Several certification programs exist to support the professional aspirations of software testers and quality assurance specialists. No certification currently offered actually requires the applicant to demonstrate the ability to test software. No certification is based on a widely accepted body of knowledge. This has led some to declare that the testing field is not ready for certification. Certification itself cannot measure an individual's productivity, their skill, or practical knowledge, and cannot guarantee their competence, or professionalism as a tester.
Software testing certification types
Certifications can be grouped into: exam-based and education-based.
Exam-based certifications: For these there is the need to pass an exam, which can also be learned by self-study: e.g. for ISTQB or QAI.
Education-based certifications: Education based software testing certifications are instructor-led sessions, where each course has to be passed, e.g. IIST (International Institute for Software Testing).
Testing certifications
Certified Software Tester (CSTE) offered by the Quality Assurance Institute (QAI)
Certified Software Test Professional (CSTP) offered by the International Institute for Software Testing8]
[[CSTP (TM)]] (Australian Version) offered by K. J. Ross & Associates9]
CATe offered by the International Institute for Software Testing0]
ISEB offered by the Information Systems Examinations Board
Certified Tester, Foundation Level (CTFL) offered by the International Software Testing Qualification Board
Certified Tester, Advanced Level (CTAL) offered by the International Software Testing Qualification Board
CBTS offered by the Brazilian Certification of Software Testing (ALATS)
Quality assurance certifications
*CSQE offered by the American Society for Quality (ASQ)
*CSQA offered by the Quality Assurance Institute (QAI)
Certifications
Required Certification: At least Should have done any on Certification
1 Certified Associate in Software Testing (CAST) offered by the Quality Assurance Institute (QAI)[42]
2 CATe offered by the International Institute for Software Testing [43]
3 Certified Manager in Software Testing (CMST) offered by the Quality Assurance Institute (QAI)[42]
4 Certified Software Tester (CSTE) offered by the Quality Assurance Institute (QAI)[42]
4 Certified Software Test Professional (CSTP) offered by the International Institute for Software Testing [43]
5 CSTP (TM) (Australian Version) offered by K. J. Ross & Associates [44]
6 ISEB offered by the Information Systems Examinations Board
7 ISTQB Certified Tester, Foundation Level (CTFL) offered by the International Software Testing Qualification Board [45] [46]
8 ISTQB Certified Tester, Advanced Level (CTAL) offered by the International Software Testing Qualification Board [45] [46]
9 TMPF TMap Next Foundation offered by the Examination Institute for Information Science [47]
10 TMPA TMap Next Advanced offered by the Examination Institute for Information Science [47]
Quality assurance certifications
1 CMSQ offered by the Quality Assurance Institute (QAI).[42]
2 CSQA offered by the Quality Assurance Institute (QAI)[42]
3 CSQE offered by the American Society for Quality (ASQ)[48]
4 CQIA offered by the American Society for Quality (ASQ)[48]
Showing posts with label Certifications. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Certifications. Show all posts
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
ISTQB Certifications
The ISTQB was officially founded as an International Software Testing Qualifications Board. The user can access the sitehttp://www.istqb.in to get the detail information regarding the ISTQB certifications.
What is ISTQB?
ISTQB stands for "International Software Testing Qualifications Board". It is Belgium based International body legally established in the year 2002.
Software testing professionals from all over the world joined hands in formulating standardized contents for further education in the field of Software Testing. It is a multiple-choice exam & is an education program offered in 38 countries
How many Levels of Certification are provided by ISTQB?
The ISTQB has come out with an International Qualification Scheme called "ISTQB Certified Tester".
Presently there are two levels of exams leading to the specific levels of certification.
1) Foundation Level Certification: Name of this certification is "Certified Tester Foundation Level" (CTFL). This is the only one foundation level exam. This is an entry-level certification meant for people entering the field of testing and for experienced professionals desiring to move up the ladder of ISTQB certifications.
