BCS Software Testing Foundation and Intermediate (inc examinations)

Overview

This course provides comprehensive training for anyone involved in software testing, including test analysts and test managers looking for highly practical knowledge and techniques. It is a combination of lectures, workshops, exercises and sample exam questions. Delegates will leave with testing knowledge, skills and techniques which can be applied in the workplace.

The Foundation is accredited by the Information Systems Examination Board (ISEB) of the British Computer Society (BCS), and follows the syllabus specified by the International Software Testing Qualification Board (ISTQB). It culminates in an optional one-hour multiple choice examination for the ISEB Foundation Certificate in Software Testing. Successful candidates will also gain the ISTQB Certified Tester - Foundation Level, a globally recognised qualification.

Delegates also have the option of taking ISEB Intermediate Certificate examination as well as the Foundation (both exams are taken on the last day of the course).

Those delegates taking the ISEB Examination(s) will need to spend some time each evening on revision and example examination questions. The amount of time required will depend on experience, but delegates should be prepared to spend a minimum of 1 hour each evening.

Prerequisites

• Anyone currently involved in testing or about to move into a testing role.
• Those wishing to attain the ISEB Foundation and Intermediate Certificate in Software Testing. Candidates with special examination requirements should consult the ISEB web site (www.iseb.org.uk) for their Special Needs policy. Note that the ISEB must be advised at least four weeks in advance of any special requirements.
• Delegates should already have a basic working knowledge of IT and an understanding of the testing role in software development. Those who intend to sit the examination at the end of the course will benefit from pre-reading the ISTQB Foundation Level Syllabus and a standard text on the subject from the ISEB book list.

IMPORTANT : Passing the ISEB Foundation exam is a pre-requisite for the Intermediate Certificate. If a candidate takes both the Foundation and the Intermediate but fails the Foundation Level, ISEB will withhold the Intermediate results until they pass the Foundation exam (they have 3 months to achieve that).

Photographic identification for exams and BCS reasonable adjustments policy

• If you are taking a BCS exam you must bring photographic identification (passport, driving license or student card) as it is a BCS requirement to produce it for the invigilator prior to the exam. Failure to produce a valid form of photographic identification will result in a candidate not being able to sit the exam.
• The BCS also allow additional time for candidates who have a disability or whose business language is not English. Candidates can request this additonal time in line with the BCS reasonable adjustments policy. If you believe you qualify please contact our examination administration team as early as possible. At least three weeks notice will be required for processing and delegates failing to advise QA and provide proof if requested by the BCS may not be allowed the additional support offered via this BCS policy.

For any questions about what form of identification is acceptable, or for more information about the BCS reasonable adjustments policy, please contact your Account Manager or the QA Examination Administration team on 44 (0)1793 696273.

Delegates will learn how to

• Explain the terminology associated with the ISTQB and understand the principles, psychology and code of ethics of testing
• Describe verification, validation and testing approaches in different life cycles and domains
• Produce test designs using equivalence partitioning, boundary value analysis and state transition techniques
• Use static techniques to assess quality and coverage
• Appreciate the different tools available for automating testing
• Understand how to apply review techniques effectively
• Perform risk analysis techniques
• Address test management areas of planning, monitoring and controlling
• Select and apply the most appropriate test analysis techniques

Course Outline.

Fundamentals of Testing

Why is Testing Necessary , What is Testing?, Seven Testing Principles, Fundamental Test Process, The Psychology of Testing, Code of Ethics, Application Domain.

Testing Throughout the Software Life Cycle

Software Development Models, Test Levels, Test Types, Maintenance Testing.

Static Techniques

The Principles of Reviews, Types of Reviews, Using Different review types, Performing a Formal Review, Static Analysis by Tools.

Test Design Techniques

The Test Development Process, Categories of Test Design Techniques, Specification-based or Black-box Techniques, Structure-based or White-box Techniques, Experience-based Techniques , Choosing Test Techniques.

Test Analysis

Test Environment Requirements, Coverage Measures.

Testing & Risks

Introduction to Risk & Risk based Testing, Risk Management, Product Risk Identification & Analysis.

Test Management

Test Organization, Test Policy, Strategy & Plans, Test Planning, Estimation and Estimation Techniques, Test Monitoring, Entry & Exit Criteria, Configuration Management, Incident Management Process.

Tool Support for Testing

Types of Test Tools, Effective Use of Tools: Potential Benefits and Risks, Introducing a Tool into an Organization.

Examinations included in this course

• ISTQB-ISEB Certified Tester Foundation Level Certificate
• ISEB Intermediate Certificate in Software Testing