ASQ CSQE Exam - Topic 1 Question 36 Discussion

Actual exam question for ASQ's CSQE exam

Question #: 36
Topic #: 1

[All CSQE Questions]

When a team is defining a software metrics program, which of the following steps must be taken first?

ADetermine what data to collect.

BCollect preliminary data

CEstablish the data collection goal.

DSelect the metrics to report

Show Suggested Answer

Suggested Answer: C

Setting Goals: Before data can be effectively collected and utilized, it's essential to have clear goals. This ensures that the data collection process is aligned with the organization's objectives.

Importance of Goals: Establishing the data collection goal ensures that the team collects relevant and meaningful data, which can be analyzed to improve processes and products.

Sequential Process: After setting goals, the team can then determine what specific data to collect, how to collect it, and which metrics to report. This ensures a systematic approach to metrics program development.

by Arlean at Jan 05, 2026, 05:16 AM

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Deangelo

20 days ago

I feel like starting with C sets a clear direction for everything else.

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Nida

26 days ago

But A makes sense too. You need to know what data to collect.

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Odette

1 month ago

I agree, establishing goals is crucial.

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Richelle

1 month ago

I think C is the best choice. Goals first!

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Launa

1 month ago

Collecting preliminary data is just jumping the gun, right?

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Janae

2 months ago

Wait, are we sure about that? I feel like A could be first too.

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Hannah

2 months ago

Totally agree with C! Goals guide everything.

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Marg

2 months ago

I thought it was A? Seems like we need to know the goal first.

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Dorathy

2 months ago

C is definitely the first step!

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Lashaunda

2 months ago

Haha, this is like asking which shoe you put on first. Obviously, C) Establish the data collection goal is the way to go!

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Glen

2 months ago

This question is a real head-scratcher. I'm going to go with B) Collect preliminary data and see what shakes out.

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Rikki

3 months ago

D) Select the metrics to report. Reporting the right metrics is key to a successful software metrics program.

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Salley

3 months ago

A) Determine what data to collect. Can't collect anything useful if you don't know what you're looking for.

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Lucina

3 months ago

C) Establish the data collection goal. Gotta know what you're aiming for before you start gathering data, right?

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Dick

4 months ago

I’m a bit confused. I thought collecting preliminary data was a step that came later in the process. Isn’t it more about defining what we want first?

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Annmarie

4 months ago

I feel like we practiced a question like this before, and it was about selecting metrics to report after setting goals. So maybe C is the right choice?

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Donte

4 months ago

I'm not entirely sure, but I remember something about determining what data to collect being really important. Maybe that comes first?

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Fairy

4 months ago

I think the first step should be to establish the data collection goal. Without that, how can we know what data to collect?

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Marica

4 months ago

The question is a bit tricky, but I think establishing the data collection goal is the safest bet for the first step. The other options seem to come later in the process.

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Giovanna

4 months ago

I'm leaning towards collecting preliminary data first. That will give you a better sense of what's actually available and feasible to track.

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Kenda

5 months ago

I'd say selecting the metrics to report is the most important first step. That will drive the rest of the process and ensure you're measuring the right things.

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