Foundation Level Certification offers evidence that the certified person has a broad understanding of the key concepts & fundamental best practices of software testing.
2) Advanced Level Certification: This is the intermediate level certification. Name of this certification is "Certified Tester Advanced Level" (CTAL).
Advanced Level Certification offers evidence that the certified person is a committed testing professional and has thorough understanding of key concepts & advanced best practices of software testing.
The prerequisites for applying for the Advanced level exam are as under:
A) For Bachelor’s Degree (or higher) Holders in Computer Science or related fields 1) Must have passed the Foundation Level Exam
2) 24 Months of Testing Experience in IT, Testing, Development, QA, Engineering or related fields (For any 2 sub-levels)
3) Min. 36 Months of experience mandatory for Advanced Level Complete Certification (For all 3 sub-levels) B) For Non Bachelor ’s Degree (or higher) Holders in Computer Science or related fields 1) Must have passed the Foundation Level Exam
2) 60 Months of Testing Experience in IT, Testing, Development, QA, Engineering or related fields Sub Levels of Advanced Level certifications: The Advanced Level certification exam has following three inter-related sublevels. Candidate can go in for either or all of these advanced level certifications.
Sub Level -1: Technical Test Analyst
Sub Level -2: Test Analyst
Sub Level -3: Test Manager
Key Features of the 3 - Advanced Sublevel exams a) A single syllabus exists for all the three sublevels.
b) There is a separate paper for every sub-level and every exam is of 180 Minutes Duration.
c) Sub-Levels can be taken up in any order.
d) An individual Certificate is granted on successful completion of every sublevel exam.
Additional Advanced Level Certification: After completing the above three advanced level certifications, one can go in for an additional Advanced Level Certification by the name "Advanced Level (CTAL) – Full Advanced Level". This is an exam of 1.5 hours duration.
3) Expert Level Certification: Has not started yet. Expert Level Certification is meant for leaders of the field of software testing with eight or more years of experience.
Expert Level Certification offers evidence that the certified person is a seasoned testing professional and has consistent understanding & execution of proven cutting edge techniques in testing.
Exams entry level:
Foundations level prerequisite
None
Fees: 4,000.00 (Four Thousand)
Advanced level prerequisite
For Bachelor’s Degree (or higher) Holders in Computer Science or related fields
* Foundation Level Clearance
* 24 Months of Testing Experience in IT, Testing, Development,
QA, Engineering or related fields (For any 2 sub-levels)
* Min. 36 Months of experience mandatory for Adv. Complete
Certification(For all 3 sub-levels)
For Non Bachelor’s Degree (or higher) Holders in Computer Science or related fields
* Foundation Level Clearance
* 60 Months of Testing Experience in IT, Testing, Development,QA,Engineering,or
related fields
Fees: 4,000.00 (Four Thousand For Each Sub Level)
Who provides the ISTQB Certification?
Almost all-major countries are the member of the parent body i.e. ISTQB. These member countries have their local Software Testing Qualification Boards. These local boards provide their inputs to the syllabus and question papers for various exams including the process of examination.
Such boards conduct the exams strictly in accordance with the common syllabus defined by ISTQB & provide necessary certification.
In India, ITB (Indian Testing Board) is the ISTQB approved national board & provides the "ISTQB Certified Tester" Certification in India.
What is the period of validity of ISTQB Certifications?
1) ISTQB Certified Tester - Foundation Level Certificate (CTFL): Valid for whole Life.
2) ISTQB Certified Tester - Advanced Level Certificate (CTAL): Valid for whole Life
What is the Structure of Foundation Level Exam conducted by ITB?
This exam is designed to evaluate the aspirant’s knowledge & understanding of the entire syllabus of Foundation level exam.
All ISTQB Foundation exams use the same format with following features:
1) This is a Closed Book Exam – Requiring you to darken the appropriate circle with the help of a pencil.
