software testing training and certification

Focus on Training Tel: 0845 450 6120 Web: www.focus-on-training.co.uk

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Software Testing Training & Certification Understand the ISEB and ISTQB Qualifications which will develop and validate your skills as a Software Tester




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SSooffttwwaarree TTeessttiinngg TTrraaiinniinngg && CCeerrttiiffiiccaattiioonn More and more business critical processes and customer services depend upon the efficient operation of complex software systems.

Expert skills which help ensure that business objectives are realised quickly and efficiently are vital.

This is creating a substantial demand for training to instill and validate these skills – both from the businesses who need them and from the individuals who see an exciting career opportunity.

The most widely recognised Software Testing training and qualifications in the UK and internationally are accredited by ISTQB and ISEB (the examination arm of the British Computer Society). This guide explains these courses and how they fit within the respective qualification structures.

Prepared by:

Rex Gibson Development Director

Version 1.05 October 2010

About:

Focus on Training specialises in provision of Best Practice training within the fields of IT and Project Management. A comprehensive range of ISEB, ITIL, Microsoft, PRINCE2, and other training courses can be booked at its website: www.focus-on-training.co.uk

ISEB is a division of the BCS offering qualifications which recognise the skills of IT professionals. Exams and associated training are widely available and providers are accredited to ensure high and consistent standards. www.iseb-exams.com

ISTQB is the International Software Testing Qualifications Board. With a presence in 50 countries, the ISTQB plays a unique role in harmonising training and certification. www.istqb.org

Rex Gibson leads the IT team at Focus. He has successfully executed major business change and IT projects, and has managed international engineering companies with significant IT dependency. [email protected]




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Contents

1. Why Businesses need Software Testing

2. Becoming a Software Tester

3. The ISTQB Certification Structure

4. ISEB/ISTQB Foundation Certificate

5. The ISEB/ISTQB Advanced Certificates

6. ISEB Intermediate Certificate

7. ISEB Practitioner Certificates

8. Training & Resources

9. FAQs




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1. Why Businesses Need Software Testing

Software systems which not only work, but which deliver best in class performance for minimum cost underpin the success of many modern organisations. This is only achieved by applying iterative testing processes throughout the software development process. Effective testing enables managers to make informed and timely choices which reduce project risk and help assure achievement of business objectives.

At the front end of software development, business analysis provides a meeting point between systems and business requirements. As the process continues so software testing becomes a key activity spanning that same interface – and playing an important role in determining the final degree of benefits delivery.

For many programmes and large projects, testing will represent a significant portion of the total budget. It needs to be structured, resourced and managed accordingly.

2. Becoming a Software Tester

There are 350,000 software testers in the USA (Bureau of Labor Statistics) – and by extrapolation probably more than 50,000 in the UK. Hopeful new entrants hear rumours of £200,000 per annum earnings. They see the chance of being paid large sums to test the latest computer games.

As always it is wise to be realistic when it comes to personal expectations. Software testing is an important part of the IT jobs market – but it has not been immune to the effects of recession. There can be some rewarding assignments for those with the right mix of technical and business skills – but most earn in the range £25k to £50k. Computer games do need testing – but most jobs will relate to financial systems and other business applications. For more standard testing work there are well established off-shoring options for companies, and the biggest single centre for software testing is probably Bangalore!

Aspiring software testers sometimes see it as an easy route into IT – without the need for IT experience and knowledge. To a degree this can be true since it is essential to maintain the software user’s perspective and this will often not be an IT expert. However our recommendation is that it is a more sensible career option for those who have already acquired some experience in an IT environment, or who are proficient users of PCs and a significant range of software applications.

Key attributes which you should have, or should develop, include:

- a logical and systematic approach to problem solving

- an understanding of the business environment, business processes and business drivers

- an understanding of the role of testing within the software development lifecycle

- awareness of standard tools and techniques for testing

- awareness of risk analysis and risk management




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Obtaining rigorous training and a well recognised certification is central to being able to validate your skills and build credibility with potential employers. In the UK this basically means the ISEB/ISTQB Foundation course and certificate as a minimum.

3. The ISTQB Certification Structure

The International Software Testing Qualifications Board (ISTQB) provides harmonisation of qualifications across certification bodies worldwide. In the UK they work with ISEB to offer the industry benchmark software testing qualifications.

ISEB is the examination board of the British Computer Society and it specialises in training and exams for IT professionals. ISEB exams cover 8 major IS areas – and over 250,000 exams have been delivered globally. The software testing qualifications are amongst the most popular offered by the ISEB. The ISEB/ISTQB Foundation Certificate alone is taken by more than 10,000 students each year.

The ISTQB qualification structure for software testing comprises 2 primary tiers – Foundation and Advanced. A higher, “Expert” level is under development: it is likely to include experience pre-requisites as well as specialist knowledge of one or more software testing topics.

