ISTQB in a Nutshell
Some Context
• Test certifications have been around since the late 1980’s (QAI CQA) c. 1995 – CSTE (QAI)
c. 1999 – CSTP (IIST)
c. 1999 - ISEB
• Not everyone likes test certification, but is has been highly successful around the world
• Certification does not guarantee proficiency of practice, but it indicates the attainment of knowledge.
Vision “To continually improve and advance the software
testing profession by:
• defining and maintaining a Body of Knowledge which allows testers to be certified based on best practices,
• connecting the international software testing community, and
• encouraging research.”
International Software Testing Qualifications Board
48 boards in 72 countries
The countries in which ISTQB® operates contribute to over 90% of the world-wide GDP
About the ASTQB
• ASTQB is the national board for ISTQB Software Tester Certification
• These board members are a group of highly experienced experts in software testing who volunteer their time to the development, maintenance, and promotion of the ISTQB Certified Tester program in the U.S.
• The ASTQB is a non-profit organization
• ASTQB promotes and facilitates ISTQB certification in the US
March 31, 2013 ISTQB and ASTQB are registered trademarks
ISTQB ®
• Creation of new syllabi
• Definition of world-wide rules
• Working Group activities
Examination Body
• Administers exams
• Issues certificates
Member Board
• Translation/Release of new syllabi
• Accreditation of training providers
• Creation and release of exam questions
• Adoption of ISTQB rules
• Contribution to ISTQB Working Groups
Accredited Training Provider
• Creation of course materials
• Delivery of courses
Certified
tester
World Trend of Certifications
As of April 2013, the ISTQB has over 300,000 certificates issued
US Trend of Certifications
At the end of 2012, the ASTQB had 12,734 certificates issued
= basis for both training offerings and exams
Based on established Body of Knowledge, including Glossary
Syllabus chapters indicate proportional distribution of emphasis on topics.
Syllabi
Learning Objectives stated in terms of specified knowledge levels:
Learning Objectives
… for the Technical Test Analyst's Tasks in Risk-Based Testing
(K2) “Outline the activities of the Technical Test Analyst within a
risk-based approach for planning and executing technical testing.”
… for Structure-Based Testing
(K3) “Write test cases from a given specification item by applying the
condition testing test design technique to achieve a defined
level of coverage.”
… for Using Checklists in Reviews
(K4) “Analyze a section of code or pseudo-code and identify problems
according to a syllabus-referenced checklist.”
[Advanced Level Syllabus: Technical Test Analyst]
Advanced Test Analyst
Advanced Test Manager
Advanced Technical Test
Analyst
Foundation Level Certification
Expert Level Certifications
Test Manager
Test Automation
Improving the Test Process
Security Testing
Certified Tester Foundation Level
Certified Tester Advanced Level
Foundation
Test Manager Test Analyst
Expert Improving the Test Process
Expert Test
Management
Technical Test Analyst
Expert Test
Automation
Full Advanced
Expert Security Tester
Multiple-choice questions for Foundation and Advanced Level
For Expert Level, an essay is also required
Foundation exams: 40 questions, 1 hour
Advanced, Expert exams: 65 questions, 3 hours
Proportional distribution of questions on the basis of
syllabus topics, timing, and/or learning objectives
Distribution of questions on the basis of knowledge levels
in syllabus
Advanced exams have proportional points for questions
based on learning objective
Exams
For More Information
• www.astqb.org
Syllabi and glossary
Exam schedules
Training providers
White paper on the Value of ISTQB Certification
• www.istqb.org
• National board links
• International conferences and events
www.astqb.org
www.istqb.org
Your Questions and Comments
Thank You!