2) Exam consists of 40 multiple-choice questions each carrying 1 point for the correct answer (Total 40 Points)
3) Each question presents 4 possible answers, out of which only one is the correct one. 4) Time allowed for finishing the test: 75 Minutes
5) Passing Score: More than 65% (Minimum 26 Points are required to pass)
6) There is no negative marking.
7) %age breakup of questions in the exam:
a) 50% Questions – K1 Level (To check basic knowledge & remembering ability of a concept)
b) 30% Questions – K2 Level (To check the ability to compare, classify & summarize)
c) 20% Questions – K3 Level (To check the ability to analyze, apply the knowledge. Can include Numericals as well)
What is the Syllabus for various ISTQB certifications Exams?
Download the syllabus from the following links:
1) Click Here for New Foundation Level Syllabus version 2010(Applicable from 1st October 2010)
2)Click here to download the NEW Advanced Level Syllabus.
The Advanced Level syllabus is divided into three areas like:
a) Advanced behavioral testing or Black Box testing & testing standards for business oriented testing professionals.
b) Test automation and advanced structural testing or White Box testing for programmers & software testers.
c) Sophisticated test management concepts for Professional Managers.
The Advanced Level syllabus covers following topics:
a) Basic Aspects of Software Testing
b) Testing Processes
c) Test Management
d) Test Techniques
e) Testing of Software Characteristics
f) Reviews
g) Incident Management
h) Standards & Test Improvement Process
j) Test Tools & Automation
k) People Skills - Team Composition
How do I Prepare for the ISTQB Exams? Is there any exam guide available?
Use of Books: Pick up a few books, along with copies of the relevant standards, and study them. The use of syllabus and glossary is again essential here as well.
You can have one of the best book that is entirely focused on ISTQB Certification – i.e. Foundations of Software Testing - ISTQB Certification : By Dorothy Graham, Erik van Veenendaal, Isabel Evans & Rex Black
How to register for the Foundation Level Exam (CTFL) with ITB?
1) Check the examination schedule for your city.
2) Fill the Online Enrolment Form
3) If you have any queries fill Online Enquiry Form
4) You would immediately receive a confirmation mail in your Personal ID along with further instructions
5) Make a payment of the specified amount to the "Indian Testing Board"
6) You will be informed of t
What is ISTQB?
ISTQB stands for "International Software Testing Qualifications Board". It is Belgium based International body legally established in the year 2002.
Software testing professionals from all over the world joined hands in formulating standardized contents for further education in the field of Software Testing. It is a multiple-choice exam & is an education program offered in 38 countries
How many Levels of Certification are provided by ISTQB?
The ISTQB has come out with an International Qualification Scheme called "ISTQB Certified Tester".
Presently there are two levels of exams leading to the specific levels of certification.
1) Foundation Level Certification: Name of this certification is "Certified Tester Foundation Level" (CTFL). This is the only one foundation level exam. This is an entry-level certification meant for people entering the field of testing and for experienced professionals desiring to move up the ladder of ISTQB certifications.
Foundation Level Certification offers evidence that the certified person has a broad understanding of the key concepts & fundamental best practices of software testing.
2) Advanced Level Certification: This is the intermediate level certification. Name of this certification is "Certified Tester Advanced Level" (CTAL).
Advanced Level Certification offers evidence that the certified person is a committed testing professional and has thorough understanding of key concepts & advanced best practices of software testing.
The prerequisites for applying for the Advanced level exam are as under:
A) For Bachelor’s Degree (or higher) Holders in Computer Science or related fields 1) Must have passed the Foundation Level Exam
2) 24 Months of Testing Experience in IT, Testing, Development, QA, Engineering or related fields (For any 2 sub-levels)
3) Min. 36 Months of experience mandatory for Advanced Level Complete Certification (For all 3 sub-levels) B) For Non Bachelor ’s Degree (or higher) Holders in Computer Science or related fields 1) Must have passed the Foundation Level Exam
2) 60 Months of Testing Experience in IT, Testing, Development, QA, Engineering or related fields Sub Levels of Advanced Level certifications: The Advanced Level certification exam has following three inter-related sublevels. Candidate can go in for either or all of these advanced level certifications.
