Take Software Testing to the Next Level with ISTQB® Certifications
Software development has made major forays into a number of business-critical sectors including finance, engineering, construction, automotive, aerospace and medical devices. All these industries rely heavily on flawless functionality of specialized software designed for industry-specific needs. It would be difficult to imagine the kind of losses a software glitch can cause for any of these industries. Though it is true not all software are employed for such critical areas, but any software is supposed to perform as expected and deliver certain value to the end user without any glitches or hiccups. It is here that software testing comes into the picture, a process of validating and verifying efficient functionality of product at every stage of the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC).
What is Software Testing?
The actual process of software testing includes two primary aspects, static testing and dynamic testing. Static testing involves reviewing the source code without executing it and performing static analysis as a part of verification process. Dynamic testing involves executing the code and running tests to ensure there are no bugs in the product. This forms a part of validation process. However, for efficient software testing, professionals assigned with the task must plan test activities, select test conditions and design test scenarios suited to a specific product in advance.
Who are Software Testers?
Software Testers play a critical role in developing any software or application by fixing any possible defects and ensuring quality of the end-product. However, software testing is a challenging field where a professional needs to understand product requirements to develop feasible test solutions and implement them within the current development framework without losing any time. With a view to bring greater uniformity in the approach adopted by software testers working under different conditions and to standardize the entire process of software testing, International Software Testing Qualifications Board (ISTQB®) was set up to provide much-needed support and guidance.
What ISTQB® Does?
ISTQB® is a global body offering software testing certification to professionals around the world. ISTQB® aims to introduce software testers to uniform standards of software testing principles and practices to promote software testing as a profession. They have adopted a standard framework for training and certification in software testing which has found industry-wide acceptance and employers all over the world prefer to hire ISTQB® certified professionals for software testing requirements of any kind.
ISTQB® offers different levels of certification for software testers in over 70 countries through National or Regional Boards. The levels of certification are as below:
ISTQB® Certified Trainer in Foundation Level (CTFL) Certification:
ISTQB®CTFL certification offers an introduction to basic concepts of software testing including testing design techniques, test management and tool support for testing along with the ability to practically demonstrate their knowledge. This level of certification is designed for people associated with software testing in a variety of roles such as Testers, Test Engineers, Test Consultants, Test Analysts and User Acceptance Testers. There areno eligibility criteria except six months of professional experience related to software testing.
Agile Tester Extension:
After earning the ISTQB®CTFL Certification, candidates are eligible for Agile Tester Foundation Extension Certification exam. Agile testing is a relatively new approach in the field of software testing which stands apart from classic testing methods. The basic agenda of agile testing is to ensure that working software is delivered to the end user in the shortest span of time possible. To this end, agile approach to testing involves close integration of testing with the development process which reduces the bulk of time, effort and documentation required in the entire process. This is what brings added value to the approach adopted as part of the agile testing methods.There is a great deal of demand for professionals with proficiency in agile testing techniques which makes this foundation level certification highly valued for professionals.
Model-Based Tester Extension:
To be eligible for Model-Based Tester Foundation Extension certification exam, one must have earned ISTQB®CTFL Certification. To enhance the efficacy of the test process, model-based testing (MBT) is adopted by professionals to help create automated test designs and allow for easier test suite maintenance. The purpose of creating models is to describe the requirements for test generation and eliminate any defects at this stage. Software testers can choose this certification as their entry to MBT testing path.
Advanced and Expert Level Certifications:
After ISTQB®CTFL Foundation Certificate, candidates can prepare for ISTQB® CTAL (Certified Tester Advanced Level) Certification and ISTQB® CTEL (Certified Tester Expert Level Certification) in keeping with their knowledge and professional exposure in the field of software testing. There are further sub-levels of certifications in Advanced and Expert Level certifications which can benefit professionals both in terms of skill development and professional growth.
How to Earn ISTQB® Certifications:
ISTQB®Member Boards and licensed Exam Providers offer ISTQB® exams locally and internationally. ISTQB®also has a number of Accredited Training providers that offer learning material and training for different levels of certifications in keeping with the framework defined by the organization. It is critical for aspirants to choose an Accredited Training Provider to receive expert guidance, learning material and hands-on training for the purpose.
Multisoft Virtual Academy is an Accredited Training Provider for ISTQB®, offering 18 Hours Instructor-led ISTQB Online Training for Software Testers. Multisoft Virtual Academy is a leading e-learning institution known for its quality training programs for an entire spectrum of professional certifications. As part of ISTQB® Online Training, Multisoft Virtual Academy offers a number of mock tests and practical exercises along with continuous access to learning material through its Learning Management System (LMS) to encourage self-learning. The training program is designed to equip participants with key skills and assist with knowledge development essential to earn ISTQB® Certifications.
