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2008 Issue #2 How does a test manager deal with time-to-market and schedule pressures while delivering the highest quality software? In this issue of ISTQB Certification News, we hear advice from a software development veteran who has 20 years of experience, including nine years as a test manager. Articles in this issue: Interview with Test Manager by Roger H. Stevens <rstevens@ind.com>
The challenge top software engineers face is more than just working on a project team developing complex software. They must also endure time-to-market and schedule pressures, all while achieving the highest quality software. That's why Bill McMichael, who has been in software development business for 20 years and a test manager for nine years believes in certification. "Software testing certification helps us with all of those pressures," explains McMichael, "especially by providing a common language everyone can use whether or not they come to us as experienced testers or those who are just entering the field of software testing." Thirty-one people at his firm have taken and passed the ISTQB Certified Tester examination, 19 with advanced certifications, including nine with full advanced. "Not only has the ISTQB software tester certification given us a common language, we believe so strongly in the content of the syllabus that we use it as part of our internal training program," says McMichael, Certified Tester Full Advanced Level (CTAL), a certified Project Management Professional (PMP), as well as a Certified ScrumMaster (CSM). "ISTQB certification demonstrates knowledge of software test principles and aligns itself nicely with our existing managerial and technical career paths. Further, as an internationally recognized certification, it reinforces that software testing is not only a disciplined process but a profession." Although he believes in certification, he believes in testing even more. "There are a couple of other organizations that offer training-based certification," says McMichael. "I am not as high on those. The point is you go to a class for a couple days and then they say you are certified. To me, there has to be some evidence that you have the knowledge besides just showing up for class. I think a test truly validates that you learned what you were supposed to learn." McMichael learned about the ISTQB Certified Tester examination two years ago at a software testing performance conference where he met someone from ISTQB who explained what they were all about. "I liked that it was international," remembers McMichael, whose firm provides project, program and portfolio management software solutions around the globe. "I liked that it was a not-for-profit organization. I liked the mission of the group to promote the testing profession. So I brought it back to my organization and explained that I felt it was something that would be beneficial for us and would demonstrate that these are skills and knowledge you already have." He says the ISTQB certification aligns pretty well with their own career development strategy, particularly the advanced exams, which validate the differences between the managerial and the technical sides. "I know that some people in our company have different motivations for taking the test. But I can tell you that there was a degree of pride that entered into people's decisions to take the test. Sending the test results to our HR group and having it posted contributed to a positive feeling within the organization," says McMichael. "Our group felt that it probably already had the knowledge that was necessary to do quality software testing, but being certified by an international body validated what we already suspected and made everyone who took the test feel good about themselves and the group of people they were working with. And letting the rest of the company know that we were certified made all of us feel good as well," adds McMichael. "The second reason we took the test was to make sure we were all speaking the same language when it came to software testing," he explains. "Many of the terms we use are interchangeable, which can create problems. Having all of us agree on a nomenclature simply makes all of us better at what we do." For McMichael, there is no going back to the old way of doing business. For him and for his company, the ISTQB Certified Tester examination is vital for a company that wants a competitive edge in a tough marketplace. If you would like to be profiled in an upcoming issue, drop us a note at dstevens@stevens-stevens.com.
100,000 Software Testing Professionals Now ISTQB Certified World's Most Popular Software Testing Certification Reaches New Milestone
The International Software Testing Qualifications Board (ISTQB) announced that, through their National Boards and Exam Boards, they have granted more than 100,000 certifications at the ISTQB Certified Tester Foundation Level (CTFL) and ISTQB Certified Tester Advanced Level (CTAL). "ISTQB software tester certification is by far the most widely recognized and fastest-growing software tester certification in the world," said Rex Black, CTAL, president of ISTQB. "Reaching the 100,000 certification milestone validates ISTQB's leadership in helping software testers to demonstrate their knowledge, skill and professionalism." ISTQB certification traces its origins to the UK, where industry demand led to its development. "Software testing is critical to the reliable functioning of the world's software systems. We realized that certification can help to improve the capability of those that test systems, while moving the profession forward," explained Geoff Thompson of the UK Testing Board (UKTB). The appeal of ISTQB software testing certification quickly led to its expansion. Horst Pohlmann of the German Testing Board (GTB) continued, "Companies tell us they choose ISTQB certification because it is practical, focusing on the software testing knowledge and skills their testers need every day." In recent years, ISTQB has become a global standard for software testing certification. Vinay Baid of the Indian Testing Board (ITB) explained, "ISTQB software testing certification is now essential to software testing in India. As is true throughout much of the world, many employers prefer to hire ISTQB certified software testers or have a program that encourages their software testers to obtain ISTQB certification." The rapid growth of ISTQB software testing certification can also be attributed to its not-for-profit nature. "Companies have found ISTQB certification to be credible because we freely offer the ISTQB certification syllabi and software testing glossary, and let you choose your own education," said Patricia McQuaid, PhD, CTFL, president of the American Software Testing Qualifications Board (ASTQB). This not-for-profit quality extends to ISTQB's leadership. The organization is composed of representatives from national boards throughout the world, all of whom are volunteers. ISTQB decides on the standards for certification and the national boards develop and maintain the country-specific examinations. "While we're proud of our status as the leading global software testing certification, we won't rest on our laurels," said Black. "Companies look to ISTQB to help them deliver quality software, and software testers look to ISTQB to help them build their profession. ISTQB's volunteer leadership is already developing the vision that will take software testing to a new level."
