ISTQB Expert Level. Introduction and overview

Transcription

1 ISTQB Expert Level Introduction and overview Version 1.0 June 2011 ISTQB Expert Level Working Group Information contained in this presentation may be re-used if credit is given to ISTQB

2 List of Contents Expert Level: Building on Success What is an Expert? Achieving Expert Certification The Training Courses Achieving Roll-Out Summary of Benefits Appendix Overview of the Expert Level modules Expectations and Business Outcomes 2

3 ISTQB Certified Tester - a success story 200,000 certifications 50 National Boards Benefits to businesses: Standard language for testing Testing Body of Knowledge More professionalism in testing Career paths for testers 3

4 With the new Expert Level, ISTQB offers career paths for testers Expert Foundations Advanced Test Manager Test Analyst, Technical Test Analyst Test Management Improving the Test Process Test Automation Security Testing More planned Test management path Test Analyst path 4

5 List of Contents Expert Level: Building on Success What is an Expert? Achieving Expert Certification The Training Courses Achieving Roll-Out Summary of Beneifits Appendix Overview of the Expert Level modules Expectations and Business Outcomes 5

6 For ISTQB, Expert really means Expert A person with the special skills and knowledge representing mastery of a particular testing subject. Being an expert means possessing and displaying special skills and knowledge derived from training and experience. * Clearly stated expectations and business outcomes are established for each subject covered at Expert Level (see module overviews later). *ISTQB Expert Level Modules Overview (downloadable from 6

7 List of Contents Expert Level: Building on Success What is an Expert? Achieving Expert Certification The Training Courses Achieving Accreditation Summary of Benefits Appendix Overview of the Expert Level modules Expectations and Business Outcomes 7

8 Achieving Expert Level: Criteria Entry criteria Recommended : At least 7 years of practical testing experience Completion of Expert Level course Mandatory: ISTQB Foundations ISTQB Advanced (depending on Expert Level module) Completion of Expert Level course (if a non-public exam is taken) The Exam Exit criteria Exam passed (75%) Experience levels (may be achieved before or after passing the exam) At least 5 years of practical testing experience At least 2 years of industry experience in the specific Expert Level topic 8

9 Achieving Expert Level: Required Certificates Expert Improving the Test Process Test Management Test Automation Security Testing TBD Advanced Test Manager Test Manager Technical Test Analyst Test Analyst Foundation Required Certificate Syllabus dependency (TTA has examinable LOs from TA) 9

10 Achieving Expert Level: The Exam The exam A certification scheme at Expert Level must meet the expectations and perceptions of its stakeholders and has to be seen to be truly expert. The exam therefore consists of a multiple-choice section and a written essay section A score above 75% is required to pass Multiple-Choice section Duration: 1 Hour 20 Questions Learning objectives covered: K2, K3, K4 (like Advanced Level) Essay section Duration: Reading: ½ hour Answering: 2 hours Add ¾ hour for non-native speakers Answer 4 questions out of 5 Learning objectives covered: Mostly higher learning objectives (K5,K6) 10

11 Maintaining Certification at Expert Level Expert certification is not for life An Expert Level certificate is valid for 5 years. Expert certification must be renewed using one of the following two options Repeat the exam Achieve 200 Certification Extension Credits (CEC) A passed exam results in certification for a further 5 years. CECs may be achieved in a number of areas. For example: Perform a professional testing activity Take a relevant training course Attend a testing conference Present at a testing conference details Teaching a relevant training course Write a testing article or book Actively participate in a Working Group (NB, SIGIST, ISTQB) Verifiable evidence must be submitted to the certifier The Certification Extension Program is published by ISTQB 11

12 List of Contents Expert Level: Building on success What is an Expert? Achieving Expert certification The Training Courses Achieving Roll-Out Summary of Benefits Appendix Overview of the Expert Level modules Expectations and business outcomes 12

13 Focus on Practical education Higher level Learning Objectives in focus Evaluate and Create * Emphasis is on practical work In-depth consideration of subjects introduced at advanced levels Goal: Mastery of the subject As a result, Expert Level courses are 5 days or more Improving the Test Process (8 days) Test Management (9 days) depth of knowledge * also known as K5 and K6 learning objectives 13

14 Gain practical experience with workplace exercises Some learning objectives (mostly K5 and K6) may be performed at the student s place of work instead of in the classroom. These are identified in each syllabus. Workplace exercises are particularly useful for syllabi requiring more than 5 days of tuition. Course Part 1 Workplace Exercises Course Part 2 Benefit for trainee: Practical application in the workplace Tutor checks work and provides valuable feedback. Benefit for sponsor: Spread of training budget Project-specific application of knowledge 14

15 Example: A Test Management course using Workplace Exercises. Workplace Exercises Course Part 1: 5 days Course Part 2: 4 days In this example, the Training Provider gives part 1 as a 5-day course. Participants then perform exercises in the workplace. At the start of part 2, a day of feedback (not mandatory) is given before completing the training. Training Providers decide on the time between course parts planned for workplace exercises. They must make it known to potential particpants when they offer courses with workplace exercises. 15

