Accredited Symbian Developer
Accredited Symbian Developer (ASD) is an industry-standard qualification for professional smartphone software developers. The ASD exam assesses an individual's understanding of the fundamental aspects of Symbian C++ software development. A webcast explaining the aims, benefits and machinery of the scheme is available here.
The Accredited Symbian Developer qualification provides professional Symbian C++ developers with the opportunity to demonstrate their competence and knowledge to potential employers. The qualification also enables employers to confidently recruit able and informed Symbian C++ developers. The exam may be used to identify skills gaps within a team or organisation, reducing the costs associated with training.
The questions within the ASD exam are based on a curriculum of core knowledge which Symbian annually reviews and updates. The curriculum is available here. It includes both theoretical and practical topics, assessing both the understanding and application of Symbian C++. Each exam consists of a subset of questions from a large pool of contemporary questions. The questions are weighted and each examinee will be asked questions tailored to the level of ability that they exhibit whilst sitting the exam. The exam will therefore pose challenging questions to candidates, whatever their level of knowledge (those that possess a very strong knowledge of Symbian OS will be presented with the most challenging questions). The pass mark of the exam is decided by Symbian, and is calibrated against a broad sample group. Individuals that pass the examination acquire the industry-recognised title 'Accredited Symbian Developer'. Those who take the exam find it demanding, but fair. See some of their comments here.
The exam is challenging to complete, but simple to use. It is browser based, and can therefore be accessed through any internet-connected computer. Exams can be taken at test centres by developers wishing to prove their development credentials, or deployed internally by companies wishing to assess interview candidates or internal training needs. The ASD program is run on Symbian's behalf by Majinate. To take the exam today, or to find details of your local provider, please visit their website.
A comprehensive revision guide to the ASD exam is now available from Symbian Press. More information on "The Accredited Symbian Developer Primer" is available here.
The ASD scheme is complemented by a new exam which assesses a developer's understanding of user interface development. More information on Accredited S60 Developer (AS60D) is available here.
Majinate Using ASD for recruitment and training needs assessment.