Editor’s Note: As of July 2014, ISTQB has issued more than 350,000 software testing certifications. Brussels, Belgium, 27 February 2012 – The International Software Testing Qualifications Board (ISTQB®) is proud to announce that, as of December 2011, it has issued more than 200,000 software testing certifications. Founded in Edinburgh, UK, in 2002, the ISTQB® is a non-profit organisation dedicated to the advancement of the testing profession, and has become the world leader in software testing certification, operating in more than 70 countries through national boards. From March 2009 to December 2011, the number of certifications doubled, making ISTQB® the most widely adopted and fastest growing software testing certification scheme in the world. “This is an amazing result,” says ISTQB® President Yaron Tsubery, “and demonstrates the value people see in the testing profession and the dedication of its practitioners. With technology playing an ever-increasing role in our lives, it is critical that software intensive products and services are thoroughly tested by skilled professionals.” “I think the scheme has been so successful because we freely offer our syllabi and glossary to the public, which helps to standardise professional terminology. We also offer certifications at a range of levels, from foundation through advanced to expert, allowing testing professionals to be supported right through their careers and keeping them up-to-date with the world’s best practices,” says ISTQB® Vice President Chris Carter. “The international nature of the scheme is another strength,” says ISTQB®Marketing Working Group Chair Gualtiero Bazzana. “All over the world, people have access to the same syllabi, translated into local languages, which they can learn through self-study or by attending courses delivered by accredited training providers. At the end they sit exams which are externally administered and independently validate their knowledge, and the structure and rules of those exams are consistent throughout the world.” In many ways, the ISTQB® certifications have been accepted as the de facto standard in software testing certification. In addition to certification, ISTQB® also supports innovative research into software testing, runs educational events and conferences, recognises outstanding contributions to the profession, maintains a code of ethics, and shares knowledge. “At the heart of it is our passion for assisting organizations and professionals to deliver high quality software, and the belief that effective software testing can help make this possible,” says Bazzana. “I would like to thank everybody who has made this achievement possible,” says Tsubery, “including ISTQB® volunteers, national boards, training providers, exam providers, and the organizations and individuals who have invested in the ISTQB® Certified Tester scheme. This year marks our 10th anniversary, and we are planning a range of activities to celebrate this and say ‘thanks’”. About ISTQB® The International Software Testing Qualifications Board is a non-profit organisation, headquartered in Brussels, Belgium, whose mission is to advance the software testing profession. It is supported in its operations by 47 member boards, representing over 70 countries. Further Information: Gualtiero Bazzana – ISTQB Marketing Working Group Chair E-mail: bazzana@istqb.org Website: http://www.istqb.org
