ISEB Software Testing

Frequently Asked Questions

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FAQ’s – ISEB Software Testing Qualifications

Why was the original ISEB Practitioner exam changed?

ISEB had been running the original exam since 2002. Feedback from Training
Providers and candidates who had taken the exam confirmed that the step for
candidates from Foundation to Practitioner was too steep.

Feedback also confirmed that individuals working in the Software Testing

environment either specialise in the management aspect or the technical analysis,
but seldom both.

Therefore, in order to address the needs of candidates, ISEB re-developed the

original Practitioner syllabus and now offers three separate exams instead.
The Intermediate Certificate is a practical, hands-on exam which bridges the gap
between Foundation and Practitioner.

The syllabus for the Intermediate Certificate covers all the key topics which are
needed as a prerequisite for either of the Practitioner level exams.

What are the major changes between the 'old' style and 'new' ISEB Practitioner
exams?
The ‘old’ style ISEB Practitioner syllabus covered all aspects of Software Testing.
ISEB re-developed the ‘old’ style Practitioner exam and now offers three separate
exams instead.

The first is the Intermediate Certificate, a practical, hands-on syllabus which sits
between Foundation and Practitioner. The syllabus for the Intermediate Certificate
covers all the key topics which are needed as a prerequisite for either of the
Practitioner exams. Once a pass has been achieved in the Intermediate, candidates
can progress to the ISEB Practitioner Certificate in Test Management and/or
Test Analysis.

What’s the difference between the ‘old’ style Software Testing structure and
the ‘new’ Software Testing structure?
Previously, the ‘old’ style structure offered only one exam. Candidates previously
found the progression from the Foundation Certificate to Practitioner level too steep.
Therefore, the Intermediate Certificate has been introduced to provide a stepping
stone to help candidates with their progression.

Once a pass has been achieved in the Intermediate exam, if the candidate wishes,
they can progress on to Practitioner level in their preferred specialism, Test
Management or Test Analysis – or sit both. In some cases the Intermediate
Certificate will be all that candidates require, as it covers all the key topics which are
elementary to a tester
Is the “old” exam at the same level as the “new” ones?
If a candidate already holds the “old” style ISEB Practitioner Certificate in Software
Testing, they will not be expected to sit the new exams. Some candidates may
choose to do so but it is not mandatory. The progressive route towards a full ISEB
Diploma in Software Testing will incorporate the “old” style Practitioner qualification,
meaning that the value of the certification is equivalent to the old one.

DIAGRAM 1 - COMPARISON BETWEEN OLD AND NEW SOFTWARE TESTING

QUALIFICATIONS

How have the exams changed?

The original ‘old’ style exam was a three hour, closed book, written exam. The exams
for the ‘new’ style qualifications are as follows:

ISEB Intermediate Certificate in Software Testing

1 hour, closed book, scenario based multiple choice exam.

ISEB Practitioner Certificate in Test Management

2 hour, closed book, written exam.

ISEB Practitioner Certificate in Test Analysis

2 hour, closed book, written exam.

The new exams offer a gradual progression from Foundation towards Practitioner.
Candidates can then choose to specialise in Test Management or Test Analysis,
rather than having to pass an exam covering both areas. Candidates can take both
exams if they want.

When will the exams be available?

All of these exams are available now.

Why should I take the ISEB Practitioner exams?

The ISEB Practitioner exams are externally verified and available now. The exams
assess candidates to Level K6 (Bloom's Taxonomy) which involves applying
knowledge, thus adding real benefit to candidates and employers.
ISEB works with leading Software Testing experts to write and mark exams. This
means that candidates can be confident in the validity and credibility of the exam.

These exams are based on an international syllabus and are accepted internationally.
The exams also follow ISEB's rigorous standards in exam writing, peer review and
administration. For example, ISEB has run over 265,000 exams in the last 8 years in
a range of IT qualifications. Over 48,000 of these exams were in Software Testing
alone – that's over 90% of all Software Testing exams.

The exams are specifically designed for Test Managers and Test Analysts so that
they retain more content that is relevant for their chosen specialism, and less content
in the exam that is outside their specialist area.

What is the value of taking an ISEB Software Testing exam?

The ISEB Software Testing qualifications offer an international benchmark of skills
and experience for Software Testers. The exams offer a stepping stone from
Foundation, through Intermediate, Practitioner and onto the ISEB Diploma in
Software Testing. This assists testers with their career development every step of the
way.
Candidates can be confident that the exams have been peer reviewed by subject
experts and have been tested thoroughly to ensure the utmost credibility and
reliability.

Where can I take these exams?

ISEB Intermediate Exam:

• The ISEB Intermediate exam is available via quarterly public exam sittings
arranged by ISEB which are normally held in the BCS London Offices near
Covent Garden, London.
• The exam is also available on request to ISEB accredited Training Providers who
are able to request the exams to follow their courses.
• ISEB intend to offer the ISEB Software Testing Intermediate exam via Prometric
(a global online testing company) from 2008.

ISEB Practitioner Exams – Test Management and Test Analysis:

• The ISEB Practitioner exams in Test Management and Test Analysis are
available via quarterly public exam sittings arranged by ISEB, which are
normally held in the BCS London Offices near Covent Garden, London.
• The exam is also available to ISEB accredited Training Providers quarterly on
request, as per the current Practitioner exam.

