What is IREB?^® - Definition, Explanation, and Certification

IREB is the abbreviation for the "International Requirements Engineering Board." Therefore, the question should also be: "Who is IREB?" IREB is a nonprofit organization dedicated to training requirements engineers and promoting continuing education in this field.

The history of the International Requirements Engineering Board (IREB) e.V. began in 2006, when a group of experts from industry, consulting, research, and academia recognized the need to professionalize and standardize the field of requirements engineering (RE). They observed that, despite the central importance of requirements engineering to the success of software projects, there was a lack of uniform standards, training, and certifications in this field.

The founding members of the IREB were experts who brought extensive experience and knowledge in the fields of requirements engineering and software development. They shared a vision of developing a globally recognized certification scheme that would improve the quality and efficiency of requirements engineering by providing a standardized body of knowledge, clear guidelines, and best practices.

About IREB Training Courses

Main Goals and Mission

Since its founding, the IREB’s primary goal has been to standardize and professionalize the practice of requirements engineering. To this end, the IREB has developed a comprehensive curriculum and certification program known as the Certified Professional for Requirements Engineering (CPRE). The CPRE certification is offered at three levels: Foundation Level, Advanced Level, and Expert Level. This structure enables professionals to gradually expand and deepen their knowledge and skills.

Development and Growth

Since its founding, the IREB has worked continuously to expand its reach and influence. The CPRE certification has established itself as a globally recognized standard, and thousands of professionals in over 70 countries have already earned the certification. The IREB partners with a wide range of training providers to make CPRE training and exams accessible.

Over the years, the IREB has also expanded its offerings by introducing new modules and specializations within the Advanced Level to meet the changing requirements and trends in software development and requirements engineering. These include topics such as Agile Requirements Engineering, Requirements Modeling, and Requirements Management.

Global Presence and Partnerships

To expand its global presence and accessibility, IREB has established partnerships with numerous national and international organizations and training providers. These partnerships help standardize CPRE certification worldwide and ensure that the exams and materials meet IREB’s high quality standards.

IREB Certification Path

The IREB certification path is divided into various levels that build on one another and enable professionals to expand their skills step by step:

1. Certified Professional for Requirements Engineering – Foundation Level (CPRE-FL): This certification provides a foundation and imparts fundamental knowledge in the field of requirements engineering. It is intended for anyone involved in the collection, analysis, and management of requirements, including business analysts, product managers, and systems analysts.

2. Certified Professional for Requirements Engineering – Advanced Level: After completing the Foundation Level, professionals can deepen their knowledge by taking Advanced Level courses. This level is divided into several modules that cover specific aspects of requirements engineering:

   • Requirements Elicitation and Consolidation
   • Requirements Modeling
   • Requirements Management
   • RE@Agile (Requirements Engineering in Agile Processes) Each module concludes with its own exam, and the certificates are independent of one another.

3. Certified Professional for Requirements Engineering – Expert Level: This is the highest certification level and is intended for individuals who wish to demonstrate comprehensive expertise and many years of experience in requirements engineering. To earn this certification, candidates must hold several Advanced Level certificates and successfully complete a practical assignment and an oral exam.

Role of the ISQI

The International Software Quality Institute (iSQI) plays an important role in administering and conducting the IREB exams. iSQI is a leading provider of certifications in the fields of software quality and IT professions. It collaborates with various organizations, including the IREB, to offer standardized exams and certifications to professionals worldwide. Through this partnership, professionals can take IREB exams through iSQI, which are available in numerous countries and in various languages.

Summary

IREB is committed to raising the level of professionalism in requirements engineering through a structured training and certification program. The certifications are recognized worldwide and offer professionals an excellent opportunity to expand and validate their skills in this critical area of software development. The collaboration with iSQI ensures broad availability and recognized quality of the certification exams, making the IREB CPRE certification program a valuable resource for everyone working in software development, particularly in the field of requirements engineering.

About IREB Training Courses