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 (v4.0).

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 the skills needed to perform structured and thorough software testing across the entire SDLC. The course discusses issues and techniques beyond the ISTQB Foundation level giving participants advanced knowledge and skills required to become more proficient at their job.

Who will benefit?

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

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 advanced test techniques
• Determine the appropriate types of functional testing to be performed
• Contribute to user-focused, non-functional testing, such as usability, adaptability, installability, or interoperability testing
• Understand the business needs of the customer in addition to technical aspects of testing
• Improve the effectiveness of testing using defect prevention techniques

Course Content

Tasks of Test Analyst in the Test Process

The Test Analyst’s activities within the fundamental test process are covered with emphasis on the tasks of test analysis, design, implementation, and execution. This section also discusses different test work products that the test analyst is creating and maintaining, such as test cases, test environment requirements, test oracle, test data requirements, and keyword driven testing.

Risk-Based Testing

Risk-based testing is a test approach that prioritises test efforts based on the risk levels of the test items. The Test Analyst plays an active role in implementing this approach.

The course discusses the role of the Test Analyst when implementing a risk-based testing approach, how they support the Test Manager in monitoring the risks, addressing the risks with appropriate tests, and updating the risk mitigation actions based on changes to the system.

Test Analysis and Test Design

This chapter introduced advanced test techniques, both black-box test techniques and experience-based test techniques, including domain testing, combinatorial testing, random testing CRUD testing, scenario-based testing, metamorphic testing, and crowd testing. The course also expands on state transition testing, decision table testing, test charters, and checklists that were introduced in the Foundation Level.

Testing Quality Characteristics

The specific software quality characteristics that apply to the Test Analyst are functional correctness, appropriateness, and completeness as well as the non-functional areas of usability, flexibility, and compatibility. The course describes how to approach testing these quality characteristics

Software Defect Prevention

The Test Analyst should be involved in improving the effectiveness of testing by implementing defect prevention activities to reduce the likelihood of (re)occurrence of defects in work products and mitigate the propagation of defects to subsequent phases in the SDLC. As part of the team, the Test Analyst can utilize their test knowledge and experience to support defect prevention.

The Exam

The ISTQB Advanced Test Analyst Certificate is awarded to those who pass the 2-hour 45-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 after the course, online or at an exam centre.