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Software Tester Certification

This page explains the changes to Software Testing certification - view ILX's Software Tester courses.

Software Tester Qualifications - 2010 Changes - the ISTQB Certified Tester scheme

In March 2010, the BCS, the Chartered institute for IT (the Institute, formerly ISEB), which provides BCS Software Testing qualifications and the UK Testing Board (UKTB) signed an agreement which will see BCS working more closely with UKTB and ISTQB (International Software Testing Qualifications Board) to provide one single International Software Testing Certification Scheme - the ISTQB Certified Tester scheme.

What this means for those considering Software Testing courses:

• Step 1: Foundation level (CTFL) - remains the same.
• Step 2: Intermediate level - this is an optional exam provided by the Institute that provides a valuable route between Foundation and Advanced levels. It's important to go on from Foundation level to Intermediate because once the certifications are aligned, the BCS Intermediate accreditation will serve as a bridge between the 2 certification paths.
• Step 3: Advanced level - you can achieve ISTQB Advanced level certifications the following ways:
  • Option 1: complete one of the BCS Practitioner level exam/s: - please note that these exams will only be available until March 2011 - so if you are going to take this route then you should organise it imminently to ensure you can book an exam.
    • Test Analysis - also gives you an ISTQB Advanced Test Analyst certificate.
    • Test Management - also gives you an ISTQB Advanced Test Manager certificate.
  • Option 2: complete one of the ISTQB Advanced level certifications:
    • Test Analyst Certificate - gives Internationally recognised advanced skills in test analysis, design and execution.
    • Test Manager Certificate - focuses on test estimation, planning, monitoring and control.
    • Technical Test Analyst Certificate - focuses on the skills and knowledge needed to define and carry out the tasks required to put a test strategy into action.
  • Option 3: complete ALL of the ISTQB Advanced level certifications and receive Full ISTQB Advanced Level (CTAL) certification.
• Step 4: ISTQB Software Testing Expert level

The good news is that BCS certifications will continue to remain valid even after the alignment is consummated. The only thing to note here is that if your next step is to take one or both of the BCS Practitioner exams, you must do it before this level is phased out in March 2011.

Software Testing Courses

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