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ISEB
Software Testing Qualifications
The Practitioner
Certificate in Software Testing is the second and more advanced testing
qualification to be administered by the British Computer Society's Information
Systems Examination Board (ISEB). The Foundation Certificate has been
available since 1998 and work on the Practitioner Diploma has not yet
commenced. Our course contains Eight days of modules supplemented with
some pre-course CBT and includes approximately 50% practical work. For
more details on the practioner syllabus see http://www.bcs.org.uk/iseb/st.htm
SYLLABUS AND COURSE
1. Format and cross-reference
to the syllabus
The syllabus has been mapped to five modules
to be delivered over eight days. The Introduction module is a prerequisite
to the other modules, but otherwise, there are no dependencies and the
modules may be taken in any sequence.
Our
course syllabus has been mapped to five modules to be delivered over eight
days. The modules are:
|
Module
|
Classroom
Whole Days
|
Pre-course Homework
(TBT) Hours
|
|
Introduction
|
1
|
|
|
Management
|
2
|
7.75
|
|
Test
Techniques
|
3
|
|
|
Inspection/Reviews
|
1
|
2.5
|
|
Test
Tool
|
1
|
4.5
|
Anyone seeking the ISEB Software Testing
Practitioner level accreditation is expected to attend all of the modules.
The table below maps the Practitioner syllabus
to our proposed module structure.
|
Subject
Area
|
Outline Number
|
Syllabus Timing
|
Course Time
|
Module Mapping
|
|
Introduction
|
1
|
1.5
|
1.5
|
Introduction
|
|
Test
Process
|
2
|
3.5
|
3.5
|
Introduction
|
|
Test
Management
|
3
|
6.5
|
6.5
|
Management
|
| Testing & Risk |
4
|
4
|
4
|
Management
|
|
Test
Techniques
|
5
|
20
|
20
|
Test techniques
|
| Reviews |
6
|
7
|
7
|
Inspections/Reviews
|
| Incident Management |
7
|
1.5
|
1.5
|
Introduction
|
| Test Process Improvement |
8
|
3
|
3
|
Management
|
| Test Tools |
9
|
6
|
7.25
|
Test tools
|
| People Skills |
10
|
3
|
4
|
Management (+
Test Tools)
|
Detailed information regarding timings
is shown in Section 9.
2.
Course materials
The course
material takes the form of Powerpoint presentation slides, exercises,
workshops, and mock examination questions.
All students
will be given handouts consisting of:
- Slides
- Exercises
and workshop notes
- Mock examination
questions and model answers.
We will also provide candidates with the
following material:
- Extract from IEEE Standard Classification
for Software Anomalies (Introduction module)
- Guidelines for the preparation of Test
Plans to IEEE 829 (Management module)
- Software Component Testing Standard
(Test Techniques module)
3. Logical sequence
of timetable and detailed mapping to syllabus
Introduction Module
- Classroom
|
Time
(in Hrs)
|
Syllabus
Section
|
Topic / Practical Work
|
Description |
|
.5
|
N/A
|
General Introduction
|
Introductions, structure
of the course.
|
|
.5
|
1.1-1.2
|
Review of the Foundation Certificate
and Testing in the Life Cycle
|
Overview of ISEB Testing
Certificate Scheme, objectives, structure and the course outline.Review
Foundation Certificate Syllabus.Testing in the lifecycle.
|
|
1
|
1.2
|
Discussion
|
Relationship of testing
and the lifecycle. Interspersed with discussions of aspects of interfaces
to testing, relationship with developers and their methods.
|
|
.25
|
2.1
|
Generic Test Process
|
Key points of the
generic test process.
|
|
1
|
2.2-2.3
|
Test planning and test specification.
|
Choice of test specification
techniques, the role of BS 7925-2-1998, the requirements for each
test case, the generation of expected results, testing non-functional
attributes, and the use of reviews, inspections, static analysis,
and dynamic analysis.
|
|
1.25
|
2.4-2.6
|
Test execution, test checking and
recording, checking for test completion.
|
The pre-requisites
for test execution, executing the tests, test checking, test recording,
and checking for test completion.
