Software Testing Certifications

About the ISTQB Certifications

ISTQB Certified Tester Foundation

The Foundation Level qualification is aimed at anyone involved in software testing. This includes people in roles such as testers, test analysts, test engineers, test consultants, test managers, user acceptance testers and software developers. This Foundation Level qualification is also appropriate for anyone who wants a basic understanding of Quality Assurance(QA), such as project managers, quality managers, software development managers, business analysts, IT directors and management consultants. Holders of the Foundation Certificate will be able to go on to a higher level qualification. [ISTQB]

ISTQB Advanced

The Foundation Level qualification is aimed at anyone involved in software testing. This includes people in roles such as testers, test analysts, test engineers, test consultants, test managers, user acceptance testers and software developers. This Foundation Level qualification is also appropriate for anyone who wants a basic understanding of Quality Assurance(QA), such as project managers, quality managers, software development managers, business analysts, IT directors and management consultants. Holders of the Foundation Certificate will be able to go on to a higher level qualification. [ISTQB]

About the ISEB Certifications

ISEB Foundation Level

The Foundation Certificate in Software Testing is ideal for all who have an interest in understanding the basic concepts of Quality Assurance(QA). It examines up to level K3 of the given learning objectives / levels of knowledge. This certificate also counts towards the ISEB Diploma in Systems Development. ISEB certification leads to ISTQB certified testing qualifications. The Foundation Certificate in Software Testing now has dual accreditation with the ISTQB (International Software Testing Qualifications Board) and successful candidates will receive certification with both ISEB and ISTQB recognition at Foundation level. [BCS]

ISEB Intermediate

Level The Intermediate Certificate in Software Testing examination is suitable for those who are engaged in any aspect of Quality Assurance(QA). It is the next level of competency in software testing after foundation level. The topics covered are those which are considered to be essential knowledge for an advanced level test professional, regardless of their specialism (i.e. Test Analysis or Test Management). A pass in this certificate provides evidence that the candidate has proven analytical ability, having gained knowledge and practical skills in the key topics required for practicing software testing. This qualification examines up to level K4 of the given learning objectives / levels of knowledge. This certificate is a prerequisite for candidates who wish to sit either of the ISEB practitioner level exams in software testing. [BCS]

ISEB Practitioner in Test Management

The ISEB Practitioner Certificate in Test Management is suitable for those who are or aim to be actively involved in the management of any aspect of software testing. The certificate extends the content of the ISEB Foundation Certificate in Software Testing, and builds on the topics covered in ISEB's Intermediate Certificate in Software Testing, in the areas of test management. A pass in this certificate provides evidence that the candidate has gained a high level of competency in topics specific to the management of software testing, having proven ability to analyse, synthesise and evaluate. This qualification examines up to level K6 of the given learning objectives / levels of knowledge. [BCS]

ISEB Practitioner in Test Analysis

The ISEB Practitioner Certificate in Test Analysis is suitable for those who are or aim to be actively involved in the analysis of any aspect of software testing. The certificate extends the content of the ISEB Foundation Certificate in Software Testing, and builds directly on ISEB's Intermediate Certificate in Software Testing specifically covering the technical aspects of testing. A pass in this certificate provides evidence that the candidate has gained a high level of competency in topics specific to the analysis of software testing, having proven ability to analysis, synthesis and evaluate. This qualification examines up to level K6 of the learning objectives as defined in the Bloom's Taxonomy. [BCS]

ISEB or ISTQB?

Firstly, for anyone who doesn't hold a software testing certification, then it is a good idea to take the ISEB Foundation level. By obtaining the ISEB Foundation certification you will also receive the ISTQB Certified Tester certification for free. Another advantage of this certification is that it can be taken at a Prometric exam center, of which there are hundreds all over the globe. Due to the relative simplicity of this exam, it can make financial sense to choose a distance learning package as this is very cost-effective and means you can study when you want and then take the exam at your local testing center.

So you now have your foundation level in software testing, which path to take now?

The ISTQB advanced level examinations are split into three levels, ISTQB Test Analysis, ISTQB Test Manager and ISTQB Technical Test Analyst. All three exams require sitting a public examination and cannot be taken at a third-party test center like the Certified Tester exam. Each of these exams requires considerable knowledge and experience so it is highly recommended to undertake some kind of formal training. If this is not an option then several books are available and the exam syllabus can be downloaded for free and contains a very good amount of detail. If you are considering the ISEB route, then it's worth considering that it can be quite a jump in knowledge from the foundation level to the practitioner level. This is where the ISEB Intermediate level comes in. It basically builds upon areas in the foundation level and prepares the student for the practitioner levels. This exam currently can only be taken an ISEB testing center.

The ISEB practitioner levels are very technically minded and will require not only knowledge but experience too, as the exams are geared around 'applying' the knowledge to situations. The exams normally take place at a public ISEB testing center and consist of essay type questions. Conclusion Taking the ISEB Foundation is highly recommended as it gives you both the ISEB and ISTQB certification. This will look great on any resume/CV and shows you are have a good understanding of software testing to show any current or future employer.

The next sensible step would be to go for the ISEB Intermediate if you are not sure if you have enough experience to jump straight in at the Advanced/Practitioner levels. Then you can go for either the ISEB or ISTQB Advanced/Practitioner levels. Once you have passed one of these you will probably find that you have enough information to sit the corresponding exam as both syllabi overlap somewhat.

Benefits of Achieving Certification:

The benefits to achieving either the ISEB or ISTQB certifications are:

1. Internationally recognized industry qualifications

2. Recognition of expertise to you and your company

3. Confidence from customers using your testing services

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