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