What is SEI? CMM? ISO? IEEE? ANSI? Will it Help?

In this tutorial, we will discuss the full form and meaning of the following terms like SEI, CMM, ISO, IEEE, and ANSI with a detailed explanation. We will get to know how these certifications will be helpful in the software industry.

In this tutorial, we will explore the five different certifications along with their complete details.

Let’s move on!!

What is SEI, CMM, ISO, IEEE, ANSI

What is SEI? CMM? ISO? IEEE? ANSI? Will it Help?

SEI

SEI stands for ‘Software Engineering Institute’.

SEI at Carnegie-Mellon University was started by the U.S. Defense Department to help in improving software development processes.

CMM

CMM stands for ‘Capability Maturity Model’. It was developed by the SEI. It’s a model of 5 levels of organizational ‘Maturity’ that determines the effectiveness in delivering quality software.

It is geared to large organizations such as large U.S. Defense Department contractors. However, many of the QA processes involved are appropriate to any organization, and if reasonably applied, they can be helpful.

Organizations can receive CMM ratings by undergoing assessments by qualified auditors.

Level 1 – Characterized by chaos, periodic panics, and heroic efforts required by individuals to complete projects successfully. If few of any processes are in place, then successes may not be repeatable.

Level 2 – Software project tracking, requirements management, realistic planning & configuration management processes are in place, and successful practices can be repeated.

Level 3 – Standard software development and maintenance processes are integrated throughout an organization, a Software Engineering Process Group is in place to oversee software processes, and training programs are used to ensure understanding and compliance.

Level 4 – Metrics are used to track productivity, processes, and products. Project performance is predictable, and quality is consistently high.

Level 5 – The focus is on continuous process improvement. The impact of new processes and technologies can be predicted and effectively implemented when required.

ISO

ISO stands for ‘International Organization for Standards’.

The ISO 9001, 9002, and 9003 standards concern quality systems that are assessed by outside auditors, and they apply to many kinds of production and manufacturing organizations, and not just software.

The most comprehensive is 9001, and this is the most often used one by software development organizations. It covers documentation, design, development, production, testing, installation, servicing, and other processes.

ISO 9000-3 (not the same as 9003) is a guideline for applying ISO 9001 to software development organizations. The U.S. version of the ISO 9000 series standards is exactly the same as the international version and is called the ANSI/ASQ Q9000 series.

The U.S. version can be purchased directly from the ASQ (American Society for Quality) or the ANSI organizations. To be ISO 9001 certified, a third-party auditor assesses an organization, and certification is typically good for about 3 years, after which a complete reassessment is required.

Note that ISO 9000 certification does not show quality products necessarily, but it indicates only that documented processes are followed.

IEEE

IEEE stands for ‘Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers’.

Among the other things, creates standards such as ‘IEEE Standard for Software Test Documentation’ (IEEE/ANSI Standard 829), ‘IEEE Standard of Software Unit Testing (IEEE/ANSI Standard 1008), ‘IEEE Standard for Software Quality Assurance Plans’ (IEEE/ANSI Standard 730), and others.

ANSI

ANSI stands for ‘American National Standards Institute’.

ANSI is the primary industrial standards body in the U.S. that publishes some software-related standards in conjunction with the IEEE and ASQ (American Society for Quality).

Conclusion

We hope that this tutorial on various IT Certifications would have been an eye-opener for you to take a wise decision in your career.

Do you know any other important certification courses? Please share your thoughts in the comment section below.

Recommended Reading

78 thoughts on “What is SEI? CMM? ISO? IEEE? ANSI? Will it Help?”

  1. what r the metrics related a software project
    from qa side..?

    Reply
  2. as for as my knowledge the matrices related a s/w project is tracablity matricec this document specifies the mappig the testcases to actual requirments i.e. the test cases are exaclty matching to the actual requirment or not

    Reply
  3. The CMM levels are not clear.More explanation required…….

    Reply
  4. Hi all,

    Can anyone explain the difference beteween review,audit and final inspection?

    Reply
  5. Hi,

    can u explain me step by step method of regression testing using QTP or Winrunner automation tools.

    thanks a lot

    rsk

    Reply
  6. Hi,

    Can someone please help me in preparing ISTQB exam?

