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