Tell the World About Your Achievement
When you achieve ISTQB Certification, you establish your credentials in software testing. Tell the world, and help them understand the value and significance of your ISTQB CTFL or CTAL designation. Add a link to the ASTQB website, http://www.astqb.org, from your personal website, company websites, blog, Facebook page, MySpace page, LinkedIn information, and email signature. The more information you share about your certification, the more valuable it will become.
In a Challenging Economy, Set Yourself Apart with Advanced Level Certification
If your industry is feeling the pinch of a tough economic environment, this may be the perfect time to set yourself apart as an ISTQB Certified Tester, Advanced Level (CTAL). Designed for those with 5 years of experience, or 3 years of experience with a relevant 4-year degree, ISTQB CTAL helps you to demonstrate your ability to understand and tailor concepts for specific applications. ISTQB CTAL certification also helps you to choose a career track with three options: Technical Test Analyst, Test Analyst, and Test Manager. Learn more about CTAL at http://www.astqb.org/why-istqb/road-map.php, and download the Advanced Level syllabus at http://www.astqb.org/educational-resources/syllabi.php.
Complimentary Magazines for
Testing Experience magazine and Better Software magazine have generously offered to give complimentary subscriptions to qualified readers of ISTQB Certification News. Click on the links below for the subscription forms. Testing Experience magazine: Better Software magazine:
Certification Training/Exams
If you would like to receive notification when ISTQB Certification training and exams are in your area, simply enter your request at: http://www.astqb.org/general/newsletter.php Below is a list of scheduled public ISTQB certification exams. Details are available at the ASQTB website at http://www.astqb.org or by contacting the ASTQB office at info@astqb.org. December 12 (Friday) January 30, 2009 February 13, 2009 February 17-19, 2009 February 17-19 2009 February 17-19, 2009 February 24-26, 2009 February 24-26, 2009 February 26, 2009 March 3-5, 2009 March 3-5, 2009 March 10-12, 2009 March 10-12, 2009 March 17-19, 2009 March 17-19, 2009 March 23-29, 2009 March 31 - April 2, 2009 April 2, 2009 April 14-16, 2009 April 14-16, 2009 April 17, 2009 April 20-22, 2009 April 24, 2009 April 21-23, 2009 April 28-30, 2009 April 28-30, 2009 May 3-5, 2009 May 12-14, 2009 May 12-14, 2009 May 15, 2009 May 19-21, 2009 May 19-21, 2009 May 21, 2009 May 26-28, 2009 June 1-3, 2009 June 5, 2009 June 7-9, 2009 June 9-11, 2009 June 9-11, 2009 June 16-18, 2009 June 16-18, 2009 June 16-18, 2009 June 18, 2009 August 17-19, 2009 August 27, 2009 August 27, 2009 September 3, 2009 September 3, 2009 September 18, 2009 September 17, 2009 September 17, 2009 September 17, 2009 September 24, 2009 September 24, 2009 October 1, 2009 October 6, 2009 October 8, 2009 October 8, 2009 October 15, 2009 October 15, 2009 October 15, 2009 October 23, 2009 October 22, 2009 October 22, 2009 October 29, 2009 October 29, 2009 November 5, 2009 November 5, 2009 November 20, 2009 November 19, 2009 December 3, 2009
What Would You Like to Learn About? About ISTQB Certification News Non-profit, non-commercial publications and Web sites may reprint or link to articles if full credit is given. Publication, product, and company names may be registered trademarks of their companies. Copyright 2008 American Software Testing Qualifications Board, Inc. (ASTQB) 12000 N. Dale Mabry Hwy., Suite 110 Tampa, FL 33618 USA Phone 813.319.0890 Fax 813.968.3597 info@astqb.org www.astqb.org If you want to change your address, use this link: <http://astqb.org/general/information.php> |
