Measurement Related Group Meetings – non-IFPUG: SEI, PMI, ISO, IEEE. (not intended as an exhaustive list of qualifying groups)

Category Name: Software Measurement-Related Publishing (MP) (10%)

Description:

This category awards applicants for published works related to Software Measurement. Contributions include authoring and co-authoring, reviewing, editing, and translating of relevant written materials. A minimum of 40 credits must be attained for this category to qualify for submission.

Example inclusion:

	The applicant writes a chapter in the IT Measurement book as a contributing author. Award 40 credits.
	The applicant reviews and edits the IT Measurement book as an expert review and editor. Award 30 credits.
	The applicant writes with an associate, an article published in CrossTalk (refereed). Award 40 credits.
	The applicant writes an article for Government Computer News (non-refereed). Award 20 credits.
	An article authored by the applicant is published in another publication. Updates and changes are made. Award up to ½ the credits of the original article.
	The applicant translates the GSM into Korean. Award 80 credits.
	The applicant co-translates the GSM into Portuguese. Award 40 credits.

Example exclusion:

	Nothing included in other Categories.
	An article is re-published without change of content. Award no credits.
	The applicant authors a column for the IFPUG newsletter. Award no credits (but nice job!)
	The applicant writes an article or book that references or mentions IT measures, but is not the focus of the material. Award no credits.
	The applicant translates a non-software measurement-related book or article into Italian (or any language). Award no credits.

Definitions

	Article: An original work created by the author and is typically 1000 – 3000 words. May be the equivalent of a chapter in a book and credited as such. (See also Non-Refereed Article and Refereed Article.)
	Author: The person who solely writes an original piece of work. The author’s name appears alone on the work.
	Book: A copyrighted published piece of work of substantial size (typically greater than 150 pages), has an ISBN number and is registered with the Library of Congress.
	Co-author: The person who with another or others, writes an original piece of work. The authors’ names appear (usually on the front) of the work.
	Contributing author: The person who with others writes an original piece of work. The authors’ names appear on pieces of the work, not with the title of the whole work itself.
	Expert edit: The person who is sought because of their knowledge and background in a topical area, to make technical changes to an original piece of work.
	Expert review: The person who is sought because of their knowledge and background in a topical area, to make technical suggestions, or in some cases to reject, to an original piece of work.
	Non-Refereed Article: A published article in a copyrighted media that does not undergo expert review. (See also Article.)
	Refereed Article: A published article in a copyrighted media that undergoes expert review. (See also Article.)
	Software Measurement Exam: The exam offered by IFPUG used for part of the Software Measurement certification.
	Translate: To transform the complete contents of one document into a different language.

Category Name: Teaching (TE) (10%)

Description:

This category awards applicants for software measurement Teaching Activities. The credits below for Author / Co-Author and Teach columns are based on a daily accrual in ½ day increments. A minimum of 40 credits must be attained for this category to qualify for submission.

Example inclusion:

	The applicant authors or co-authors (original material or upgrades to) a 40-hour Software Measurement Course. Award 40 credits.
	The applicant authors or co-authors (original material or upgrades to) a 10-hour Software Measurement Course. Award 8 credits for a 1-day equivalent course
	The applicant teaches an 8-hour Software Measurement Course as part of an IFPUG seminar. Award 24 credits. If the applicant also authored the material, award 8 additional credits.
	The applicant presents a measurement-related topic at IFPUG. Award 10 credits, which includes preparation time.
	The applicant presents a measurement-related topic at a non-IFPUG conference. Award 5 credits, which includes preparation time.
	The applicant presents a poster at IFPUG or Software Measurement related forum. Award 5 credits, which includes preparation time.
	The applicant teaches software measurement principles for 8 hours of a 36-hour college course. Award 24 credits.
	The applicant authors the material taught for 8 hours of a 36-hour college course. Award 8 credits

Example exclusion:

	Nothing included in other Categories.
	The applicant obtains a teaching certification for the public school system. Award no credits.
	The applicant teaches a university course on software engineering that contains no modules, exercises, or testing on measurements. Award no credits.
	The applicant creates and displays a poster at a non-IFPUG event. Award no credits.

Definitions

	Author: the person who solely writes an original piece of work. The author’s name appears alone on the work.
	Co-author: the person who with another or others, writes an original piece of work. The authors’ names appear (usually on the front) of the work.
	Organization: a company, government agency, or university, as examples.
	Software Measurement Course: a course that is designed and taught that has as its primary content and focus, principles and application of software measurement. Its duration is 40 hours for the purpose of crediting.
	Software Measurement Poster: a display that is presented at an software measurement (or closely related) conference that is designed and presented and that has as its primary content and focus, principles and application of software measurement.
	Software Measurement Presentation: a presentation that is developed and presented at a software measurement (or closely related) conference that has as its primary content and focus, principles and application of software measurement.