ISTQB/ISEB Foundation Certificate in Software Testing

Course Description

This course presents an opportunity for South Africans to gain an internationally accredited software testing qualification. The International Software Testing Qualification Board (ISTQB) has a wide international representation and now has a revised syllabus at foundation level that supersedes that of the International Systems Examinations Board (ISEB) of the British Computer Society. The previous ISEB Foundation Level Certificate in Software Testing remains recognised by the ISTQB. Test and Data Services continues a tradition of training excellence in South Africa by now offering the new ISTQB course. The course covers the fundamental skills required by all software testers and certification is awarded to those who pass a written one hour multiple-choice exam.

The ISTQB/ISEB Foundation Certificate in Software Testing provides a competitive advantage to companies which want their software testing to match international standards.

Intended Audience

This ISTQB course will be of significant value to testers who have 3 months or more of testing experience, test analysts, test managers who have not yet earned the qualification, business analysts, and developers.

Course Content

The course covers the following areas:

• Fundamentals of testing
  The course is introduced by defining testing terminology and all the fundamental aspects of the testing process such as why testing is necessary, what it is, what the general testing principles are, what the fundamental test process is and what the psychology of testing is. Important concepts in testing, such as the difference between regression testing and retesting are discussed. Good communication and the importance of independence for successful testing are emphasised.

• Testing throughout the software life cycle
  In this module the role of testing in the software development life cycle is explained. Software development models are covered. What constitutes good testing in any model is emphasised. Test levels are discussed within a V-model. Targets of testing are explained as is maintenance testing. A clear distinction is made between the roles of verification and validation testing. Important principles governing the economic viability of testing are addressed.

• Dynamic testing techniques
  Dynamic testing implies that testing is performed while the program code is running. The techniques are usually equivalence partitioning, boundary value analysis, state transition testing, cause-effect graphing, negative testing and random testing. Most testing is done in one of these ways. These techniques have to be understood for the testing process to be effective. ‘Effective’ means that no serious faults are missed.

• Static techniques
  This module covers techniques performed without executing any program code. The two different test processes, using static or dynamic techniques, are distinguished. Static testing techniques which are covered are reviews, data flow analysis, control flow graphing, and complexity analysis. Static analysis through the use of tools can be beneficial, especially in discovering faults in areas of the code which would typically be unreachable.

• Test design techniques
  In this module the identification of test conditions and the design of test cases are addressed. Test design techniques: specification-based, structure-based and experience based. Examples of case testing are discussed, as well as factors to consider in the choice of techniques.

• Test management
  This module covers important test management principles, such as, the benefits and pitfalls of various test organisation structures, influences on test planning and estimation, test progress monitoring and control with appropriate tools, configuration management with its tools, risk and testing and incident management and finally applying testing standards. Independence, reporting and the use of appropriate tools are emphasised.

• Tool support for testing
  In this module key issues for the effective use of tools are discussed. Specifically types of test tool, the effective use of the tools, including their benefits and risks, and the introduction of a tool into an organisation are the core issues. There is also a summary of tool types and specific considerations covered throughout the course.

Course Details

• Prerequisites
  Previous experience in software testing is not necessary; however, general knowledge of the information technology industry is an advantage.

• Course presentation and duration
  The course is presented by an experienced software testing practitioner who has been accredited by ISEB. The course duration is three days. It runs from 8:00 to 17:30. This includes a lunch and two tea breaks daily.

• Training style
  The course is conducted in a classroom style. Candidates use practical tasks to consolidate theoretical concepts.

• Course materials, certification and assessment
  Comprehensive course notes are provided. During the course several practical worksheets will be issued. These will assist candidates in their preparation for the final exam, which will be written on the last day of the course.
  
  On completion of this course, and passing the externally invigilated, ISEB-set examination, candidates receive the internationally accredited ISTQB/ISEB Foundation Certificate in Software Testing.
  
• Training Venues
  Test and Data Services presents courses at several well-established training facilities in Midrand (near Johannesburg and Pretoria), Cape Town and Durban. Training can be arranged at the client’s premises depending on adequate facilities and candidate numbers.

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