Sub Level -1: Technical Test Analyst
Sub Level -2: Test Analyst
Sub Level -3: Test Manager
Key Features of the 3 - Advanced Sublevel exams a) A single syllabus exists for all the three sublevels.
b) There is a separate paper for every sub-level and every exam is of 180 Minutes Duration.
c) Sub-Levels can be taken up in any order.
d) An individual Certificate is granted on successful completion of every sublevel exam.
Additional Advanced Level Certification: After completing the above three advanced level certifications, one can go in for an additional Advanced Level Certification by the name "Advanced Level (CTAL) – Full Advanced Level". This is an exam of 1.5 hours duration.
3) Expert Level Certification: Has not started yet. Expert Level Certification is meant for leaders of the field of software testing with eight or more years of experience.
Expert Level Certification offers evidence that the certified person is a seasoned testing professional and has consistent understanding & execution of proven cutting edge techniques in testing.
Exams entry level:
Foundations level prerequisite
None
Fees: 4,000.00 (Four Thousand)
Advanced level prerequisite
For Bachelor’s Degree (or higher) Holders in Computer Science or related fields
* Foundation Level Clearance
* 24 Months of Testing Experience in IT, Testing, Development,
QA, Engineering or related fields (For any 2 sub-levels)
* Min. 36 Months of experience mandatory for Adv. Complete
Certification(For all 3 sub-levels)
For Non Bachelor’s Degree (or higher) Holders in Computer Science or related fields
* Foundation Level Clearance
* 60 Months of Testing Experience in IT, Testing, Development,QA,Engineering,or
related fields
Fees: 4,000.00 (Four Thousand For Each Sub Level)
Who provides the ISTQB Certification?
Almost all-major countries are the member of the parent body i.e. ISTQB. These member countries have their local Software Testing Qualification Boards. These local boards provide their inputs to the syllabus and question papers for various exams including the process of examination.
Such boards conduct the exams strictly in accordance with the common syllabus defined by ISTQB & provide necessary certification.
In India, ITB (Indian Testing Board) is the ISTQB approved national board & provides the "ISTQB Certified Tester" Certification in India.
What is the period of validity of ISTQB Certifications?
1) ISTQB Certified Tester - Foundation Level Certificate (CTFL): Valid for whole Life.
2) ISTQB Certified Tester - Advanced Level Certificate (CTAL): Valid for whole Life
What is the Structure of Foundation Level Exam conducted by ITB?
This exam is designed to evaluate the aspirant’s knowledge & understanding of the entire syllabus of Foundation level exam.
All ISTQB Foundation exams use the same format with following features:
1) This is a Closed Book Exam – Requiring you to darken the appropriate circle with the help of a pencil.
2) Exam consists of 40 multiple-choice questions each carrying 1 point for the correct answer (Total 40 Points)
3) Each question presents 4 possible answers, out of which only one is the correct one. 4) Time allowed for finishing the test: 75 Minutes
5) Passing Score: More than 65% (Minimum 26 Points are required to pass)
6) There is no negative marking.
7) %age breakup of questions in the exam:
a) 50% Questions – K1 Level (To check basic knowledge & remembering ability of a concept)
b) 30% Questions – K2 Level (To check the ability to compare, classify & summarize)
c) 20% Questions – K3 Level (To check the ability to analyze, apply the knowledge. Can include Numericals as well)
What is the Syllabus for various ISTQB certifications Exams?
Download the syllabus from the following links:
1) Click Here for New Foundation Level Syllabus version 2010(Applicable from 1st October 2010)
2)Click here to download the NEW Advanced Level Syllabus.
