Domain Testing--Perspective (Part 2/3) (BBST)

Risk-Based Software Testing

ISTQB certification

Content of the exams

The exam for the Foundation Level has more theoretical nature and requests for knowledge about the software development area - especially in the field of testing.

The different Advanced Level exams are more practical and they deepen the gained knowledge in special areas. Test Manager deal with the planning and control of the test process. Functional Tester concern themselves among other things with reviews and Black box testing methods. Technical Tester look into the subject component tests (also called unit test), where they use inter alia White box testing methods and non-functional testing methods and also includes test tools. The Expert Level is still in preparation.

Premises

The exam Foundation Level has no premises. To take the Advanced Level exam, candidates need to pass the Foundation Level exam first and must prove having at least 60 months of professional experience (in USA). In India 24 months and Germany it is 18 months.

Exam

The exam consists of a multiple-choice test, which until 2005 about 80% of the candidates passed. A reason for this can be, that people can learn by self-study without visiting preparation seminars, because the syllabus is available for free in the internet.

In USA pure exam fees for Foundation Level are $250.00. For Advanced Level it is for each component exam US $200.00 and there is a one-time qualification fee of US $100.00 (date: september 2006).

Certificates are valid for life time (Foundation Level and Advanced Level) and do not need recertification.

So called testing boards are responsible for the quality and the auditing. Worldwide there are in 33 countries testing boards (date: april 2007). In USA the corresponding organ is the ASTQB (American Software Testing Qualifications Board).

Register for Exams

Learn more about ISTQB certification and exams in your country by clicking here [1].

Figures about Certified Testers worldwide

At the moment there are over 60000 ISTQB Certified Testers worldwide. One reason for this is, that organizations which offer also certifications for software testers affiliate with ISTQB (e.g. ISEB (Information Systems Examination Board)). At the moment Germany, India and USA are leading in the real Certified Tester programs.
The QAI (Quality Assurance Institute) is another organization, which offers in more than 40 countries certificates.

Six Sigma Black Belt Certification - SSBB

The Certified Six Sigma Black Belt is a professional who can explain Six Sigma philosophies and principles, including supporting systems and tools. A Black Belt should demonstrate team leadership, understand team dynamics and assign team member roles and responsibilities. Black Belts have a thorough understanding of all aspects of the DMAIC model in accordance with Six Sigma principles. They have basic knowledge of Lean enterprise concepts, are able to identify non-value-added elements and activities and are able to use specific tools.

1. Is this the right certification for you?
Understand the minimum expectations, requirements, experience, and the exam specifics for a Six Sigma Black Belt. Note: Six Sigma Black Belt certification requires that you complete at least one Six Sigma project and submit a project affidavit. Review frequently asked questions regarding projects and the affidavit/verfication.

2. Prepare for the exam.
Review the Body of Knowledge and references. Take advantage of the study guide and sample exams. See what training and books ASQ has to offer.

3. Choose an exam date.
Find the best date and location that works for you. (Note the application deadlines for each exam date.)

4. Apply for certification.
ASQ offers several ways to apply. Have your documentation and credit card ready to apply online.

5. Recertify.
ASQ requires that you recertify as a Six Sigma Black Belt every three years—either by documenting RU credits or by testing.

Download the Six Sigma Black Belt Certification Brochure (PDF, 176 KB)

*$50 of your fee is an application fee, and is not refundable.

Quality Improvement Associate Certification - CQIA

The Certified Quality Improvement Associate has a basic knowledge of quality tools and their uses and is involved in quality improvement projects, but doesn't necessarily come from a traditional quality area.

1. Is this the right certification for you?
Understand the requirements and exam specifics for a Quality Improvement Associate.

2. Prepare for the exam.
Review the Body of Knowledge and references. Take advantage of the study guide and sample exams. See what training and books ASQ has to offer.

3. Choose an exam date.
Find the best date and location for you. (Note the application deadlines for each exam date.)

4. Apply for certification.
ASQ offers several ways to apply. Have your documentation and credit card ready to apply online.

NOTE: The Quality Improvement Associate Certification has no recertification requirements. It is a lifetime certification.

Download the Quality Improvement Associate Certification Brochure (PDF, 234 KB)

*$50 of your fee is an application fee, and is not refundable.

Software Quality Engineer Certification - CSQE

The Certified Software Quality Engineer understands software quality development and implementation, software inspection, testing, verification and validation; and implements software development and maintenance processes and methods.

1. Is this the right certification for you?
Understand the minimum expectations, requirements, experience, and the exam specifics for a Software Quality Engineer.

2. Prepare for the exam.
Review the Body of Knowledge and references. Take advantage of the study guide and sample exams. See what training and books ASQ has to offer.

3. Choose an exam date.
Find the best date and location that works for you. (Note the application deadlines for each exam date.)

4. Apply for certification.
ASQ offers several ways to apply. Have your documentation and credit card ready to apply online.

5. Recertify.
ASQ requires that you recertify as a Software Quality Engineer every three years—either by documenting RU credits or by testing.

Download the Software Quality Engineer Certification Brochure (PDF, 192 KB)

*$50 of your fee is an application fee, and is not refundable.