|
|
.5
|
2.2-2.6
|
Exam question
|
"Describe, for each
of the following test activities, it's purpose, the process used,
the inputs and outputs: Test specification, test execution, test
checking and recording, checking for test completion."
|
|
.5
|
2
|
Review exam question
|
Get students to mark
each other's papers using a model answer. Discuss issues arising
|
|
.75
|
7
|
Incident Management
|
Description of incident
management. Overview of the IEEE 1044 standards and examples of
use.
|
|
.75
|
7
|
Workshop
|
Case study descriptions,
how to classify incidents, discussion on priority and severity with
examples. Role-playing as developer, tester and user.
|
Lecture = 4.25
Practical = 2.75
Management Module - Pre Course HomeWork
|
Time
(in Hrs)
|
Syllabus
Section
|
Topic / Practical Work
|
Description |
|
.5
|
3.1,3.1.1
|
Test Policy
|
Overview of test management
documentation. Description of Test Policy.
|
|
.5
|
3.1
|
Exercise
|
Write a test policy
for an organisation. Email it to course tutor.
|
|
.5
|
3.1.2
|
Test Strategy
|
Description of Test
Strategy (Master Test Plan) and structure of project test documentation.
|
|
.75
|
3.1.3
|
Project Test Plan
|
Test plan structure
and overview of main headings in line with IEEE 829.
|
|
.75
|
3.1-3.2
|
Exercise
|
Decide, for each heading,
who does what. Make notes where there are uncertainties or choices.
Email to course tutor.
|
|
.75
|
3.3-3.4
|
TeTest Estimation and Scheduling of
Test Planning
|
Description of test
estimation techniques. Early test planning and benefits of doing
so.
|
|
.75
|
4.1
|
Testing and Risk
|
Introduction to Risk
and Risk management.
|
|
.75
|
4.2
|
Exercise
|
For an ATM (Automatic
Teller Machine) application, identify risks and prioritise them.
Email to course tutor.
|
|
.75
|
4.2
|
Risk Management
|
Introduction to risk
management, risk identification, risk analysis and risk mitigation.
|
|
.75
|
4.2
|
Exercise
|
For a Web application,
identify the risks of failure. Email to course tutor.
|
|
|
4.2
|
Risk Management
|
Risk based test reporting.
|
TBT Course = 5.25
Practical Work = 2.5
Management Module - Classroom
|
Time
(in Hrs)
|
Syllabus
Section
|
Topic / Practical Work
|
Description |
|
.25
|
3.1,3.1.1
|
Review Test Policy, Strategy and Project
Test Plan.
|
Overview of test management
documentation.
|
|
.25
|
3.1
|
Exercise
|
Review Test Policy
homework Discussion of main points.
|
|
.5
|
3.1-3.2
|
Workshop
|
Review Test Plan homework.
Discussion.
|
|
.5
|
3.2
|
Test Plan Documentation
|
Description of Test
Design and Test Case Specifications according to IEEE 829
|
|
.5
|
3.1-3.2
|
Exercise
|
Prepare test cases
for the "format numbered list" feature in Microsoft Word.
|
|
.25
|
3.1-3.2
|
Test Plan Documentation
|
Description of Test
Procedure Specifications according to IEEE 829
|
|
.25
|
3.1-3.2
|
Exercise
|
Prepare test procedure
for the "format numbered list" feature in Microsoft Word.
|
|
.25
|
3.5
|
Test progress monitoring and control.
|
Monitoring techniques,
test reports, and the control of test activities.
|
|
1
|
3.4-3.5
|
Exam Question Workshop
|
In the case study
described, prepare an estimate of the resources/effort required
to plan, implement and execute the tests. Then, the testing is running
late. Discuss the options for getting the testing back 'on track.
Select your preferred option. Discussion.
|
|
.75
|
4.1, 4.2
|
Testing and Risk, Risk Management
|
Review introduction
to risk management, risk identification, risk analysis, risk mitigation
and risk based test reporting.
|
|
.25
|
4.2
|
Workshop
|
For an ATM (Automatic
Teller Machine) application, review homework risks and prioritisation.
