BCS Intermediate in Software Testing

Please be aware that before enquiring, course venue may be subject to change. This course is open to corporate bookings and individuals who are self-funding.

About the Course

The BCS Intermediate course extends the broad understanding of testing acquired at Foundation Level and covers those topics which are considered to be essential knowledge for a test professional - it is suitable for those who are engaged in any aspect of software testing (i.e. Test Analysis or Test Management). A pass in this certificate provides evidence that the candidate has proven analytical capability, having gained knowledge and practical skills in the key topics required for practicing software testing.

This three-day tutor-led course includes lectures, exercises and practical work. On the fourth day, the day after the course, delegates prepare and take the examination. It is fully-accredited by BCS Professional Certifications and they have rated it as SFIAplus level 4.

Who is it for?

The Intermediate Certificate in Software Testing is suitable for those who are engaged in any aspect of software testing and is aimed at those who seek a more practical approach to the core software testing material covered at ISTQB Foundation level. This includes people in roles such as testers, test analysts, test engineers, test consultants, test managers, user acceptance testers and software developers. This Intermediate Level qualification is also appropriate for anyone who wants a deeper understanding of software testing, such as project managers, quality managers, software development managers, business analysts and management consultants.

About BCS Professional Certification & ISTQB

BCS Professional Certifications have been established for over 25 years, and, until recently, were marketed under the ISEB (Information Systems Examination Board) portfolio. During this time they have gained worldwide recognition and are delivered in over 200 countries and are mapped to SFIAplus.

Founded in 2002, ISTQB (International Software Testing Qualifications Board) is a not-for-profit association, comprising 47 national boards (including the UKTB) covering 71 countries worldwide. It is responsible for the international software testing qualification scheme called 'ISTQB Certified Tester'.

BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT, delivers the Foundation and Advanced level exams; ISTQB provides the syllabus and UKTB the questions. The BCS provides and develops the Intermediate Certificate in Software Testing, which is considered a valuable stepping stone between foundation and advanced levels, as well as a relevant stand-alone qualification.

Entry requirements

The entry criteria for candidates taking the Intermediate examination are as follows:

• Candidates must hold the ISTQB Foundation Certificate in Software Testing AND either:
• have at least 18 months’ experience in software testing; OR
• have completed a BCS Professional Certificationsaccredited training course for the Intermediate Certificate in Software Testing;
• BUT preferably have all three of the above.

Note that it is recommended that you attend an accredited training course run by an accredited training provider, as the overall exam pass rates are notably higher for candidates attending such courses.

The Exam

To qualify as the holder of an Intermediate Certificate in Software Testing, delegates must successfully pass the exam administered by the BCS;

• The examination consists of a one-hour exam with 25 scenario-based multiple choice questions.
• It will be a 'closed book' examination i.e. no notes or books will be allowed into the examination room.
• Duration of 60 minutes (or 75 minutes for candidates taking examinations that are not in their native language)
• The pass mark is 60% (15 out of 25).;

Course Objectives

The objectives for the Intermediate Certificate qualification are to:

• provide a sound basis for candidates intending to register for ISTQB Advanced Level examinations;
• ensure that candidates for any one of the ISTQB Advanced Level Examinations have a broad understanding of the other specialist areas;
• cover specific topic areas that the three specialisations (Test Managers, Test Analysts and Technical Test Analysts) should understand.

The testing skills acquired by attending courses run to this syllabus will be applicable to a wide range of testing challenges that the test practitioner might face. The general approach taught will provide a basis for the testing of software systems in

general.

Syllabus—Key points

The course covers the following aspects of practical test management:

Next steps

The Intermediate Certificate establishes a platform from which further skills and knowledge may be acquired at the Advanced Level. Holders of the Intermediate Certificate qualification are eligible to continue on to higher level software testing qualifications, such as:

• ISTQB Advanced Level qualifications, which comprise Test Manager, Test Analyst and Technical Test Analyst.

However, studying for the Intermediate Certificate is neither a necessary step to these ISTQB qualifications, nor does it require students to study further.