Do candidates need to recertify?

Candidates will not be expected to sit the new exams if they already hold the “old”
style ISEB Practitioner Certificate in Software Testing. Some candidates may choose
to do so to keep abreast of changes.

Are the new exams more difficult?

The “old” style exam has been redeveloped to make things easier. Candidates can
now study for each of the exams at separate times, with the new Intermediate exam
providing a springboard towards either of the Practitioner level exams. The new style
exams offer flexibility for candidates to study a step at a time, and within the subject
area in which they choose to specialise.

Are the ISEB Practitioner exams available in a multiple choice format?

No, they are both written exams. It is extremely difficult to examine candidates to the
high level of expertise as required at Practitioner level, using a multiple-choice format.
A written exam enables candidates the opportunity to express their skill, experience,
knowledge and expertise.

What are the Pass marks for the new ISEB exams?
For the Intermediate exam the pass mark is 60% – there are 25 questions in all and
15 of these must be correct.

For the Practitioner exams the pass mark is also 60% and a distinction can be
achieved with 80% correct.

How do I take ISEB Foundation exam?

The ISEB foundation is available via Prometric (An online testing company), via
public examination and by attending a Training Provider course.

Are the ISEB Practitioner exams and ISTQB Advanced exams the same?
They cover similar topics but examine to different levels of competency. The ISTQB
Advanced level exams will examine up to Level K4 which is the same level of
competency as the ISEB Intermediate Certificate in Software Testing. Whereas the
ISEB Practitioner qualifications examine competence at a higher level, up to Level K6,
adding real value for candidates who wish to progress in their chosen specialism.

DIAGRAM 2 - COMPARISON BETWEEN ISEB SOFTWARE TESTING

QUALIFICATIONS AND ISTQB ADVANCED

Why haven’t ISEB and ISTQB created just one exam?

There are distinct differences between the two qualification routes offered by ISEB
and ISTQB. ISEB has created the higher level product strand to meet the
requirements of both UK and international training providers and customers. As you
will see from the structure of the qualifications (above) there are differences in the
levels and content of the different qualifications.

ISEB is able to offer a holistic Intermediate qualification which covers a wide range of
Software Testing disciplines, whereas the ISTQB Advanced offers three separate
examinations at this level. In this way, candidates may select either a more general
and wide based single intermediate qualification, or a more selective approach if they
choose to specialise.

ISEB feel that it is important that we provide a wide range of exams to meet the
varied needs of our candidates and customers.

Will ISEB offer the ISTQB Advanced exams?

ISEB is committed to work with ISTQB to deliver the ISQTB Advanced qualifications.
We are currently working with both the UK National Executive and ISTQB to ensure
that the product and infrastructure meet the quality and validity standards which are
employed within ISEB. We hope to be able to provide more information about the
implementation of these qualifications as soon as the information is available.

What is the difference between ISEB and ISTQB?

ISEB is an awarding body for professional qualifications in computing, IT and
communications, we provide a wide range of qualifications internationally including
software testing. ISEB supported the creation of the ISTQB Foundation syllabus, as
well as providing over 90% of all Software Testing Foundation exams taken world-
wide. ISTQB provides a standardised syllabus for software testing and represents a
collection of awarding bodies who provide examinations based on these syllabuses.

TRAINING PROVIDER INFORMATION

How do I book the exams? Do they need to be booked separately?

The new ISEB Intermediate or Practitioner exams are ordered in the same way as
any other ISEB Software Testing exam. Accredited Training Providers have access
to the ISEB secure website from which the exams can be requested. Exams can also
be ordered by fax, email or by post.

How do I apply for accreditation to offer ISEB courses?

Accreditation is applied for in the same way as any other ISEB qualification. Training
materials, company information, and details of the trainers are submitted to ISEB to
assess. ISEB is keen to ensure that the training materials provided cover all topics in
the syllabus, in order to give candidates the best opportunity to pass the exam.
If you are interested in becoming accredited contact details are below:
Email: iseb_accreditation@hq.bcs.org.uk
Phone: +44 (0)1793 417655

Can I request an exam before I submit my course materials?

To ensure that the high standards and reputation of ISEB is maintained, Training
Providers must achieve accreditation status before sending requests for the exam.
Applications for ISEB accreditation usually takes between 4-6 weeks.

Who is ISEB?
ISEB is an exam body that has been operating for 40 years. ISEB first provided
exams in Software Testing 15 years ago, and were instrumental in the development
of the original Software Testing syllabus that created the ISTQB syllabus. ISEB offer
over 40 different exams in IT including IT Project Management, ITIL and Business
Analysis.

ISEB accredit Training Providers to ensure that the company, their trainers and
materials maintain ISEB's high standards. ISEB is part of BCS, the chartered Institute
for the IT profession and plays a large role in role of raising skills and education in IT.
ISEB has delivered over 250,000 exams and has a strong worldwide reputation for
quality.

Is ISEB International?
Yes. ISEB has been developing exams for 40 years and has over 140 Training
Providers globally.

ISEB courses have been delivered in over 50 countries including South Africa, Brazil,
USA, India, Japan, Australia, across Europe and many others.

We have delivered over 48,000 exams in Software Testing so far and 35% of these
have been delivered internationally.