The Advanced Level syllabus is divided into three areas like:
a) Advanced behavioral testing or Black Box testing & testing standards for business oriented testing professionals.
b) Test automation and advanced structural testing or White Box testing for programmers & software testers.
c) Sophisticated test management concepts for Professional Managers.
The Advanced Level syllabus covers following topics:
a) Basic Aspects of Software Testing
b) Testing Processes
c) Test Management
d) Test Techniques
e) Testing of Software Characteristics
f) Reviews
g) Incident Management
h) Standards & Test Improvement Process
j) Test Tools & Automation
k) People Skills - Team Composition
How do I Prepare for the ISTQB Exams? Is there any exam guide available?
Use of Books: Pick up a few books, along with copies of the relevant standards, and study them. The use of syllabus and glossary is again essential here as well.
You can have one of the best book that is entirely focused on ISTQB Certification – i.e. Foundations of Software Testing - ISTQB Certification : By Dorothy Graham, Erik van Veenendaal, Isabel Evans & Rex Black
How to register for the Foundation Level Exam (CTFL) with ITB?
1) Check the examination schedule for your city.
2) Fill the Online Enrolment Form
3) If you have any queries fill Online Enquiry Form
4) You would immediately receive a confirmation mail in your Personal ID along with further instructions
5) Make a payment of the specified amount to the "Indian Testing Board"
6) You will be informed of t
The Certified Software Tester
The Certified Software Tester (CSTE) certification is intended to establish standards for initial qualification and provide direction for the testing function through an aggressive educational program. Acquiring the designation of Certified Software Tester (CSTE) indicates a professional level of competence in the principles and practices of quality control in the IT profession. CSTE's become members of a recognized professional group and receive recognition of their competence by business and professional associates, potentially more rapid career advancement, and greater acceptance in the role as advisor to management.
Examination Availability: (CSTE)
The CSTE Examination are now being offered worldwide either through a Prometric Test Center (online exam) or a Sponsored Site (paper-based exam). The location where you plan to take your examination will determine the site you must select. See Exam Scheduling: (CSTE) located at the bottom of this page for more details.
Applicant Prerequisites: (CSTE)
To qualify for candidacy, each applicant must meet ONE of four prerequisites listed below:
1. A 4 year degree from accredited college-level institution & 2 years experience in the information services field
2. A 3 year degree from accredited college-level institution & 3 years experience in the information services field
3. A 2 year degree from accredited college-level institution & 4 years experience in the information services field
4. Six years experience in the information services field
AND
Are working, or have worked at any time within the prior 18 months, in the field within covered by the certification designation.
An applicant for certification must adhere to the Code of Ethics that outlines the ethical behaviors expected of all certified professionals by the ISCB.
Depending upon a compliance sample selected according to program criteria, the applicant may be required to provide upon request detailed education, employment, and reference documentation supporting the information entered in the Customer Portal during the application process. If selected the applicant must supply the required documentation and those who fail to provide the requested documentation may be subject to decertification.
Initial Application & Fee: (CSTE)
For those who qualify for the CSTE certification and are prepared to establish candidacy must complete an online Certification Candidacy Application in the Customer Portal and pay the application fee.
The CSTE application fee is:
* $350 or $420 ~ All fees to be paid in US Dollars (see Payment Policy).
The application fee includes the following:
* Instant access to a PDF file of the CSTE CBOK (561 pages) which is a useful tool to help prepare for the exam. After payment go to the CBOK Manuals page of Customer Portal for access. The $420 fee also includes a CD / book of the CBOK materials (same content as found on the PDF).
* The candidates Initial Exam which must be taken within one year from the date payment was processed or the application will expire (see Application Length).
To apply for the CSTE certification candidates must first login to their Customer Portal account. If new to the Portal then they will need to create one by clicking on the Register Now link, and then the Register as a New User tab.
IMPORTANT:
Make sure the first / last names entered when creating an account matches what is on your government issued photo ID (i.e. drivers license, passport). DO NOT abbreviate or use a nickname. If they do not match when presenting your ID at check-in you will NOT be granted entrance to the examination.
