ISTQB Advanced Test Analyst

The ISTQB Advanced Level Test Analyst Course is a 3-day course covering advanced topics for the software tester. This course is accredited by ISTQB and is based on the ISTQB Advanced Test Analyst Syllabus.

The course includes exercises and practice exam questions to highlight key aspects of the syllabus and to help participants understand and practice the concepts and methods presented.

Course Objectives

To provide an understanding of testing issues beyond the ISTQB Foundation level giving participants the knowledge and skills required to become anAdvanced Test Analyst.

Who will benefit?

This 3-day course is most appropriate for Testers, Test Analysts, Test Engineers, Test Consultants, Test Managers, User Acceptance Testers, Software Developers and anyone wishing to gain the ISTQB Advanced Level Test Analyst Certificate.

The Advanced Level certificates are also appropriate for anyone who wants a deeper understanding of software testing, such as Project Managers, Quality Managers, Software Development Managers, Business Analysts, IT Directors and Management Consultants.

Prerequisites

To take the ISTQB Advanced Test Analyst Certificate exam, candidates must hold the ISTQB Foundation certificate. There are no prerequisites for participating in the course without taking the exam.

Skills Gained

An Advanced Test Analyst can…

• Perform testing activities appropriate to the software development lifecycle in use.
• Prioritise testing activities based on analysed risks.
• Select and apply appropriate testing techniques to achieve defined coverage criteria.
• Provide an appropriate level of documentation relevant to the testing activities.
• Determine the appropriate types of functional testing to be performed.
• Undertake the usability testing for a given project.
• Effectively participate in formal and informal reviews with stakeholders, applying knowledge of typical mistakes made in work products.
• Design & implement a defect classification scheme.
• Apply tools to support testing.

Course Content

Testing Process

Explains the role and contribution of the Test Analyst throughout the test process and how they align with the roles of the Test Manager and Technical Test Analyst. Focusing on the tasks of test analysis and design the course explains appropriate uses for concrete and logical test cases, defining criteria for starting test execution and measuring test completion status. The impact of different lifecycle models on these tasks is also considered.

Test Management

Discusses Test Analyst responsibilities that include a contribution to project metrics, risk-based prioritisation and the scheduling of business domainbased tests. The impact of risk on test case selection, test coverage and test data tasks is also described.

Test Techniques

Specification, defect and experience-based techniques are covered. The specification-based techniques introduced at the Foundation level are developed further. These include equivalence partitioning, boundary value analysis, decision tables, state transition testing and use case testing. Additional specification-based techniques introduced include classification tree testing, use of orthogonal arrays, pairwise testing, domain analysis, and user stories. Defect-based techniques, exploratory testing and the use of defect taxonomies are also covered.

Testing Software Quality Characteristics

The specific software quality characteristics that apply to the Test Analyst are the functional areas of accuracy, suitability and interoperability as well as the non-functional areas of usability and accessibility. Describes how to approach testing these quality characteristics.

Reviews

Here the focus is on using checklists to identify defects in use cases and in requirements specifications from a tester’s perspective. Sample checklists are supplied and participants learn how to present problems found in a review meeting.

Defect Management

Explains how to define and use defect classification values classify defects found. Includes a discussion using root cause information for process improvement. Also how to perform preliminary root cause analysis.

Test Tools

Covers tool and automation issues that are relevant to the Test Analyst. This includes business process modelling tools and knowledge of the interactions between the tools typically used by a Test Analyst.

The Exam

The ISTQB Advanced Test Analyst Certificate is awarded to those who pass the 1-hour 40-question multiple choice exam, which is set, moderated, marked and invigilated by an ISTQB licensed Exam Provider. Candidates must score 65% or greater to pass the exam.

The exam may be taken during the course or at a later date. It can also be taken online.