Discussion
|
|
1
|
4.2
|
Workshop
|
For a Web application,
discuss the risks of failure. Prioritise them and allocate them to
a test process stage. Discussion. |
|
0.1
|
8
|
Test Process Improvement
|
Introduction to software/test
process improvement. |
|
0.4
|
8
|
SEI CMM and ISO 15504
|
Overview of CMM and ISO/IEC
15504 (SPICE) process improvement models |
|
0.75
|
8
|
Test Process Improvement Models
|
Description of TMM and
TPI models. |
|
1.5
|
8
|
Workshop
|
Detailed description of
both test process improvement models available.Break into groups,
each focused on a different model. Each group examines and discusses
their chosen model with prompted questions. Present conclusions to
class. Discussion generated from questions/presentations. |
|
.25
|
8
|
Practical model usage
|
Presentation of key success
factors and lessons learnt in process improvement. |
|
.5
|
10.1
|
People Skills,Individual Skills
|
Sources of individual
tester's capability and description of interpersonal skills required. |
|
0.25
|
10.1
|
Workshop
|
Scenarios relating to
interpersonal skills encountered by testers will be discussed in teams |
|
0.5
|
10.2
|
Test Team Dynamics
|
Staff selection and team
role concepts. |
|
0.5
|
10.2
|
Workshop
|
Practice team role identification/analysis
as applied to test teams |
|
0.25
|
10.3
|
Fitting Testing within an Organisation
|
Different testing organisation
and description of communication interfaces between testing and developers,
project managers, users, etc.. |
|
0.5
|
10.3
|
Workshop
|
Break into groups, where
each group selects the most significant communication problem scenario
encountered by its members. Class workshop on selected scenarios and
their resolution. |
|
0.25
|
10.4
|
Motivation
|
Factors contributing to
motivation and de-motivation of testers. Tips and guidelines on improving
motivation. |
|
0.25
|
10.4
|
Workshop
|
Planning workshop on steps
to improve motivation in the tester's organisation |
Lecture = 5
Practical Work = 7
Test Technique Module - Classroom
|
Time
(in Hrs)
|
Syllabus
Section
|
Topic / Practical Work
|
Description |
|
1
|
5.1
|
Techniques Overview (first
half) |
Introduction, introduction
to functional/structural testing techniques |
|
0.75
|
|
Written paper |
Comparison of testing
represented by the V model against current employers practice. |
|
1
|
|
Interpreting
program design techniques |
Introduction
to Flowcharts and Pseudo code and practical experience of producing
both. |
|
0.5
|
|
Introduction to program
languages |
General discussion on
basic groups of different languages and walk through some samples
of code. |
|
0.75**
|
5.1
|
BS7925-2 |
Contents of standard,
White box testing, importance of coverage measurement. Explain statement
coverage including walking through examples in BS7925-2. |
|
0.5
|
5.1
|
Statement coverage |
Set some exercises and
then review the answers. Discussion of any unclear points. |
|
0.5**
|
5.1
|
Branch Coverage |
Explain the technique
including walking through examples in BS7925-2. |
|
0.75
|
5.1
|
Branch Coverage |
Set some exercises and
then review the answers. Discussion of any unclear points |
|
0.5**
|
5.1
|
Condition Coverage |
Explain the technique
including walking through examples in BS7925-2. |
|
0.75
|
5.1
|
Condition Coverage |
Set some exercises and
then review the answers. Discussion of any unclear points. |
|
0.5**
|
5.1
|
Path Testing |
Explain path testing in
general (ref Beizer, Software Test Techniques). |
|
0.5**
|
5.1
|
Data Flow |
Explain the technique
including walking through examples in BS7925-2. |
|
0.5**
|
5.1
|
BS 7925-2 |
Explain the principles
of Black Box Techniques, cover equivalence partitioning including
walking through examples |
|
0.5
|
5.1
|
Equivalence Partition |
Set some exercises and
then review the answers. Discussion of any unclear points. |
|
0.5**
|
5.1
|
Classification Tree |
Explain the technique
including walking through examples |
|
0.5**
|
5.1
|
Classification Tree |
Set some exercises and
then review the answers. Discussion of any unclear points. |
|
0.5**
|