    If anyone else has appeared can you please post how the topics will be and how far it is easy to prepare?

    Reply
  7. Can someone help me in calculating the Metrics?

    Calculation with example and formulae (in detail)

    Reply
  8. what is difference between QA and QC?and role of QA and AC?

    Reply
  9. @ vamsi

    Many people are confused about the difference between quality assurance (QA), quality control (QC), and testing. They are closely related, but they are different concepts.

    * Quality Assurance: A set of activities designed to ensure that the development and/or maintenance process is adequate to ensure a system will meet its objectives.
    * Quality Control: A set of activities designed to evaluate a developed work product.
    * Testing: The process of executing a system with the intent of finding defects. (Note that the “process of executing a system” includes test planning prior to the execution of the test cases.)

    QA activities ensure that the process is defined and appropriate. Methodology and standards development are examples of QA activities. A QA review would focus on the process elements of a project – e.g., are requirements being defined at the proper level of detail.

    QC activities focus on finding defects in specific deliverables – e.g., are the defined requirements the right requirements

    Testing is one example of a QC activity, but there are others such as inspections

    The difference is that QA is process oriented and QC is product oriented.

    Testing therefore is product oriented and thus is in the QC domain. Testing for quality isn’t assuring quality, it’s controlling it.

    Quality Assurance makes sure you are doing the right things, the right way.
    Quality Control makes sure the results of what you’ve done are what you expected.

    You can find more @
    http://c2.com/cgi/wiki?QualityAssuranceIsNotQualityControl
    http://www.mosaicinc.com/mosaicinc/rmThisMonth.asp

    Cheers..

    Reply
  10. Capability Maturity Model® Integration (CMMI) is a process improvement approach that provides organizations with the essential elements of effective processes. It can be used to guide process improvement across a project, a division, or an entire organization. CMMI helps integrate traditionally separate organizational functions, set process improvement goals and priorities, provide guidance for quality processes, and provide a point of reference for appraising current processes

    Reply
  11. hi friends i am searching for Testing job in bangalore plz send me any openings in weekends.

    Reply
  12. hi friends
    what is the differnce between Metrics and Matrix..

    Reply
  13. I got more info, But till i am searching for regular expression concept in any automation tool, To resolve the related issues in the same, So please let me know,

    Regards,
    Venkata.

    Reply
  14. got more info, But till i am searching for regular expression concept by using automation tool, To resolve the related issues by using the same, So please let me know,

    Regards,
    Venkata.

    Reply
  15. What is Test Factor and How to divide the Project as different modules. Once we got the SRS? help me..

    Reply
  16. the CMM topic was not clear,i need more and real time exmple for that topic,and how a company of cmm level 2 can change to cmm leve 3?

    Reply
  17. what is the difference between iso-9000 and cmm??

    Reply
  18. Hi Friends,

    I am doing the testing for websites (manually)

    –Is there any automation tool to test the websites,

    –I have been working as a manual tester for past one year, i want to switch to other company.

    Can anyone tell me, what do i need to prepare to get the job in other companies.

    Do i need to do any course or certification for better future

    Please write me back….

    Reply
  19. Testing is an art . The skill develops with more test assignments. Explore more with all banking sites and other public sites. you can find so many bugs

    Allways put yourself as an end user and test and assume different roles

    Reply
  20. Which Maturity model has 18 levels?

    Reply
  21. can anybody explain me about bva

    Reply
  22. The fundamental objective of the Six Sigma methodology is the implementation of a measurement-based strategy that focuses on process improvement and variation reduction through the application of Six Sigma improvement projects. This is accomplished through the use of two Six Sigma sub-methodologies: DMAIC and DMADV. The Six Sigma DMAIC process (define, measure, analyze, improve, control) is an improvement system for existing processes falling below specification and looking for incremental improvement. The Six Sigma DMADV process (define, measure, analyze, design, verify) is an improvement system used to develop new processes or products at Six Sigma quality levels. It can also be employed if a current process requires more than just incremental improvement. Both Six Sigma processes are executed by Six Sigma Green Belts and Six Sigma Black Belts, and are overseen by Six Sigma Master Black Belts.

    Reply
  23. wht is six sigma standards???

