Issuing an RFP for Software Testing or Hiring Testers? Here are 3 Things to Consider

When you hire a testing services company or new testers, keep in mind these three challenges:

1. Overall miscommunication can hurt efficiency. For example, if your headquarters uses American English but your testers have not developed that proficiency, this could cause inefficiencies in reporting and basic communication. 
2. Differences in testing terminology can pose a significant risk. If a testing services company uses different definitions or terms, this could introduce errors or cause rework. 
3. Differences in testing principles can cause misalignment or conflict. If you approach testing with one set of principles but your testing services company utilizes another, that can create issues for project management and more.

• The testers are more likely to use globally-accepted software testing terms and principles because ISTQB certification is used in more than 130 countries.
• The testers have shown their commitment to communicating well with U.S.-based teams because they have earned their ISTQB certifications using American English.

Upskill Your T&E Teams with ISTQB Knowledge

ASTQB President Andrew Pollner recently presented at the International Test and Evaluation Association's 40th Annual International T&E Symposium. He explained how Test & Evaluation (T&E) teams can benefit from a broad variety of software and hardware testing skills that are available through ASTQB's testing skills path. This allows T&E teams to build the testing skills that match their demanding project environment. 

If you are part of a T&E team, learn more about the globally accepted software testing body of knowledge. The information is available through the ISTQB syllabi that can be downloaded freely on the ASTQB website in our resources area.

Governmental organizations and companies will want proof that your team has learned the information in the body of knowledge, so ASTQB also offers corresponding ISTQB certification exams so you can provide that confirmation. 

3 Ways the Official U.S. List Helps You 

1. It can help you get jobs with American companies. American companies and governmental organizations check with ASTQB & AT*SQA to see if you are certified. Why? Because ASTQB is the official U.S. board for ISTQB certification and AT*SQA is our official ISTQB exam provider. If you're on this list, companies know you took the official U.S. Board's American English ISTQB exam. Bonus: U.S. employers check the AT*Work™ directory, and if you are on the U.S. list and between jobs, you are eligible to appear in AT*Work™.
    
2. It could help your company get contracts with American companies. Your inclusion on the Official U.S. List of Certified Software Testers™ is a bonus for your company because it demonstrates your commitment to working with a U.S.-based software quality team. That's a big deal.
    
3. It makes you and your company more prominent. AT*SQA and ASTQB promote the importance of hiring individuals on our Official U.S. List of Certified Software Testers™, and our ads have been seen more than 50 million times. That makes your certification accomplishment more well-known to U.S. employers and clients every day! Don't forget that ASTQB and AT*SQA will also give you Testing Tiers® points that increase your level on the list.