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2009 Issue #1 How does a new manager quickly raise the bar for 70 full-time staff, plus another 50 or so contractors? In this issue of ISTQB Certification News, we hear from a Quality Assurance Manager for the technology division of a large financial services company. Articles in this issue: Effective Risk-based Testing
Four years ago Debra Friedenberg moved into her current position as a Quality Assurance Manager for the technology division of a large financial services company. One of the tasks she was given was to try to identify a way of raising the bar within the group, which consisted of about 70 full-time people, plus another 50 or so contractors. "Because we had such a large group of testers with different backgrounds and experiences, we wanted to make sure that everyone essentially understood the same terminology," explained Friedenberg. "We wanted to have everyone speaking the same language, so that the lexicon was the same among all of us." Friedenberg also wanted to make sure that this group of people had the same set of tools, so that they could do the best job possible in the most efficient way possible. She started investigating the various certification programs and training opportunities for her group. "I found that due to the amount of time required for training or the cost or other reasons, the body of knowledge ASTQB was offering for the certification program and the opportunities for training around that best suited the needs of my group," said Friedenberg. "Because of that I was able to convince upper management that this is what we should do. That is, get them certified so that everyone would be speaking the same language and have the same tools and methodologies to do the testing." As a result she began working with SQE (Software Quality Engineering), an accredited ASTQB training organization. "The real draw was the content of the ISTQB Foundation Level syllabus," explained Friedenberg. "We were also familiar with the training that SQE did." Friedenberg further explained that she developed the certification program to make sure that everyone in her group had an understanding of the full range of testing techniques available. "We felt the certification would be a benefit to our employees, which would be something not specifically related to their job here, something they could use on a resume." So far, she has sent more than 60 people through the Foundation training class. All of them have taken the certification exam, but she does not know how many have passed. "Who passes or fails the certification exam is confidential information. However, many of them have told me they have passed," said Friedenberg. Over the past six months, she has also offered Advanced Test Manager training to managers and senior staff people. "We made a decision to put as many employees as possible through the Foundation Certification program, and then offer our more senior people the Advanced Manager Certfication program," said Friedenberg. Last November, more than 20 QA Managers and Leads participated in an Advanced Test Manager Certification training course held by Rex Black Consulting Services, along with ASTQB's Advanced Test Manager Certification Exam. Another 20 Managers and Leads are set to do the same thing in April. Friedenberg said she has noticed significant and positive changes in the testing processes in her group as a result of certification program. "Everything I do revolves around metric measurement," said Friedenberg. "When I hear people talk about upcoming projects, I hear discussion about risk and risk-based testing, structured testing techniques, and more of the terms that are brought forth within the body of knowledge used for certification." Friedenberg thinks overall there is more thoughtfulness about what is going on with their projects. "Again, I think one of the main benefits of certification is knowing that everyone has that knowledge, which gives us more things to consider while we do our work," adds Friedenberg.
STAREAST Conference Discount Code
If you are planning to attend the STAREAST Conference (EXPO dates are May 6-7, 2009), you may use ASTQB's discount code of ATEV when you register online to attend the conference, and you will receive up to $300 in discounts.
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. April 30, 2009 May 5, 2009 May 7, 2009 May 14, 2009 May 15, 2009 May 21, 2009 June 5, 2009 June 9, 2009 June 11, 2009 June 11, 2009 June 18, 2009 June 18, 2009 June 18, 2009 June 18, 2009 June 24, 2009 July 14, 2009 July 16, 2009 August 27, 2009 August 27, 2009 September 3, 2009 September 3, 2009 September 17, 2009 September 17, 2009 September 17, 2009 September 18, 2009 September 24, 2009 September 24, 2009 September 30, 2009 October 1, 2009 October 6, 2009 October 8, 2009 October 8, 2009 October 15, 2009 October 15, 2009 October 15, 2009 October 22, 2009 October 22, 2009 October 23, 2009 October 29, 2009 October 29, 2009 November 5, 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> |
