ISTQB Material
The International Software Testing Qualifications Board (ISTQB) is an international organization created to certify software testers. The organization is based legally in Belgium but was founded in Edinburgh in 2002. The standardized qualification is based on guidelines in a hierarchy plus an examination. There are more than 200,000 certifications issued to date. The ISTQB is administered by 47 member boards in over 71 countries.
There are four certification levels. The ISTQB Foundation Level (CTFL), the ISTQB Advanced Level (CTAL), the Advanced Level (CTAL) and the Expert Level. The CTAL covers test managers, test analysts and technical test analysts. The Advanced Level CTAL is also known as the Full Advanced Level and is accessible only after passing the Advanced Level examinations. The Expert Level has categories for Improving the Test Process, Test Management, Test Automation and Security Testing. The latter two were planned for deployment in 2013.
The CTFL-Foundational Level examination is theoretical in nature and is based on knowledge of software development. The next level up requires practical knowledge in the specific areas of certification. Planning and control of the test process is the examination for Test Manager Certification. A Functional Tester is related to reviews and black box testing methods. With the examination for a Technical Tester, they must have knowledge of white box testing, test tools and non-functional testing methods.
The first two levels of certification examinations are multiple choice format. Certification lasts a lifetime, so there is no requirement for recertification.
Skiva aims to provide assistance to company staff or individuals who want to gain certification. The classes, seminars and resource materials are available through the Skiva website. Attending structured training sessions, or taking advantage of online resource materials will prepare the applicant for taking the examination and components of Skiva seminars often include a segment about ISTQB certification. Training, free articles and other resources are useful to help in focusing a student’s attention on the key elements of ISTQB certification so that information on test administration can be disseminated to potential candidates for certification.
For those who are planning to take an examination, practice tests are a great way to reduce test anxiety as applicants get the opportunity to read and answer typical questions that have appeared on previous examinations. These examination questions are specific to the level of exam that is being considered.
Clearly gaining certification is beneficial, so any opportunity to increase your knowledge of the topic is ideal.. Taking test exams from previous years will help increase confidence levels as they will help to increase knowledge base and enable students to identify what are key areas to concentrate on. It is all part of an accepted learning process.
In addition to practicing examinations and giving answers to the questions, a further learning opportunity is guaranteed when the correct answers are also fully explained. For this type of learning and educational material, Skiva will require registration and payment of a fee for the materials.
