QBIT course specification: ISEB Practitioner Certificate in Software Testing

ISEB Practitioner Certificate in Software Testing

Eight days tuition plus up to two-and-a-half days exam coaching

This course leads to the Information Systems Examination Board (ISEB) Practitioner Certificate in Software Testing and follows the ISEB syllabus. The certificate is awarded by ISEB to those who achieve an examination mark of 60% or above in a three hour written examination. In addition, candidates achieving a mark of 80% or above are awarded a distinction grade. Candidates must already hold the ISEB Foundation Certificate in Software Testing.

Objectives

This QBIT course covers everything required by the ISEB syllabus, with the emphasis on helping delegates to understand, remember and apply knowledge and skills and so gain a high examination mark. There is also provision for discussion of the material covered and for delegates' questions on this and related topics to be answered.

The ISEB syllabus states that the successful candidate should be able to

describe strategies for the software testing of both new development and the maintenance of existing systems
describe different strategies for the testing for both complete life cycles and individual phases
plan the testing needed at any level from component to user acceptance testing and document it in compliance with the IEEE 829-1998 standard
analyse risks and use the results to prioritise testing
specify and design test cases
define requirements for an appropriate test environment
run tests using defined test procedures
log, analyse and report incidents
interact effectively with others such as users, developers and managers
participate in reviews
select and implement tools to support testing activities
assess testing and development activities for possible improvement

Intended for: anyone wishing to gain the Practitioner Certificate

Course content
The course has been designed to provide maximum flexibility to delegates and employers. It is taught in four modules, together covering all ten sections in the ISEB syllabus, totalling eight days of tuition. The modules can be taken in any order and spread over any time period, but all should be taken before the delegate sits the examination. Delegates are also invited to attend part or all of an additional two and a half days, including evenings, of examination coaching immediately before the examination; these sessions will refresh memory and give guidance and practice in answering the type of question contained in the examination, each of which may draw on material from several syllabus sections.

The essay-based examination format is a cause of concern for many, including experienced testers, who may feel they are out of practice at sitting exams and composing written answers. QBIT's course has been carefully designed to meet this challenge; discussion, coaching, demonstration and practice to help delegates perform to their maximum potential are built in throughout. In addition, QBIT teaching staff will offer support by telephone and email to assist delegates with their study throughout the course.

Module A (2 days)
Syllabus sections 1 (Introduction), 2 (Test Process), 3 (Test Management) and 7 (Incident Management)

Module B (2 days)
Syllabus sections 4 (Testing and Risk), 8 (Test Process Improvement), 9 (Test Tools) and 10 (People Skills)

Module C (2 days)
Syllabus section 5 (Functional/Structural Test Techniques)

Module D (2 days)
Syllabus sections 5 (Non-Functional and Non-Systematic Testing Techniques, Dynamic Analysis, Static Analysis, Choosing Test Techniques) and 6 (Reviews)

For a copy of the full ISEB syllabus please contact QBIT.