Delegates may also find it helpful to prepare for the Advanced Level Certificates by taking the optional ISEB Intermediate Certificate. Though not part of the ISTQB structure this qualification is well recognised in its own right.

Each course is associated with an exam and a certificate. The courses need to be taken in sequence: Foundation – Advanced. At the Advanced level there are options depending on whether your role is more “analytical” or “managerial”.




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4. ISEB/ISTQB Foundation Certificate

Overview:

This course and exam is suitable for everyone involved in the management or practice of software development, testing and acceptance, including users, developers, project managers and software buyers.

This qualification is jointly recognised by the ISEB and ISTQB so successful candidates are recognised by both bodies.

It is sometimes referred to as Certified Tester Foundation Level (CTFL).

What Will I Learn?

By the end of this course you should be able to:

Perform effective testing of software

Be aware of software testing techniques and standards

Be aware of what testing tools can achieve

Understand where to find more information

Establish the basic steps of the testing process

Exam:

The exam can be taken as part of an accredited course, or independently at a Thompson Prometric or Pearson Vue test centre. There are also public examination events organised directly by the ISEB. The syllabus was updated in 2010.

It is a multiple choice, closed book exam and lasts one hour. The pass mark is 26 correct questions out of 40. Results are sent direct to candidates within 3 weeks of the exam.

5. The ISEB/ISTQB Advanced Certificates

Overview:

At the Advanced level, there is a choice to be made – based on the type of job role which is most relevant to you. The Test Management Certificate is for those who need advanced skills in the managerial aspects of testing. The Test Analysis option is for those who need advanced level skills in the more technical and analytical aspects of testing. The Technical Test Analyst goes one step further and covers more detail on quality and efficiency measures incorporated within ISO/IEC standards.




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At the Advanced level delegates are expected to be able to apply creativity and critical thinking skills to assess the effectiveness of testing and to come up with new ideas and approaches.

Advanced Test Manager - What Will I Learn?


Define the overall testing goals and strategy

Plan, schedule, organise and track the tasks

Select, acquire and assign adequate resources

Select, organise and lead testing teams

Organise communication and reporting within the team, and with stakeholders

Advanced Test Analyst - What Will I Learn?


Structure the tasks in terms of business domain requirements

Analyse the system to meet user quality expectations

Evaluate the system requirements to determine domain validity

Prepare, execute and report on the required activities

Implement the appropriate tools and techniques to achieve the defined goals

Advanced Test Analyst - What Will I Learn?


Structure the tasks in terms of technical requirements

Analyse the internal structure of the system to meet quality expectations

Evaluate the system in terms of performance, security, reliability (or other quality attributes)

Prepare, execute and report on the required activities

Implement the appropriate tools and techniques to achieve the defined goals

Exam:




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The Advanced exams are 3 hour multiple choice papers each comprising 65 questions. Some questions are scenario based. The pass mark is 65%. You will normally take the exam at the conclusion of an accredited training course.

For those who sit and pass all 3 variants, an overall “Full” Advanced Certificate is awarded.

6. ISEB Intermediate Certificate

Overview:

Building on the core skills learned at Foundation level this course extends the knowledge and capabilities of Test Analysts and Test Managers. Successful candidates achieve the ISEB Intermediate Certificate in Software Testing.

This training will provide a valuable bridge for less experienced testers before moving on to the ISEB/ISTQB Advanced Certificates (though it is not a mandatory pre-requisite for the Advanced courses).

It is a pre-requisite for the old style ISEB Practitioner Certificates (see section 7).

What Will I Learn?

Moving beyond application of proven methodology and techniques, successful delegates are expected to be capable of analysing methodologies and results in the context of systems and organisational requirements.


Recognise the testing challenges associated with a range of application domains (incl web, client-server, mainframe and PC based applications)

Understand the role of testing at different stages of software development lifecycle

Appreciate how testing interfaces with other processes such as project management, configuration management and change management

Interpret the fundamental test process in the context of sequential, iterative and COTS (commercial of the shelf) approaches

Exam:

The exam is usually taken as part of an accredited course. There are also public examination events organised quarterly by the ISEB.

It is a scenario based multiple choice exam and lasts 1 hour. The pass mark is 60%.




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7. ISEB Practitioner Certificates

Integration of ISEB and ISTQB Qualification Structures:

Prior to 2010, ISEB had developed its own higher level software testing certifications – independently from the ISTQB. These comprised the “Intermediate” certificate and two “Practitioner” certificates which were designed to suit manager or analyst job roles.

In 2010, ISEB decided to align with the ISTQB certification structure.

The Intermediate Certificate remains as an important certification in its own right – and as an optional bridge to the Advanced Certificates.

