Training
Public statement by training providers user group (15 June 2007) - Future qualifications in software testing
The current ISEB Practitioner exam will be phased out at the end of 2007, with the final (re-sit) exam in March 2008.
There are two options for future qualifications, based on different syllabuses. Both will be available through ISEB.
New ISTQB Advanced Level qualification
Three exams, all multiple-choice with a certificate for each, and an additional ‘Full Advanced Level Testing Professional’ certificate awarded on gaining all three. One 100+ page syllabus, covering the three qualifications, currently called:
• Advanced Level Test Management professional
• Advanced Level Domain* Testing professional
• Advanced Level Technical Testing professional
* Note: Business Testing/Functional Testing naming also considered
New ISEB qualification
Three exams based on three syllabuses;
• Intermediate Certificate in Software Testing, (26-page syllabus): 1-hour 25 question scenario-based multiple-choice exam. A certificate is awarded, and this is a pre-requisite for the other two certificates.
• Practitioner Certificate in Software Test Management (16-page syllabus): 2-hour essay exam, choosing four half-hour questions out of six
• Practitioner Certificate in Software Test Analysis (15-page syllabus): 2-hour essay exam, choosing four half-hour questions out of six
The two schemes are quite different, and it has not been possible to merge them. We recommend supporting the ISTQB Syllabus for the following reasons:
• ISTQB is the international standard for software testing qualifications, and was developed by an international team of testing experts
• the ISTQB syllabus aligns with the ISTQB Foundation syllabus adopted by ISEB, all ISTQB Boards (33 to date) and supporting examination boards
• the ISTQB syllabus, through learning objectives and detailed description, makes it clear what should be taught and what will be examined
• ISEB will support the ISTQB syllabus, so accreditation and exams will be provided using their known expertise and reputation for high quality qualifications
• our international clients prefer an international qualification
• ISTQB recognise existing ISEB Practitioner Certificates as equivalent to the full Advanced Level Testing Professional certificate
