Software Testing Foundation:
A Comprehensive Hands-On Introduction

What is this course about?

The proper testing of software can save an organization time, effort and money. In this course, software professionals and managers gain thorough knowledge of testing approaches that can be integrated into the software life cycle. Through hands-on exercises, you learn how to build testing methods into your work process to correctly design products that are functionable and maintainable.

In this course, you apply software testing methods throughout the development life cycle, ensuring software functions properly and is more easily maintainable-thereby saving your organization time, effort and money. This course also prepares you for the ISTQB Certified Tester Foundation Level Exam.

Specifically, you will learn how to:

• Apply general software testing principles and fundamental test processes
• Implement test levels and types to various software development models
• Conduct static techniques using proper roles, responsibilities and tools
• Perform specification- and structure-based test design techniques
• Manage tests including planning, estimating, monitoring and controlling

Who will benefit from the course?

This course is designed for those involved in planning, developing, executing and analyzing software tests. This group includes software testers, programmers, test leaders and quality specialists. This course is also valuable for those who would like to earn the ISTQB Certified Tester Foundation Level certification. A familiarity with software development concepts is assumed.

What background do I need?

You should have a basic familiarity with the software development process. Some familiarity with programming languages and concepts is helpful but not required.

The systems within my organization are especially small/large/complex. Will this course apply?

This course covers universal concepts and describes how to tailor them to all types of systems.

We're subcontracting our software development and/or maintenance-is this course still useful?

Yes. It allows you to perform more effective evaluation of the subcontractor's testing efforts. This is especially important in the ISO 9001 market.

Will this course help me establish my organization's testing policy and procedures?

You learn to write and review testing procedures according to a consistent model based on accepted testing standards. You also learn how to prepare test plans and documentation.

Why should I become ISTQB certified?

The International Software Testing Qualifications Board (ISTQB) is an industry-recognized authority for software testing certification. As an ISTQB-certified tester, you distinguish yourself as someone possessing the critical knowledge to apply software testing principles and fundamental test processes.

Is this course accredited by the ISTQB?

Yes! This course is accredited by the ISTQB as helping customers prepare for the Certified Tester Foundation Level exam.

Is the ISTQB Certified Tester Foundation Exam offered in this course?

The ISTQB Foundation exam is not offered in this course. For information on taking the exam, please visit the ISTQB Web site: www.istqb.org.

How much time is spent on each topic?

What kinds of hands-on exercises are in the course?

Approximately 55 percent of class time is spent in hands-on exercises and software-based exam simulations which reinforce the software testing methods taught in class. Exercises include:

• Recognizing equivalence partitions
• Performing boundary value analysis
• Designing decision tables
• Conducting state transition testing
• Ensuring statement and decision coverage
• Writing and assessing an incident report
• Preparing test plans and documentation
• Simulating an actual exam experience

How does this course relate to other Learning Tree courses?

Since the principles and methodologies discussed in this course are useful in any phase of software development or programming, it may be appropriately combined with many other Learning Tree courses and areas of study.

This course is part of Learning Tree's software development curriculum. Related courses include:

• 312, Software Quality Assurance: Delivering Consistent Quality provides the skills you need to define, design and implement a practical Software Quality Assurance (SQA) strategy
• 218, User and System Requirements for Successful Software Development gives you the skills to develop software requirements for software-intensive systems using proven methodologies
• 424, Service-Oriented Architecture (SOA): A Comprehensive Hands-On Introduction offers a foundation in the concepts, modeling, design and implementation of SOA
• 340, Project Management for Software Development provides the knowledge and skills required to successfully plan and manage software development and maintenance projects
• 342, Software Change, Configuration and Release Management provides a thorough practical knowledge of techniques and tools you can use to establish and maintain the integrity of a software product