16 List of Contents Expert Level: Building on success What is an Expert? Achieving Expert certification The Training Courses Achieving Roll-Out Summary of Benefits Appendix Overview of the Expert Level modules Expectations and business outcomes 16

17 Elements Required for Roll-Out. ISTQB: Syllabus Released TP: Course Materials Created NB: Accreditations performed Module available at Expert Level ISTQB: Guidelines & Rules Released NB / Certifier: Exams & Markers available 17

18 Status of Syllabi. TP: Course Materials Created NB: Accreditations performed ISTQB: Syllabus Released Module available at Expert Level ISTQB: Guidelines & Rules Released NB / Certifier: Exams & Markers available Module: Improving the Test Process: Test Management Test Automation Security Testing Status: Approved (June 2010) Approved (June 2011) In development (Beta March 2012) In development (Beta October 2012) 18

19 Status of other ISTQB Documents. ISTQB: Syllabus Released TP: Course Materials Created NB: Accreditations performed Module available at Expert Level ISTQB: Guidelines & Rules Released NB / Certifier: Exams & Markers available Subject: Expert Overview General Structure & Rules EL Exam Rules & Recommendations Improving the Test Process: Test Management Status: Released March 2011 Released March 2011 Release October 2011 Exam Guidelines (October 2011) Exam Guidelines (October 2011) 19

20 Status of other ISTQB Documents. ISTQB: Syllabus Released TP: Course Materials Created NB: Accreditations performed Module available at Expert Level ISTQB: Guidelines & Rules Released NB / Certifier: Exams & Markers available Subject: Improving the Test Process Test Management Status: Work in progress Work in progress 20

21 Status of other ISTQB Documents. ISTQB: Syllabus Released TP: Course Materials Created NB: Accreditations performed Module available at Expert Level ISTQB: Guidelines & Rules Released NB / Certifier: Exams & Markers available Status: International group being formed to cooperate on accrediting english language courses 21

22 Status of other ISTQB Documents. ISTQB: Syllabus Released TP: Course Materials Created NB: Accreditations performed Module available at Expert Level ISTQB: Guidelines & Rules Released NB / Certifier: Exams & Markers available Status: ISTQB: Practice exam for Test Management available October 2011 ISTQB: Practice exam for Improving the Test Process planned June 2012 Creation of exam questions is currently on the critical path Procedure for marking essay papers available but not yet implemented 22

23 List of Contents Expert Level: Building on success What is an Expert? Achieving Expert certification The Training Courses Achieving Roll-Out Summary of Benefits Appendix Overview of the Expert Level modules Expectations and business outcomes 23

24 Summary: Advantages for a Professional Tester. An Expert level certificate demonstrates mastery of a particular testing subject and brings several advantages for a professional tester. From a knowledge perspective Overview of current best practices for a specific topic. Ability to select the best solutions for specific project contexts. Ability to assess the value of new trends & hypes. From a practical perspective Enables leadership for a topic. Ensures that work is conducted to state-ofthe-art and performed efficiently. Enables best practices to be adjusted according to project context. From a self-selling perspective Increases business value of employees. Demonstrates high potential for a candidate. Underpins continuous learning. 24

25 Summary: Advantages for Training Providers. Providing Expert Level courses supports leadership in the market and brings several advantages for a Training Provider. From a marketing perspective Demonstrates thought leadership in testing. Creates image of being a trend setter with leading edge concepts. Strengthens highquality perception in the professional testing market. From a business perspective Additional trainings for inhouse as well as public offering Cross-selling (other trainings, services, etc.) Full-service providers covering complete career development paths. From a capability perspective Increases in-house knowledge Simplifies integration of experts into a carreer path Creates additional channel for staff with high-potential 25

26 ISTQB Expert Level Thankyou Questions? *Please also refer to the ISTQB web-site for a list of frequently asked questions and answers 26

27 Credits in Certification Extension Scheme* Description Credits Maximum Credits per extension period of 5 years Perform a professional testing activity Take a training course on a testing subject or one with direct testing significance Attend a testing conference or special interest group (SIGIST) meeting Present a track (related to expert subject) at a testing conference Teaching a training course / tutorial (inhouse or external) on a testing subject or one with direct testing significance Write a testing article (related to expert subject) Write or participate on a book (related to expert subject) Participate in a Working Party for a National Board, a SIGIST or ISTQB 3 credits per completed month credits per half-day (4 hours) 5 credits per half-day (4 hours) 20 credits per new presentation (repetitions not allowed) 5 credits per half-day (4 hours) per new course. 2.5 credits per half-day for 2nd and 3rd time running of course. No credits for further repetitions. 25 credits for each article published independently (i.e. not posted to a web-site or printed in a journal unless peer reviewed by an independent test expert not under the applicant s direct or indirect control) 10 credits per 25 pages written by the applicant (at an average of 350 words per page) 5 credits per half-day (4 hours) *ISTQB Expert Level Certification Extension Policy (downloadable from 27