    Reply
  24. hi, i would like to learn software testing course

    My qualification is diploma in mechanical engineering & 5 yrs exp in Quality

    Reply
  25. Hi Vijay,

    Pls tell me about six sigma certification

    Black belt

    Blue belt

    How and from where to get it?
    Also the institution imparting the relevent training for the certification.

    mail to : bishalchaperia@gmail.com

    Reply
  26. Clear information is not given on CMM & ISO as it is viewing by number of people please give required information on it. Every knows a little bit of information on it but requires understandable information

    Reply
  27. @ Vijay
    One more ISO standard, ISO 27001 which is implemented in software companies for the information security.

    cheers
    george

    Reply
  28. I suppose there is a mistake in full form of ISO in the article above ISO stands for ‘International Organization for Standardization’ and not ‘International Organization for Standards’

    Reply
  29. give more explaination on CMM levels

    Reply
  30. Hi Joe,

    CMM means Capability Maturity model,Its a methodology used to refine and improve software developement process in a software company.
    Their are 5 levels of CMM. Any companies which practices the rules will be called as a CMM level company. Once again depending on the level which the follow. They will be certified.
    CMM is a thing of past it has been successfuly replaced by CMMI ( Capability Maturity model integration).

    The CMM defines five levels of software process maturity, based on an
    organization’s support for certain key process areas (KPAs).
    Level 1 (initial) describes an organization with an immature or undefined process.
    Level 2 (repeatable),
    Level 3 (defined),
    Level 4 (managed),
    and Level 5(optimizing), respectively, describe organizations with successively higher levels of software process maturity.

    Regards,
    Tiger2K

    Reply
  31. What is Test Metrics & Tracibility Metrics in the Software Testing. And What is the defference between them

    Reply
  32. Hi Abhishek,

    I have mentioned What is Test Metrics & Tracibility Metrics as given below:

    I think, due to similarity in phonetics the words Metrics and Matrix cause confusion. Due to confusion, few of us use these words interchangeably. So to avoid confusion and to have clarity, I would like to explain the difference between them and provide few examples.

    Metrics:

    Metric is a measurement. We can classify Software Quality metrics as Product Quality metrics and Process Quality metrics.

    Product Quality Metrics describe the characteristics (i.e. Size, complexity, performance Quality level of the product). For your reference, I mentioned a list of product quality metrics here (not an exhaustive list):

    Mean time to failure

    Defect density

    Customer Problems

    Customer Satisfaction

    Fix backlog

    Fix response time

    Defective fixes

    Process Quality Metrics Used for improving the software development and maintenance process. For your reference, I mentioned a list of process quality metrics here (not an exhaustive list):

    Phase-based defect removal pattern

    Defect removal efficiency

    Defect arrival pattern

    Above given metrics are just a few from a huge list. We will discuss basic metrics in future blog entries. Where as in next blog entry we will discuss about test matrix and metrics can be measured using the same.

    Matrix:

    Matrix is a data representation and data collection mechanism. Then we use collected data to derive metrics. For your reference, I mentioned a list of Matrix here (not an exhaustive list):

    Requirements Traceability Matrix

    Functional Traceability Matrix

    Test Matrix

    Thanks,
    Suresh
    bsuresh7282@gmail.com

    Reply
  33. Software s also having standards…!!
    While measuring it wht wil they consider, like the application’s compatabiity r the application’s performance r somthing else. Pls tel me wht all they will consider?

    Reply
  34. I think IEEE,ISO and ANSI standard developers but CMM and SEI and Process developers. What do you thing?

    Reply
  35. I want knw how i have intiate the CMM level in my organization plzzzzzz ,explain me what are the basic steps i need to take.

    Reply
  36. Plz any body can give me the limitations of QTP

    Reply
  37. Please give me metrics/matrics and their values

    THanks,
    HariPrasad

    Reply
  38. Give me details of matrics

    Reply
  39. There is no technical term called “matrics” in software industry. It is Metrics or matrix only. I think Suresh Balakrishnan [Note no 36] has given some good comment over for metrics. In addition to that in the management level they will include schedule variance, effort variance, productivity etc…

    For Sridhar [note no 39] if you are going to start your groundwork for CMMi it would be better to get some consultation from the certifying body/agencies like KPMG,DNV, BVQi ,intertex etc..They will guide you with the quality manuals and standards.

