ISTQB certificationSoftware Tester

by Kateryna Nesmyelova ©

ISTQB history1998 ISEB (Information Systems Examinations Board, part of the British Computer

Society) develops the Certified Tester Syllabus. The first Software Testers are certified in 1998.

2001 The German Testing Board is founded. It develops the German language Certified Tester syllabus according to the ISEB ideal and also takes German standards (e.g. DIN) into account.

2002 First certifications „ASQF®-Certified-Tester (AD V1.0)“ (Arbeitskreis Software-Qualität und -Fortbildung e.V.= Working Group for Software Quality and Training) in German-speaking countries.

2002 The ISTQB® (International Software Testing Qualifications Board), the Swiss Testing Board and the Austrian Testing Board are founded.

2003 The syllabus for the „Advanced Level“ is completed.2004 First exams for „ISTQB® Certified-Tester Advanced Level“

The number of national Testing Boards climbs to a total of 14!2006 The number of national Testing Boards climbs further. Now 28 (Date: 10-2006)

Prospects: the „Expert Level“ syllabus is expected. 20092009 Expert Level Syllabus - Improving the Testing Process (Beta Version 2009)

Today More than 100.000 Certified Testers across the world and 46 national testing boards (January 2010)

Why ISTQB certification?A tester certification confirms the professional

capabilities of software testers through objective, carefully-designed exams.

ISTQB Certified Tester is the first and only international scheme for further education in this field.

ISTQB’s approach– Focuses on practical, real-world testing activities– Supports a career path with levels of certification– Promotes the software testing profession– Represents the distilled wisdom of many experts including practitioners, consultants, trainers, and academics– Re-certification is not required (concerns both Foundation and

Advanced Levels)

ISTQB® Certified Tester – principal attributes

World-wide standard forthe training and further education of software testers

Multi-stage syllabus

Independent examination authority

Internationally recognized certificate

Levels of Certification

TestAnalyst

(FunctionalTester)

TestManager

Certified Tester Foundation Level

Technical Test

Analyst(Technical

Tester)

Certified Tester Advanced Level

At least 18 months testing experience

Certified TesterExpert Level

Foundation Level Certification

Entry-level certification: 0+ years of experienceGoals

– Ensure a broad understanding of the fundamental best practices and key concepts in software testing

– Provide a foundation for professional growthSyllabus/body of knowledge covers

– Fundamentals of testing, testing in the software development lifecycle, static (review) techniques, white-box and black-box test case design techniques, test management, and testing tools

Status: The ISTQB released the latest version of the Foundation Level Syllabus in 2007.

ISTQB® Syllabus – Foundation Level

Software testing fundamentals

Testing throughoutthe software life-cycle

Test designtechniques

Static testingtechniques

Test management

Tool support for testing

Definition of terms

Reason for testing

Fundamentaltest process

The psychologyof testing

Re-test andregression test

Expected results

Prioritizing tests

Software development models

The economicsof testing

Test plan

Component test

Integration test

Functionalsystem test

Non-functionalsystem test

Acceptance test

Maintenance test

Explanation of techniques terms

Black and whitebox tests

Functional test techniques

Structural test techniques

Experience-basedtechniques

Meaning ofstatic test

Reviews and thetest process

Types of review

Static analysis

Organization

Configurationmanagement

Test estimation,monitoring & control

Incidentmanagement

Testing standards

Types of testing tool

Tool selection and use

Advanced CertificationMid-level certification: 5+ years experience, or 2 years

experience and a Bachelor’s degree in (Computer Science or a related degree)

Goals– Ensure an understanding of advanced best practices and key

concepts in software testing by committed test professionals– Support on-going professional growth

Syllabus/body of knowledge covers– Advanced behavioral (black-box) testing for independent testers, test

automation, advanced structural (white-box) testing for testers and programmers, and sophisticated test management concepts

Status: The ISTQB released the latest version of the Advanced Level Syllabus in October, 2007.

Test ManagementTechnical TesterFunctional Tester

Software testing fundamentals

Testing throughoutthe software life-cycle

Test designtechniques

Static testingtechniques

Test management

Tool support for testing

Definition of terms

Reason for testing

Fundamentaltest process

The psychologyof testing

Re-test andregression test

Expected results

Prioritizing tests

Software development models

The economicsof testing

Test plan

Component test

Integration test

System test

Acceptance test

Maintenance test

Explanation of techniques terms

Black and whitebox tests

Functional test techniques

Structural test techniques

Experience-basedtechniques

Meaning ofstatic test

Reviews and thetest process

Types of review

Static analysis

Organization

Configurationmanagement

Test estimation,monitoring & control

Incidentmanagement

Testing standards

Types of testing tool

Tool selection and use

ISTQB® Syllabus – Advanced Level

Expert Certification

Guru-level certification: 7+ years experience

Goals– Ensure consistent understanding and execution of proven cutting-

edge techniques by seasoned test professionals– Lead the software testing profession

Syllabi/bodies of knowledge covers– Test process improvement, test automation, test management, and

more

Status: Beta version available.

Value of Certification

To the tester– Demonstrate mastery of the best practices and key concepts

in the field– Advance career opportunities in competitive markets

To the organization – Ensure better testing for better software, reduced costs, and

improved quality– Achieve consistency and re-usability of testing

To the profession– Build on our best work and provide test processes– Define the profession and what testers should know