The ISEB Practitioner Certificates will remain available until March 2011. Anyone following this qualification route will not be disadvantaged since the equivalence of the Practitioner and Advanced Certificates is recognised by the ISTQB. Those holding the ISEB Practitioner Certificate will be able to progress directly to the proposed “Expert” level of the ISTQB scheme.

Overview of the old ISEB Certificates:

At the Practitioner level delegates are expected to be able to apply creativity and critical thinking skills to assess the effectiveness of testing and to come up with new ideas and approaches.

ISEB Test Management Practitioner - What Will I Learn?


Select appropriate test plans and strategies

Select and justify test approaches and techniques appropriate to the context

Devise a tool selection process

Organise and motivate a test team

ISEB Test Analysis Practitioner - What Will I Learn?


Select and justify test approaches and techniques appropriate to the context

Prioritise test activity

Apply appropriate metrics

Critically analyse test results and compile summary reports




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Exam:

The Practitioner exams are held on 4 dates each year set by the ISEB. It is a 2 hour, essay based exam and students choose 4 out of 6 questions. The pass mark is 60%.

8. Training and Resources

The Foundation Certificate is normally taken at the end of a 3 day classroom course delivered by a provider accredited by the ISEB. There are also e-learning packs available which will prepare students for the exam.

For the Foundation Certificate it is possible to take the exam without attending a classroom course – or using an accredited online learning resource. This is not recommended; pass rates when taken after an accredited course are typically about 90% but are substantially lower for other candidates.

Those seeking the Advanced Certificate require the Foundation Certificate as a pre-requisite. The Advanced courses generally involve 5 days training, plus a separate revision and exam day. The format can vary so please check the course outline for a specific event.

The ISEB insist that those sitting the Intermediate exam hold the Foundation Certificate and have either attended an accredited Intermediate course, or have 18 months experience in software testing (they prefer all three).

The courses do not use a definitive manual but you will receive copies of accredited course materials. In addition the following books are recommended and can be bought from the Focus Bookstore:

http://books.focus-on-training.co.uk/software-testing-books.asp

Foundations of Software Testing: ISTQB Certification Author: D Graham (and others) Publication Date: Jan 2008 Publisher: Thomson ISBN: 1844809897

Software Testing Editor: B Hambling Publication Date: October 2010 Publisher: British Computer Society ISBN: 1906124760




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9. FAQs

Is there any pre-reading for the ISEB/ISTQB Foundation exam?

There is no mandated pre-reading requirement. However, you will find it helpful to go through any course materials provided in advance of the training – and the ISEB book “Software Testing” or ISTQB book “Foundations of Software Testing” (see section 8) are valuable reference documents.

When is the ISEB/ISTQB Foundation exam taken?

The exam is usually taken on the final day of the course. However, some of our training partners may offer the exam on the day following to allow additional preparation time. Check the course details on the Focus website.

Is the exam fee included in the price of a course?

Take care as some companies will present the exam as an optional extra. Because Focus finds that nearly all delegates wish to sit the exam our prices include the exam fee.

How do I book my software testing course with Focus?

Use the Focus website. We provide online booking to most of the accredited software testing courses in the UK. You can pay by credit card (no additional fee) or by approved company purchase order. If you have any queries our experienced team of training advisors will be pleased to assist.

Tel: 0845 450 6120 or +44 (0)1733 325232 Email: [email protected] Web: www.focus-on-training.co.uk Testing: http://www.focus-on-training.co.uk/software-testing-training/courses/skillarea/27/

Do I still need to obtain the ISEB Intermediate Qualification?

It is not a mandatory requirement to take the Intermediate Certificate before sitting any of the ISEB/ISTQB Advanced qualifications. However there is a substantial gap between the knowledge needed at Foundation and Advanced levels. Unless you have 2 years plus real world testing experience in a best practice environment then the Intermediate Certificate is likely to be the best route for you.




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Are there On-Line Learning options?

Yes. Focus offers the accredited “Learn Testing” package which provides all you need to pass your exams. You will have access to online tutorial support and exam practice tools. You take your exam at a Pearson Vue test centre once you are ready; a voucher is provided as part of the package.

http://www.focus-on-training.co.uk/online-learning/software-testing/

Can Focus help with software testing jobs?

Unfortunately not. We can help you achieve essential qualifications but we are not a recruitment company. We suggest the following websites which specialise in software testing jobs:

Computer People

http://www.computerpeople.co.uk/employers/specialistsectors/Pages/testing.aspx

IT Jobs for Graduates

http://www.itjobsforgraduates.com/index.php?SearchTerms=SOFTWARE+AND+TESTING&LocationSearchTerms=UNITED+AND

+KINGDOM&JobTypeFilter=0&OrderBy=0&DatePostedFilter=0&lang=en&Mode=AdvertSearch&nocache=1243930145&IsNewSea

rch=1&Search.x=79&Search.y=13

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