The ISTQB is at this time developing a Software Testing certification outside of the ISTQB Advanced stage, termed the ISTQB Expert Amount (CTEL). Although even now in development as in the time of this creating (August 2010), the ISTQB has posted sufficient data to allow us to begin to discuss the aim, necessities, and structure of the emerging certification stage.
Purpose of the ISTQB Expert Level
Normally, the ISTQB Expert level is created to allow candidates the ability to create abilities similar to specific parts of testing. It will eventually follow a multi-module method, the advantage of which happens to be that candidates will not need to learn every single module; they will simply just center on those modules that characterize spots by which they seek out specialization.
With regard to the general istqb software testing certification route, the ISTQB Foundation stage (CTFL) covers quite possibly the most basic, basic knowledge of Software Testing; the ISTQB Advanced level expands on and raises the scope of this information; plus the Qualified degree then drills-down into narrower, much more specialized spots of Software Testing.
ISTQB Expert Degree Construction
As mentioned previously mentioned, the ISTQB Expert (CTEL) certification will adopt a multi-module strategy much like the ISTQB Innovative Stage (which has 3 modules - examination analyst, technical test analyst, and examination supervisor). While these modules are still under development, the ISTQB has stated that they will at the very least partially be derived from your chapters recognized in the ISTQB Sophisticated syllabus. The modules may also be connected to precise Software Testing roles, these kinds of as exam leader, examination advisor, and so forth.
Below would be the initial record of Skilled degree modules the ISTQB has discovered as of August 2010:
• Test management (including risk management)
• Test design techniques
• Nonfunctional testing (such as security testing)
• Static testing (such as reviews and inspections)
• Test tools and automation
• Test process improvement
Every module will likely have its personal syllabus & exam. Though the syllabi are still being developed, the ISTQB has stated they will be less detailed than the syllabi at the ISTQB Basis and Sophisticated levels because they will target more on "what" instead of "how".
The Exam
The exams themselves will consist of essays likely encompassing scenario-based questions, partly mixed with select multiple-choice questions. A key goal of each and every exam will be to permit the candidate to demonstrate solid analytical skills, for example to evaluate a situation from several different Search Engine Optimisation training perspectives to form a logical, holistic conclusion.
ISTQB Expert Level Necessities
Candidates can only take an Expert-level exam if they have earned an ISTQB Highly developed stage certification, or if they hold an ISEB Practitioner certification. The ISTQB is also recommending that participants have not less than 7 years of practical tests experience. The distinct demands for each individual module will be discovered in every module's syllabus.
Final Thoughts
The ISTQB Expert degree certification is a positive development for the industry, as it will create experts in very specialized locations of Software Testing. While no specific date has been set, the CTEL certification will be available sometime in 2011.