02 4 / 2008

How can I get an ISTQB / ASTQB Certification? [help/QA/certification]

I will cut to the chase on this one, and keep it barebones simple.

What is ISTQB / ASTQB?

The ISTQB, or International Software Testing Qualifications Board is a professional Software Quality Assurance qualification, accreditation and examination resource that is a value to all career progressive testers. ASTQB is the American Software Testing Qualifications Board, a subsidiary that supports and implements the ISTQB standards.

What should I study?

If you are not able to finance a week long training through one of the recommended ISTQB/ASTQB accredited locations, you can download the fully detailed syllabus, which actually covers each area of the core training. If you can understand the syllabus, and implement that information in your current QA job, then you will be able to pass the ISTQB/ASTQB test without a worry.

Where can I get training?

Depending on where you live, there are several accredited locations where you can receive hands-on training. It’s best to pay for this training through the company you work for, if they should provide continued education expenses. However, the cost is relatively affordable, and if you are interested in doing this on your own dime, it will not bankrupt your pocket book. I’ve included the locations link and current schedule link below.

Are you certified?

Yep. I earned my certification in 2006. I went through the training and the examination by proxy and earned a pretty good score. Search for me here (last name “Arterberry”, first name “John”)

Know your goals and build your core

Bottom-line, the certification from ISTQB is just another path to building, and improving your goals and core competency. I’m a firm believer in improving not only your professional skills, but your “people” skills as well. To quote a cliché from the old U.S. Army commercials, “I want to be all that I can be, ” and more. And my motivation is not based on greed, it’s just a natural love for what I do.

Here is a little reminder that I pulled from SearchCIO-MidMarket.com
“A core competency is fundamental knowledge, ability, or expertise in a specific subject area or skill set. For example, an individual who becomes certified as a Microsoft Certified Software Engineer (MCSE) is said to have a core competency in certain Microsoft systems and networks. Companies with specific strengths in the marketplace, such as data storage or the development of accounting applications, can be said to have a core competency in that area. The core part of the term indicates that the individual has a strong basis from which to gain the additional competence to do a specific job or that a company has a strong basis from which to develop additional products.”

Good luck!

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