Software Testing Certification

You maybe thinking of taking the ISTQB foundation level software testing certification exam but want to know more about what topics are in the exam.

Here is the list of topics covered :

1. Fundamentals of Testing

To pass this topic, you need to understand what is testing, principles, the overall testing process and of course why is testing necessary.

2. How testing fits into the software development lifecycle

Here is covered the different levels of testing e.g. unit / system / integration / user acceptance testing.

You need to understand the different types of tests, e.g functional, non functional, stress etc.

3. Static Techniques

Static techniques cover the reviews that can be performed on the project documentation to find defects, issues or problems at an early stage. Can include reviews of functional specifications, design documents, test plans.

4. Test Design Techniques

The different test design techniques and knowing which one is appropriate for a situation.

5. Test Management

How should a test team be organised, how to plan, estimate, monitor and report of test progress.

6. Tools to support Testing

Here you should be familiar with the different tools that can be used to support testing. Not only tools to support the execution of tests, but tools that can support the whole testing process. This include test specification tools, test design tools and test monitoring and reporting tools.

So there is a very high level overview of what is covered in the ISTQB foundation level software testing certification exam. It should give you a basic idea if you are familiar with the topics that will be in the exam. If not you will need to do further study to pass the test.

A study guide can help you prepare for the test, check out these:

Sample Exam Questions: ISTQB Certified Tester Foundation Level

Foundations of Software Testing: ISTQB Certification

There are many software testing certifications available, but how can you choose which one is best for you? Here are some tips on what to look out for when selecting which software testing certification you will study for.

Some software testing certifications are available only in certain countries. When we look on the internet, we can see many different certifications, but on closer inspection, some are really focussed on a particular country. For example, the Certified Software Test Professional (CSTP) qualification is a U.S based certification and it is only available in the U.S.

You may need to attend training courses to sit the exam. While this could be a good thing if your company is able to send you on a training course, but if you are paying the bills yourself, it can get expensive. Some certifications allow you to self study or study online.

If you are thinking to specialise in the testing field, it would be better to select a certification that offers different levels. When first starting out, a basic or foundation level certification is fine, but as you advance to test lead or test manager, obtaining an advanced certification will help your career progression.

Check if the software testing certification requires work experience. Obviously if you are new to testing, it will not be possible to obtain a certification that requires a year or more of work experience in testing activities.

Some software testing certifications expire. That means that your qualification will no longer be valid after some period of time. You will then need to potentially study again and resit an exam.

A final point to check is what software testing certifications are asked for in the area that you would like to work in. If you would like to work in Europe, it is a good idea to check the job advertisements for testing jobs in Europe and see which software testing certifications they mention in the ads.

Foundations of Software Testing: ISTQB Certification

You may have heard of software testing certifications and wondered if you should spend the time to get a qualification.  Here we list the top reasons for why you should consider getting a software testing certification.

1. It may help you get a new job. If you are interested in a testing job but have no experience, a basic certification will help. The foundation level certification will cover testing terminology and software testing concepts. With this knowledge you will be much better prepared when seeking a role as a tester.

2. You may need a software testing qualification to get a position at another company. If you are applying for testing jobs, these days it is very common for employers to ask for a software testing certification. It may be mentioned as desirable, preferred or in more and more cases, required. Without it, your C.V may not even get looked at.

3. It may help you get a better job.  If you are already working in the testing field, obtaining a test certification may help you get a promotion. As a test analyst, obtaining an advanced test certification will help your chances of taking the step up to test lead. If you are looking for a test manager role, there are certifications that are focussed on this level as well.

4. You may be able to get a job in another country. Some software testing certifications are internationally recognised. This means that if you are applying for a job overseas, an employer will recognise the qualification and have confidence that you are a test professional.

5. You will be recognised as a test professional. Obtaining a certification will set you apart from others that have done testing as part of a project. It will demonstrate that you have a thorough knowledge of all aspects of testing.

So there you go, five reasons why you should consider gaining a software testing certification and add another qualification to your CV.

Check out these resources that can help you with software testing certification:

Foundations of Software Testing: ISTQB Certification