    My personal opinion is, if you are not having any other certification like ISO 9000:2000 first get those basic certifications and then proceed .So that you can easily achieve your goals.

    Thanks!!
    Suresh babu

    Reply
  40. I think, it’s true what you say

    Reply
  41. hello everybody,
    here everybody is asking the questions but only a few answers, seems like everybody visits this site to put questions only.

    Reply
  42. plz tell me detail of 4p of planning

    Reply
  43. Please post some articles on How to prepare MIS management information systems reports.

    Reply
  44. The deference between ISO & CMMI
    ISO : What you have documented you should follow that
    CMMI: SEI(Software Engineering Institiute) has given Generic gols,Specific gols and Specific practices based on that you should imlement.

    Reply
  45. Hi Gayatri,
    as per your question its wrong

    SEI (Software Engineering Institute) it is provindg the cmmi

    Reply
  46. I want to have the standard for SEI CMM Level 3 certification. Which are the Certifying Bodies doing this certification. Pl. let me know.What is the preparation required , if a organization wishes to be certified to this standard?
    Thanks & Regards
    Priya Ahire

    Reply
  47. Hi
    There are plenty of certifying agencies and freelancers as well for CMMI L3 certification. The agencies are like KPMG, TUV, and DNV etc…You can search for SEI registered freelancers as well.

    The approximate process for CMMI is like this,

    1. Find the consultation agency,
    2. Find the certification body,
    3. Perform Gap analysis,
    4. Perform Process definition,
    5. Implementation,
    6. Assessment [Stage 1, 2…],
    7. Final assessment.

    Thanks!!
    Suresh

    Reply
  48. Hi Priya
    There are plenty of certifying agencies and freelancers as well for CMMI L3 certification. The agencies are like KPMG, TUV, and DNV etc…You can search for SEI registered freelancers as well.

    The approximate process for CMMI is like this,

    1. Find the consultation agency,
    2. Find the certification body,
    3. Perform Gap analysis,
    4. Perform Process definition,
    5. Implementation,
    6. Assessment [Stage 1, 2…],
    7. Final assessment.

    Thanks!!
    Suresh

    Reply
  49. differents b/t sei-cmm and iso9000

    Reply
  50. Hi Mani,

    CMMi and ISO both are the basically quality certifications for organizations. ISO standards are generic, any of the company can implement the QMS i.e. ISO 9001:2008. There are only 8 standards in ISO9001:2008. ISO conduct surveillance audit every year and recertification audit after 3 years to ensure whether the organization is working as per the standards defined in organization’s Quality Management System.

    Similarly in CMMi Level 5, there are 22 process areas and organization has to follow the same. There are accessors, who access the the organization’s processes. CMMi framework is very wise, you will have to go through with the process areas to understand in detail.

    Basically these standards or process areas are just the guidelines for the organization to work.

    Reply
  51. Hi balu

    Matrix and metrics are different

    Reply
  52. I am studying M.E Software engineering……Shall I become a member of SEI

    Reply
  53. as cmm includes 5 levels of standards, what are the levels involved in iso for software development?…….Please let me know if any one knows exactly.

    Reply
  54. mmmm… very complex.,

    Reply
  55. TYVM you’ve solved all my probemsl

    Reply
  56. latest iso standard ,please provide the answer

    Reply
  57. hi friends

    hi i want know about testing sofware quality

    Reply
  58. hi friends
    plz let me know,the difference btwen cmmi and sei cmm…
    sei cmm is better than cmmi….?

    give me rpy asap
    thanking you

    Reply
  59. Hi to all,
    pls, dont ask a question to clear particular doubts as here, good to search your questions on search engines.It helps will you get more answers and logics of your questions.

    Reply
  60. @Teja

    there is no difference between CMM and SEI CMMI , SEI is a certification body where it will give the certification from Carnegie Mellon University U.S.A. CMM is now changed into CMMI where it was updated.

