This course provides a broad overview of the testing activities which could usefully be undertaken at each stage of software development, from requirements-capture, to unit testing, to release.
It begins with the reasons for testing as a dedicated activity, followed by explaining in detail each step of the Fundamental Test Process. A key discussion point here is often around the design of test cases - is this an activity in its own right, or a natural thought process when scripting?
We follow up with an insight into software development life-cycles, paying particular attention to the levels of testing - unit; integration (component and system); system, and user acceptance testing. This topic attracts discussion on the process - how commonplace is a program specification, and how much unit testing is commonplace in Agile?
We then look at the review types - their purpose; levels of formality; likely stakeholders and potential benefits.
As might be expected, a key component of this course is test design. Here we provide an opportunity for some K3 work - designing test cases using industry-standard techniques.
We finish up with a look at the wider picture - assessing product and project risks; the value of configuration management; defect management and the use of automation within the test process.
The certificate is principally aimed at anyone involved in software testing. This includes people in roles such as testers, test analysts, test engineers, test consultants, test managers, user acceptance testers, and software developers.
This Foundation Level certificate is also appropriate for anyone who wants a basic understanding of software testing, such as project managers, quality managers, software development managers, business analysts, IT directors, and management consultants.
There are no formal requirements for entry to the course although the candidate should have a basic working knowledge of IT.
The examination for this course is on the last day and is 1 hour multiple-choice, covering Bloom's K1-K4 knowledge levels. There are 40 questions, 26 to be answered correctly for a pass.
