BCS ISTQB Intermediate
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The BCS Intermediate course extends the broad understanding of testing acquired at Foundation Level and covers those topics which are considered to be essential knowledge for a test professional. It is considered a valuable stepping stone between foundation and advanced levels, as well as a relevant stand-alone qualification.
A pass in this certificate provides evidence that the candidate has proven analytical capability, having gained knowledge and practical skills in the key topics required for practicing software testing.
This tutor-led course includes lectures, exercises and practical work. On the 4th day, the day after the course, delegates prepare and take the exam. It is fully-accredited by BCS Professional Certifications and they have rated it as SFIAplus level 4.
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Audience: Who is the course for?
- Those who are engaged in any aspect of software testing
- Those seeking a more practical approach to the core software testing material covered at ISTQB Foundation level.
- Testers & Test Managers
- Test analysts
- Test engineers
- Test consultants
- User acceptance testers
- Software developers
Course duration:
Three days plus exam on fourth day
Benefits to the individual:
- Internationally recognised professional qualification
- Next step for those pursuing a career in software testing
- Skills and knowledge to fully participate in testing projects
Benefits to the business:
- Confidence that staff have the skills and knowledge to successfully carry out testing programmes
- Benefits gained as testing projects are conducted effectively and productively
- Increased project success
Pre-requisites:
The entry criteria for candidates taking the Intermediate examination are as follows:
- Candidates must hold the ISTQB Foundation Certificate in Software Testing AND either:
- Have at least 18 months experience in software testing; OR
- Have completed a BCS Professional Certifications accredited training course for the Intermediate Certificate in Software Testing
BUT preferably have all three of the above.
Course Objectives:
The objectives for the Intermediate Certificate qualification are to:
- Provide a sound basis for candidates intending to register for ISTQB Advanced Level examinations;
- Ensure that candidates for any one of the ISTQB Advanced Level Examinations have a broad understanding of the other specialist areas;
- Cover specific topic areas that the three specialisations (Test Managers, Test Analysts and Technical Test Analysts) should understand.
The testing skills acquired by attending courses run to this syllabus will be applicable to a wide range of testing challenges that the test practitioner might face. The general approach taught will provide a basis for the testing of software systems in general.
Syllabus:
- Testing Fundamentals: Review of the Foundation Certificate syllabus; application domains; testing in the lifecycle; the fundamental test process.
- Reviews: The principles of reviews; types of review; using different review types; performing a formal review.
- Testing and Risk: Introduction to risk and risk-based testing; risk management; product risk identification and analysis.
- Test Management: Test policy, test strategy, test plans; entry and exit criteria; estimating techniques; test monitoring; incident management process.
- Test Analysis: Fundamentals of test analysis; test environment requirements; selection of techniques; coverage measures.
Next steps:
The Intermediate Certificate establishes a platform from which further skills and knowledge may be acquired at the Advanced Level. Holders of the Intermediate Certificate qualification are eligible to continue on to higher level software testing qualifications, such as: ISTQB Advanced Level qualifications, which comprise Test Manager, Test Analyst and Technical Test Analyst.
However, studying for the Intermediate Certificate is neither a necessary step to these ISTQB qualifications, nor does it require students to study further.
Exam details:
The exam lasts one hour (or 75 minutes for candidates taking exams that are not in their native language) and consists of 25 scenario-based multiple-choice questions. The exam is 'closed book' (i.e. no notes or books are allowed into the examination room) and the pass mark is 60% (15 out of 25).
BCS ISTQB Foundation - course description