5.1
|
Boundary Value Analysis |
Explain the technique
including walking through examples in BS7925-2. |
|
0.5
|
5.1
|
Boundary Value Analysis |
Set some exercises and
then review the answers. Discussion of any unclear points. |
|
0.75**
|
5.1
|
State Transition Testing |
Explain the technique
including walking through examples in BS7925-2. |
|
1.0
|
5.1
|
State Transition Testing |
Set some exercises and
then review the answers. Discussion of any unclear points. |
| 1.5** |
5.2
|
Non-Functional Test Techniques |
Explain each technique. |
|
0.5
|
5.2
|
Exam Question |
Pose an exam question
on non-functional test techniques |
|
0.5
|
5.2
|
Review of Exam question |
Have groups form and review
the mock exams (done by others) against the model answer. |
|
0.5**
|
5.3
|
Dynamic Analysis |
Explain dynamic analysis
and walk through an example provided by a test tool retailer |
|
0.5**
|
5.4
|
Static Analysis |
Explain static analysis
and walk through an example provided by a test tool retailer. |
| 1** |
5.5 |
Non-Systematic Testing
Techniques |
Key points about Non-Systematic
testing combined with setting some exercises and then reviewing the
answers. |
| 1** |
5.6 |
Choosing Test Techniques |
Explain how to select
test techniques to be used their effectiveness and consider the standards
which apply to different industries. |
| .5 |
5.6 |
Exam question |
Pose an exam question
on selection of test techniques |
| .5 |
5.6 |
Review of Exam question |
Have groups form and review
the mock exams (done by others) against the model answer. |
| 1 |
10.3 (part) |
Communication between
testers and other team members. |
Explain the importance
of interpersonal skills and examine techniques for minimising possible
areas of conflict. |
| 0.5 |
5 |
Exam question |
In light of the course,
consider the effectiveness of the test techniques currently applied
within your organisation and recommend improvements. |
| 0.25 |
|
Additional Material |
Provide a list of recommended
additional reading. |
Key - ** (7 hours) = 2/3 lecture, 1/3 practical
Shaded area is practical work.
Lecture = 5.25 + 4.75 (=10)
Practical Work = 8.75 + 2.25 (=11)
Inspections / Reviews Module -
Pre-Course Homework
|
Time
(in Hrs)
|
Syllabus
Section
|
Topic / Practical Work
|
Description |
|
0.5
|
6.1
|
Introduction to Reviews
|
Introduction to costs/benefits,
objectives etc.. |
|
0.5
|
|
Exercise |
Document your review process
issues and objectives for the course. Email to course tutor. |
|
0.5
|
5.2
|
Principles
of Reviews |
Review principles
such as verification, outcomes, roles, technique selection criteria,
etc. |
|
1
|
6.2, 6.4, 6.5
|
Informal review, walkthrough
and technical review |
Description of three review
types in terms of objectives, procedure, inputs/outputs, etc. |
TBT Course = 2
Practical Work = .5
Inspections / Reviews Module - Classroom
|
Time
(in Hrs)
|
Syllabus
Section
|
Topic / Practical Work
|
Description |
|
0.25
|
6.1
|
Introduction to Reviews
|
Review introduction to
costs/benefits, objectives etc.. |
|
0.5
|
|
Exercise
|
Discussion-based exercise
to gather participant's review process issues and objectives to be
addressed in course |
|
0.5
|
6.2, 6.2, 6.5
|
Revise Principles of Reviews, Informal
review, walkthrough and technical review
|
Review principles
such as verification, outcomes, roles, technique selection criteria,
etc. Description of three review types in terms of objectives, procedure,
inputs/outputs, etc. |
|
1
|
|
Practice
|
Break into teams, allocate
roles and practice the technical review process on a sample document
using supplied templates to record issues and actions.Discussion generated
from practice. |
|
1.25
|
6.6
|
Inspection (1)
|
Description of the inspection
process in terms of objectives, procedure, roles, inputs/outputs.
Emphasis on practical effectiveness tips, many of which can also be
applied to other review types. |
|
2.25
|
|
Practice
|
Break into teams, allocate
roles and practice the inspection process on another sample document
(including source document, checklists, etc.) using supplied templates.