    Reply
  61. HI All,

    Hello friends I have manual testing knowledge and want to learn automation well any one suggest me is it better to take complete course of testing tools or shal i go for live project practically pls mail me your valuable suggestions on eru.kranthi@gmail.com

    Thanks
    Kranthi
    +919885715454

    Reply
  62. why we are use the SEI CMM model 5?what’s the reason?
    why we have to use any other model?plz reply my mail id
    snithy07@gmail.com

    Reply
  63. #3 Vjkt, #18 naz, #29 Suresh, #52 PRIYA AHIRE, #59 Deepa
    Dear All, When my organization was going through CMM appraisal as an ATM I was very confused!
    After appraisal I decided to write something which can help non-CMMI guys to understand basic of appraisal. Please go though the link below. It will not answer all your questions but you will get little idea of appraisal.

    Softwaretestinghelp.com/cmmi-appraisals-testers-journey-as-an-appraisal-team-member-atm/

    Reply
  64. Dear Sreedhar (#39 ),
    CMM is not individual responsibility it covers everyone in organization from CEO to Maintenance people.

    Any way if you are CEO I will suggest hire a consultant. I have explained same in my article. ( see link above)
    But still If you are not CEO/CFO/COO etc.. Its good you are trying to improve, Take small steps.
    • Have regular meeting with team (Weekly, Daily or monthly whatever suitable ) in CMM they call it “Vision Sharing”. Record MoM ( Minutes of Meeting and maintain attendance sheet)
    • Identify Risk and maintain it somewhere so that you can have action plans against it, monitor your action and discuss it with team.
    • Create templates (SRS, STP, IRS, BTM, Checklist, STC, STD etc) you can take reference of IEEE for creating template.
    • Plan all your activity in advance, you can use Microsoft Project for the same but if it’s not there at least you should plan in Excel sheet and keep monitoring it. It will help you to identify reasons for delay, work load balance, indentifying risk in advance.
    • Have review of the entire document you create and request reviewer to maintain it in Review Log. After review points closed Baseline the document so that no change will be accepted after baseline and if it happens there should be record of it somewhere like in CR (Change Request) form. Have repository for document with access control.
    • Identify CI (configurable Item) and Record in advance.

    Well I have to stop here,this list will go very long. You will not get CMMI certificate for these practices but when you finally go for appraisal these little steps will help you.

    Reply
  65. Dear Venkat, #17

    Normally this grouping is done before design. Based on functionality/capability or some kind of logical grouping etc. It’s done by development team. Testers don’t do it normally. But if development team is offering the application in part you can plan and write test cases accordingly.

    Reply
  66. Dear Beena, #37

    There are standard for coding and tools are there which can review code.
    Compatibility and Performance are two different kind of testing. Performance will be checked by Load or Stress testing using some tool.

    Reply
  67. Vjkt, #18 naz, #29 Suresh, #52 PRIYA AHIRE, #59 Deepa
    Dear All, When my organization was going through CMM appraisal as an ATM I was very confused!
    After appraisal I decided to write something which can help non-CMMI guys to understand basic of appraisal. Please go though the link below. It will not answer all your questions but you will get little idea of appraisal.

    Softwaretestinghelp.com/cmmi-appraisals-testers-journey-as-an-appraisal-team-member-atm/

    Reply
  68. 3 Vjkt, #18 naz, #29 Suresh, #52 PRIYA AHIRE, #59 Deepa

    Dear All,
    When my organization was going through CMM appraisal as an ATM I was very confused!
    After appraisal I decided to write something which can help non-CMMI guys to understand basic of appraisal. Please go though the link below. It will not answer all your questions but you will get little idea of appraisal.

    cmmi-appraisals-testers-journey-as-an-appraisal-team-member-atm

    Reply
  69. Hello everyone,

    I need your help.

    I was handling QCQA in software company in that we test the software by manual testing not by code. so i just need help how we can improve the manual testing.

    or is there any qcqa standard like 5s in manufacturing /plant company

    plz.send me the mail if possible.

    Reply
  70. I HV copmpleted Mech engg and not computer friendly .I want to make
    Career in sof test and dev pls can anybody help me to
    To know the basics and advance thing in easy language and
    Through video tuts pls help me out what to do, how to get know thingssright conceptually and basically right from soft
    Intallati on step wise procedures and more.

    Reply
  71. what is greenbelt. in software quality?when it comes

    Reply
  72. Valuable analysis ! I am thankful for the analysis ! Does someone know if my business would be able to get ahold of a blank a form example to use ?

    Reply

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