1st Edition
Certified Function Point Specialist Examination Guide
The Certified Function Point Specialist Examination Guide provides a complete and authoritative review of the rules and guidelines prescribed in the release of version 4.3 of the Function Point Counting Practices Manual (CPM). Providing a fundamental understanding of the IFPUG Functional Size Measurement method, this is the ideal study guide for the CFPS examination. The text:
- Includes time-tested tips on how to best prepare for the exam
- Provides a series of questions and answers at the end of each chapter with specific references to the latest version of the CPM
- Contains two CFPS practice exams to measure understanding and identify areas where more study is needed
Active members of the Counting Practices Committee and a past president of the IFPUG supply time-tested insight on how to use the CPM manual effectively and efficiently during the exam. The two sample exams and detailed examples throughout the text help to ensure readers develop the comprehension required to attain certification the first time around. Following certification, this book is a valuable reference for applying the IFPUG method for sizing proficient software design, development, and deployment.
Praise for the book:
While there are a number of solid books on counting function points, this new book fills a gap in the function point literature by providing useful information on the specifics of becoming a certified function point counter. The authors are all qualified for the work at hand, and indeed have contributed to the function point counting methodology.
—Capers Jones, President, Capers Jones & Associates LLC
Function Point Analysis Overview
What are Function Points?
How Function Points are Used
Measuring Value Delivered
Benefits and Objectives
Further Reading
Exam Guidance
Sample Exam Questions
Identifying User Requirement
Functional User Requirements
Function Point Counting Procedure
Gathering Documentation
Sizing During the Life Cycle
User
User View
Further Reading
Exam Guidance
Sample Exam Questions
The Process of Counting
Purpose of Count
Types of Count
Determine Counting Scope
Determine Boundary
Further Reading
Exam Guidance
Sample Exam Questions
Data Functions
Introduction
What They Are: Internal Logical Files and External Interface Files
Definitions for Embedded Terms
Rules for Counting
Data Entities: Business Data, Reference Data and Code Data
Logical Files and Data Modeling
Methodology for Identifying Logical Files
Considering Data Element Types and Record Element Types in Conjunction with Logical Files via Entity (In-) Dependence
Further Reading
Exam Guidance
Sample Exam Questions
Elementary Process
Introduction
Definition of an Elementary Process
Identifying Each Elementary Process
Determine Unique Elementary Processes
Classify Each Elementary Process
Processing Logic
Summary of Processing Logic Used by EIs, EOs and EQs
Further Reading
Exam Guidance
Sample Exam Questions
Transactional Functions
Introduction
What They Are: External Inputs, External Outputs and External Inquiries
Definitions and Primary Intent
Summary of the Functions Performed by EIs, EOs, and EQs
Definitions for Embedded Terms
Summary of Processing Logic Used by EIs, EOs and EQs
Rules for Counting Transactions
Further Reading
Exam Guidance
Sample Exam Questions
Shared Data
Introduction
Shared Data
Methods of Sharing Data
Common Terms
Scenarios
Further Reading
Exam Guidance
Sample Exam Questions
Enhancements
Introduction
Measuring Enhancement Projects
Procedure
Scope and Boundary of an Enhancement Project
Measuring Data Functions in Enhancement Projects
Measuring Transactional Functions in Enhancement Projects
Processing Logic
Considerations and Hints
Further Reading
Exam Guidance
Sample Exam Questions
Conversion
Introduction
Conversion
What is Not Conversion Functionality
Scenario 1: Enhancement Project Data Conversion
Scenario 2: Data Conversion with EIFs Referenced
Scenario 3: Assigning Default Values
Further Reading
Exam Guidance
Sample Exam Questions
Calculating and Applying Functional Size
Rules for Calculating New Development
Rules for Calculating Application Size
Rules for Calculating Enhancement Projects
Rules for Calculating Adjusted Functional Size
Further Reading
Exam Guidance
Sample Exam Questions
Value Adjustment Factors
Introduction
Value Adjustment Factor Determination
Procedures to Determine the VAF
General System Characteristics
Calculating the Adjusted Functional Size
Further Reading
Exam Guidance
Sample Exam Questions
Preparing for the Certified Function Point Specialist (CFPS) Exam
The Certification Process
Recommendations for Exam Preparation
Review of the IFPUG Counting Practices Manual
What to Know / What to Look UP During Exam
Exam Automation
Glossary
Exam 1
Exam 2
Appendix A
Appendix B
Index
Biography
David Garmus is a published author andacknowledged authority in the sizing, measurement and estimation of software application development and maintenance. As a co-founder of the David Consulting Group, he supports software development organizations in achieving software excellence with a metric-centered approach.Mr. Garmus is a Past President of IFPUG and a member of the IFPUG Counting Practices Committee. He has a BS from the University of California at Los Angeles and an MBA from Harvard University Graduate School of Business Administration. He has spoken at numerous conferences and written many articles and books on various measurement related topics.Garmus is a Certified Function Point Specialist, having fulfilled all IFPUG requirements for this title under all releases of the IFPUG Counting Practices Manual,as well asa Certified Software Measurement Specialist.Janet Russac has more than25 years of experience as a programmer, analyst, and measurement specialist in software application development and maintenance. She is the founder of Software Measurement Expertise and leads a team of experienced consultants that offer expertise in function point analysis, software measurement, estimation, auditing, training and mentoring. She is a published author, who presents workshops at companies, professional organizations, and conferences and is often a featured speaker at conferences.Ms. Russac served as the Chair of the IFPUG Management Reporting Committee from 2002 to 2004 and led the creation of an international industry certification process for individuals in the field of software measurement as Certified Software Measurement Specialists. She currently serves on the IFPUG Counting Practices Committee and the IFPUG Communications and Marketing Committee.Russac is a Certified Function Point Specialist and a Certified Software Measurement Specialist.
While there are a number of solid books on counting function points, this new book fills a gap in the function point literature by providing useful information on the specifics of becoming a certified function point counter. The authors are all qualified for the work at hand, and indeed have contributed to the function point counting methodology.
—Capers Jones, President, Capers Jones & Associates LLCThis book is a comprehensive guide for the International Function Point Users Group (IFPUG) Functional Size Measurement method. It has been written to prepare practitioners planning to take the IFPUG Certified Function Point Specialist (CFPS) exam. The guide includes the rules and guidelines defined by IFPUG in the latest release (4.3) of the Function Point Counting Practices Manual (CPM). In addition, it includes examples and questions designed to help readers understand how to apply the IFPUG method, and two CFPS practice exams.
—In Research Book News, booknews.com, February 2011