Discussion generated from practice. |
|
.25
|
6.6
|
Inspection (2)
|
Summary of pitfalls and
critical success factors for effective practical inspections. |
|
.5
|
|
Implementation planning exercise
|
Discussion-based exercise
focusing on next steps to implement improvements solving previously
reported issues from exercise 1 |
Lecture = 2.25
Practical Work = 4.25
Test Tools Module - Pre-Course Homework
|
Time
(in Hrs)
|
Syllabus
Section
|
Topic / Practical Work
|
Description |
|
2.5
|
9.1
|
Tool Overview
|
Introduction, test tool
types (first half). |
|
.5
|
9.2
|
Tool Selection
|
Key points in selecting
a tool. |
|
.5
|
9.3
|
Tool Implementation
|
Key points
about tool implementation. |
|
1
|
|
Exam question
|
Exam question regarding
test tool types and tool selection. Email to course tutor. |
|
.5
|
9.3
|
Tool Implementation
|
Optional. If you have
implemented a tool yourself, write down challenges, approaches, successes
and failures. Email to course tutor. |
TBT Course = 3.5
Practical Work = 1
Test Tools Module - Classroom
|
Time
(in Hrs)
|
Syllabus
Section
|
Topic / Practical Work
|
Description |
|
.75
|
9.1
|
Tool Overview (first half)
|
Revise, introduction,
test tool types (first half). |
| 1 |
|
Demo and talk on test
running tool (Winrunner) |
Demo of a test running
tool, describing at a high-level, the test automation strategy, showing
script language, example of an execution run, showing of comparison
of results. |
| .75 |
9.1 |
Tool Overview (second
half) |
Revise continuation of
test tool types. |
| 1 |
|
Workshop |
Outputs available from:
- requirements testing
- static analysis
- performance testing
- dynamic analysi
- file comparison
- test management
- source coverage
- hyperlink
- monitoring tool
Break into groups, examine and discuss the output of the tool
with prompted questions.Discussion generated from questions; swap
tools and repeat.
|
| .5 |
9.2 |
Tool Selection |
Key points in selecting
a tool. |
| .5 |
|
Exam question |
Pose an exam question
regarding test tool types and tool selection; pick one to answer. |
| .5 |
|
Review of Exam question |
Have groups form and review
the mock exams (done by others) against the model answers. Discussion
of any unclear points. |
| .5 |
9.3 |
Tool Implementation |
Revise key points about
tool implementation. |
| .5 |
9.3 |
Tool Implementation |
Discussion on implementation
issues. |
|
|
Exam question |
Pose an exam question
on tool implementation. |
|
|
Review of Exam question |
Have groups form and review
the mock exams (done by others) against the model answer |
Summary of Lecture Time Vs Practical
Work Time
|
Module
|
Total
Hours
|
Lecture Time |
Practical Work Time |
|
Introduction
|
9.1
|
4.25 (61%)
|
2.75 (39%) |
| Management - Pre-Course |
7.75
|
5.25
|
2.5 |
| Management - Classroom |
11.75
|
5
|
6.75 |
| Management - TOTAL |
19.5
|
10.25 (53%)
|
9.25 (47%) |
| Test Techniques |
21
|
10 (48%)
|
11 (52%) |
| Inspections/Reviews -
Pre-Course |
2.5
|
2
|
.5 |
| Inspections/Reviews -
Classroom |
6.5
|
2.25
|
4.25 |
| Inspections/Reviews -
TOTAL |
9
|
4.25 (47%)
|
4.75 (53%) |
| Test Tools - Pre-Course |
4.5
|
3.5
|
1 |
| Test Tools - Classroom |
7
|
2.5
|
4.5 |
| Test Tools - TOTAL |
11.5
|
6 (52%)
|
5.5 (48%) |
| TOTAL |
68
|
34.75 (51%)
|
33.25 (49%) |
| |
|
|
|
All of the modules will require some pre-course
work, homework (for those modules spanning more than one day) and post-module
work. This will reduce the classroom syllabus to a normal training day.
|
|
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