Course format

This is a five-day tutor-led course using a mixture of slide presentations, discussions, tool demonstrations and practical exercises. The 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 ISEB. Please contact us for the exam dates.

Audience

This advanced level qualification for test analysts is aimed at all testing professionals 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 Acceptance 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 Overview

The Certificate for Test Analysts is based on the ISTQB Advanced level syllabus. It extends the knowledge gained in the ISEB/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):

1. Introduction to the Syllabus (60);
2. Basic Aspects of Software Testing (30);
3. Testing Processes (180);
4. Test Management (120);
5. Test Techniques (1080); 6. Test of Software Characteristics (210);
6. Reviews (180)
7. Incident Management (120);
8. Test Tools & Automation (90);
9. People Skills & Team Composition (30).

Course Objectives

Taking the ISEB/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.

Information:  

About Advanced

The Advanced level qualifications are aimed at those individuals who have achieved an advanced point in their software testing careers. Each exam handles a different aspect of software testing and builds on the Foundation and Intermediate certifications with more practical and specific application of the broader theory.

What are the entry requirements?

Successful completion of the ISTQB-ISEB Certified Tester Foundation Level is a pre-requisite to taking an Advanced Certificate examination and it is suggested that candidates have a minimum of 3 years testing experience. Candidates may find the ISEB Intermediate Certificate a useful bridge between Foundation and Advanced though it is not mandatory.

The Advanced level qualifications examine up to level K4 of the given learning objectives / levels of knowledge.

Test Analyst

The Advanced Test Analyst qualification will give Internationally recognised advanced skills in test analysis, design and execution. Successful candidates can:

• Structure the tasks defined in the test strategy in terms of business domain requirements
• Analyse the system in sufficient detail to meet the user quality expectations
• Evaluate the system requirements to determine domain validit
• Prepare and execute the adequate testing activities, and report on their progress
• Provide the necessary evidence to support evaluations
• Implement the necessary tools and techniques to achieve the defined goals

If this isn't the right course for you, have a look at the ISTQB Advanced Technical Test Analyst or Test Manager instead.

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 Acceptance Testers and Software Developers

The ISTQB Advanced Test Analyst course is also available as a private in house course.

Pre Requisites

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.

Note to perspective delegates

We recommend that candidates taking this course spend some time in preparation by:

• Studying and becoming familiar with the glossary of terms, learning objectives and syllabus for ISTQB Advanced Test Analyst;
• Revisiting and refreshing their knowledge about the glossary of terms, learning objectives and syllabus for ISEB/ISTQB Foundation.

Career Path

If you are unsure about which ISTQB Advanced course if right for you, have a look at this powerpoint presentation which may help you decide. Please note this may take a few minutes to load.