ISTQB Foundation and Advance Level Certification

International Software Testing Qualifications Board {ISTQB}

This post describes about the preparation and general guide line of ISTQB foundation level and advance level certifications.

ISTQB – An Introduction:

•          ISTQB is a non-profit organization responsible for defining various guidelines such as examination structure and regulations, accreditation, certification etc.

•          The ISTQB was officially founded as an International Software Testing Qualifications Board in UK in November 2002

•          Rex Black (Chairman of ISTQB and US)

•          Working parties within the ISTQB are responsible for developing and maintaining the syllabi and exams. The ISTQB comprises representatives from each existing national board.

ITB – Indian Testing Board

•          Indian Testing Board was founded in February 2004 and it was granted permission by ISTQB in April 2004

•           ITB is responsible for conducting ISTQB Certified Tester examination in India.

•          Official Links:

–         www.istqb.org

–         http://www.istqb.in/

–         http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ISTQB-India

Foundation and Advanced Level Certification:

The Foundation Level exam tests for knowledge, not skill. It provides information about the certificate holder's level of familiarity with the most common concepts of software testing and the associated terminology.

The Foundation Level exam is a stepping stone towards the Advanced Level, which goes in-depth and is much more practice-oriented, wherefore it also requires 24 months experience as a software tester.

• Foundation Level: Knowledge.
• Advanced Level: Skill.

 

Eligibility

General Guidelines for Preparing ISTQB Exam – Foundation Level

• 40 Questions
• 65% pass mark
• 75 minutes
• Multiple choice questions
• Only one correct answer
• No negative marking
• online exam
• All questions from syllabus
• Read the syllabus very carefully
• Question breakup
• 50% K1 (remember, recall type)
• 30% K2 (Compare, contrast type)
• 20% K3 (Analyze, apply type. Numerical type as well)

Chapter	Number of Questions Expected from each chapter
The principles of testing	7
Testing throughout the life-cycle	6
Static testing	3
Test design techniques	12
Test management	8
Tool support for testing	4

General Guidelines for Preparing ISTQB Exam – Advanced Level

The Advance Level is aimed at experienced test professionals. This level shows that the person has detailed knowledge regarding testing and skills to apply this knowledge in practice

The exam has three sub levels:

• Technical Test Analyst
• Test Analyst
• Test Manager

Exam Pattern:

• 65 Questions (Each sub-level)
• 180 minutes (Each sub-level)
• 100 Marks (30 questions of 1 Mark, 35 questions of 2 marks)
• 65% pass mark
• No negative marking
• online exam
• All questions from syllabus
• Read the syllabus very carefully
• Question breakup
• 50% K1 (remember, recall type)
• 30% K2 (Compare, contrast type)
• 20% K3 (Analyze, apply type. Numerical type as well)

After the examination, each successful participant receives the “ISTQB-Certified-Tester” certificate.

For latest syllabus:

http://www.istqb.in/Syllabi.php

Validity period for this certification:

Ø    Foundation Level certificate is valid for Life Time

Ø    Advanced Level certificate is valid for 3 years.

How to Apply:

·         Exam may conducted based upon city

·         Fill the Online Enrollment Form (visit: http://www.istqb.in/Enrollment.php)

·         Send a D/D of amount specified in mail in favour of INDIAN TESTING BOARD, payable at 'NOIDA‘ to Noida or Bangalore Branch

Reference Book for cracking the certification:

For Foundation Level Exam:

1. FOUNDATIONS OF SOFTWARE TESTING - ISTQB CERTIFICATION

by Dorothy Graham, Erik van Veenendaal

Isabel Evans, Rex Black

For Advance Level Exam:

1. The Software Test Engineers Handbook ISTQB Test Analyst and Technical Analyst Advanced Level Certificates

Author: Graham Bath, Publisher: Rocky Nook

2. Advanced Software Testing Vol 1 Guide to the ISTQB Advanced Certification as an Advanced Test Analyst

Author: Rex Black, Publisher: Rocky Nook

» Tips and Tricks

• ISTQB level questions are simple but answers are confusing at most of the times. More than one correct answers possible. Choose the one which is more correct or correct in more scenarios.
• Read the questions very carefully. Sometimes you might miss important words. Solve ISTQB Sample Papers frequently.
• Do not jump to answer quickly. Go through all options before selecting one.
• Look out for words like ALL, EVERY, NEVER etc. These might help you choose correct answer.