ISTQB: Smashing the Test!

After completing my IT QA Tester Certificate Program at NBCC Moncton, I was advised by my instructor to take ISTQB certification. I held off on that until I acquired more than a year of relevant work experience. I decided to push myself to take the Foundation Level Certification early this year. I wish I had taken the test sooner, but regardless, taking and passing the test helps validate my understanding of software testing.

ISTQB Certification

The International Software Testing Qualification Board (ISTQB) is one of the biggest and most-established certifying body recognized by the industry and observes standardized software testing terminologies, theories, and practices worldwide.

Number of questions: 40

Minimum passing: 65%

Exam time: 75 minutes

Multiple-choice questions based on the syllabus

The syllabus is classified into cognitive levels of knowledge:

• 40% K1 = Remember

• 35% K2 = Understand

• 20% K3 = Application

• 5% K4 = Analyze

Advantages

• Some companies require ISTQB certification. This could add some weight to your CV.

• Proves that you have a good grasp of the basic testing language, concepts, practices, and methods in software testing.

• It is easy to pass if you have a solid understanding.

• Some companies may offer to pay for your exam.
  

Disadvantage

• It takes time to review all chapters.

• It is easy to fail because of the nature of the questions. Most questions are tricky, and the choices sound very similar to each other.

• Certification does not equate to the tester's skill and experience.

Where to Begin

If you're determined to take the test and you'd like to do self-study, you have to stay firm with your decision because reviewing theories and concepts will definitely take some of your time. ISTQB Foundation Level covers six topics: Fundamentals of Testing, Testing Through the Life-Cycle, Static Testing, Test Design Techniques, Test Management, and Tool Support for Testing. It is close to impossible to read and review the whole syllabus in one sitting. Doing so might overload your brain. The best approach is to allot specific time to read through and digest each topic.

Here are some useful and practical tips to help you begin:

1. Set specific times and goals each day or week. This will give you a clear objective and provide sufficient time to digest all this information without burning out. If you're working full time, doing other activities and responsibilities can overwhelm you. Giving yourself 2 or 3 hours a day to review will take you a long way. Small steps is always better than nothing.

2. Determine your learning style. Some people prefer reading, while others prefer listening. There are also visual learners and tactile learners. Understanding the best approach for you will help you maximize your study time. Like most people say, study smart! There are various resources and free review materials online.

3. Review, then test. Taking mock tests after completing a chapter helps you get a better picture of the kinds of questions that might appear. Sometimes trick questions will throw you off, and adding in some time pressure can mess you up. Having an idea of what to expect will eliminate anxiety and stress during the actual test.

4. Schedule your test ahead of time. You might be surprised, but scheduling the test ahead of time will force you to stay focused. This might not work for everyone, but it might work for those who need a little nudge. There is an option for you to reschedule the test, but take note of the terms and agreements for rescheduling prior to committing yourself to this.
   

Free Reference Materials Available Online:

1. ISTQB Certified Tester Foundation Level (CTFL) v4.0 Syllabus - Comprehensive explanation of terms and concepts used in the software testing industry.
   

2. ISTQB Glossary - A reference for the standardized definition of testing terms.
   

3. CTFL Sample Exam Questions:

   1. Sample Exam Set A (Version 1.4) with Answer Key

   2. Sample Exam Set B (Version 1.4) with Answer Key

   3. Sample Exam Set C (Version 1.4) with Answer Key

   4. Sample Exam Set D (Version 1.4) with Answer Key
      

4. Patshala ISTQB Mock Test Online with Timer - A free mock test material covering each chapters with a countdown timer.
   

5. Company courses - If you are already working in an IT company, chances are they have internal ISTQB CTFL resource material. It would be better to inquire to your Team Lead or Supervisor about it.
   

6. Free Short Courses

   1. Youtube - ISTQB Foundation 4.0 by TM Square

   2. Udemy - CTFL V4 and V3.1 by Vaibhav Singha
      

7. Free E-book 10-day Free Trial

   1. O'Reilly - Software Testing, 4th Edition by Brian Hambling (Editor)