Examination Details: (CSTE)
Candidates are tested on their knowledge and practice of the skill areas defined in the CSTE CBOK. The exam itself consist of four parts:
* Parts 1 & 3 - Multiple choice (50 questions each - objective / 45 minutes time limit)
* Parts 2 & 4 - Short answer / essay (10 questions each - subjective / 75 minute time limit).
There is a total of 120 questions and the exam will take over 4 hours to complete which includes a 10 minute break after the first three parts. The passing mark is 75% which is the average score of both parts.
Depending on where taking the exam it will either be computer-based (online) or paper-based.
Exam Scheduling: (CSTE)
The location where you plan to take your examination will determine the site type you MUST select for the list below. Click on the links provided for more details and instructions on how to schedule / reschedule an examination once the site type has been determined.
Examination Availability: (CSTE)
The CSTE Examination are now being offered worldwide either through a Prometric Test Center (online exam) or a Sponsored Site (paper-based exam). The location where you plan to take your examination will determine the site you must select. See Exam Scheduling: (CSTE) located at the bottom of this page for more details.
Applicant Prerequisites: (CSTE)
To qualify for candidacy, each applicant must meet ONE of four prerequisites listed below:
1. A 4 year degree from accredited college-level institution & 2 years experience in the information services field
2. A 3 year degree from accredited college-level institution & 3 years experience in the information services field
3. A 2 year degree from accredited college-level institution & 4 years experience in the information services field
4. Six years experience in the information services field
AND
Are working, or have worked at any time within the prior 18 months, in the field within covered by the certification designation.
An applicant for certification must adhere to the Code of Ethics that outlines the ethical behaviors expected of all certified professionals by the ISCB.
Depending upon a compliance sample selected according to program criteria, the applicant may be required to provide upon request detailed education, employment, and reference documentation supporting the information entered in the Customer Portal during the application process. If selected the applicant must supply the required documentation and those who fail to provide the requested documentation may be subject to decertification.
Initial Application & Fee: (CSTE)
For those who qualify for the CSTE certification and are prepared to establish candidacy must complete an online Certification Candidacy Application in the Customer Portal and pay the application fee.
The CSTE application fee is:
* $350 or $420 ~ All fees to be paid in US Dollars (see Payment Policy).
The application fee includes the following:
* Instant access to a PDF file of the CSTE CBOK (561 pages) which is a useful tool to help prepare for the exam. After payment go to the CBOK Manuals page of Customer Portal for access. The $420 fee also includes a CD / book of the CBOK materials (same content as found on the PDF).
* The candidates Initial Exam which must be taken within one year from the date payment was processed or the application will expire (see Application Length).
To apply for the CSTE certification candidates must first login to their Customer Portal account. If new to the Portal then they will need to create one by clicking on the Register Now link, and then the Register as a New User tab.
IMPORTANT:
Make sure the first / last names entered when creating an account matches what is on your government issued photo ID (i.e. drivers license, passport). DO NOT abbreviate or use a nickname. If they do not match when presenting your ID at check-in you will NOT be granted entrance to the examination.
Examination Details: (CSTE)
Candidates are tested on their knowledge and practice of the skill areas defined in the CSTE CBOK. The exam itself consist of four parts:
* Parts 1 & 3 - Multiple choice (50 questions each - objective / 45 minutes time limit)
* Parts 2 & 4 - Short answer / essay (10 questions each - subjective / 75 minute time limit).
There is a total of 120 questions and the exam will take over 4 hours to complete which includes a 10 minute break after the first three parts. The passing mark is 75% which is the average score of both parts.
Depending on where taking the exam it will either be computer-based (online) or paper-based.
Exam Scheduling: (CSTE)
The location where you plan to take your examination will determine the site type you MUST select for the list below. Click on the links provided for more details and instructions on how to schedule / reschedule an examination once the site type has been determined.
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