Last week I received results of ISEB/ISTQB foundation certificate in Software Testing. I passed the exam with flying colours
As i am having experience in sofware testing with CMMI Level 5 company, I thought passing the ISEB/ISTQB exam won't be difficult. But I was wrong. When I took the refresh course and looked at the sample questions then I realized it requires both practial and theoritical knowledge to give the right answers for complex questions.How did It Started
Acquiring professional qualification in software testing was on the pages since I started working as a Quality Assurance Engineer. I gave serious thought to get one such qualitifcation when my manager set up the goal of getting one certification during mid appraisal meeting. I was looking for the basic level testing qualitification and chose to appear for ISEB exam of BCS UK.
Choosing between Public Exam & Course Provider
Though ISEB offers the examiniation through Prometric centers as Public examination, I decided to go with training of 3 days duration. I thought of refreshing the basics of software testing,learning testing as per BCS->ISEB & ISTQB standards.(Note:-There's difference in methodology followed by european and american board of testing like CSTE)
During Training
Training was of great help to understand all the concepts followed in software testing. I was under impression that as I am working for CMMI Level 5 company and following most of the QA Process(s) so I am practicing most of the testing methodologies. During the course duration I realized that there are still few area(s) which we don't practice and needs to be implemented as a part of organizational testing process.
Overall it was a good training which started my thinking process. I was able to map my experience with therory easily. So that's the another reason getting good score in ISEB exam. ;-)
My thoughts on Certifications
Issue of certified professions and its necessicity in software industry is always a debatable point. Some expert says knowledge is important and some says Certification is required. I was also of opinion as Certification is optional and only experience & knowledge is required. But It all changed after taking ISEB/ISTQB exam.
Certified Professional means candidate has/can demonstate solid undertstanding of underlying technology/area. It can also be used as entry crieteria or measurement of Canditate's eligibilty for senior postions.
Certifications examination offers great help to professional to understand and do the job effectvelty in the related technology/area. The only important thing is that, certification body needs to take care of course contents. Course contents should always be up to date with latest trends in the industry and technology/area.
Signing Off
I had a great learning experience with ISEB/ISTQB Foundation certificate in Software Testing. Its helping me to perform my tasks effectively. I would like you all QA/Software Tester's to take any certification exam and Feel the difference.
