ISTQB Advanced Certificate for Test Analysts

Course Overview

The Certificate for Test Analysts is based on the ISTQB Advanced level syllabus. It extends the knowledge gained in the BCS/ISTQB Foundation Certificate in Software Testing and is one of three certificated courses in the overall advanced scheme.

The advanced test analyst course is suitable for those actively involved in the analysis, specification, design and execution aspects of software testing. The course, which is fully compliant with the syllabus and its prescribed learning objectives, contains 10 key modules of at least the required duration (minutes):

• Introduction to the Syllabus (60)
• Basic Aspects of Software Testing (30)
• Testing Processes (180)
• Test Management (120)
• Test Techniques (1080)
• Test of Software Characteristics (210)
• Reviews (180)
• Incident Management (120)
• Test Tools & Automation (90)
• People Skills & Team Composition (30)

Course Objectives

Taking the BCS/ISTQB Foundation Certificate in Software Testing as its basis, the certificate and course build directly on key aspects of test analysis:

• To prepare candidates for the examination for the Advanced Certificate for Test Analysts
• Extend understanding of software test analysis – its practical application and key components - and to enhance awareness of issues and constraints around software test analysis.

Who Should Attend?

This advanced level qualification for test analysts is aimed at all testing professionals who hold the ISEB/ISTQB Foundation Certificate in Software Testing and who wish to gain greater knowledge and recognition of test analysis and its application. In addition it is strongly recommended by the syllabus board that candidates also have at least 18 months experience in Software Testing and take an accredited course before sitting the exam:

• Testers, Test Analysts, Test Engineers, Test Consultants, Test Managers, User arrowance Testers and Software Developers

Syllabus – Key points

Introduction to Syllabus

• General introduction and objectives
• Review of the ISTQB Foundation Syllabus

Basic Aspects of Software Testing

• General Refresher & Overview

Incident Management

• Analyse
• Classify
• Describe Defects

Test of Software Characteristics

• Quality Attributes for Domain Testing
• Quality Attributes for Technical Testing
• Testing Processes
• Test Analysis & Design
• Test Implementation & Execution
• Evaluating Exit Criteria & Reporting

Reviews

• Review Checklists
• Review Types

Test Tools & Automation

• Test Tool Concepts
• Test Tool Categories

Test Techniques

• Selection of Techniques
• Typical defects and coverage criteria
• Designing test cases
• Test Specification
• Rationale for defect-based and experience-based testing
• Example defect taxonomies and their use
• Exploratory testing

People Skills & Team Composition

• Communication

Test Management

• Risk Based Testing
• Prioritisation
• Coverage
• Activities for Planning and Execution of Domain Testing

Course format

This is a five-day tutor-led course using a mixture of slide presentations, discussions, tool demonstrations and practical exercises. This classroom course is five days plus exam day. The qualification is assessed by means of a three hour multiple choice-style examination, which may be scheduled on-site or taken at public exam centres, administered by BCS.

Course deliverables

Each delegate shall receive a full set of course materials as both hard copy and on CD for future reference.