Software Testing is one of the most important processes
Why ISTQB training and certification?
ISTQB (International Software Testing Qualifications Board) is international association of members professionals – Software Testers, who create the framework and content for software tester courses. ISTQB is a leader in training and certification that is internationally accepted. The trainings provide complete and structured knowledge of software testing concepts, starting form familiarization with the field, terms, principles, techniques and up to detailed knowledge of all phases, levels and types of software testing.
What is the role of Software Testing for Quality Assurance?
Quality Assurance is focused on managing the life cycle of a software solution and verifying that the software meets quality standards. Testing is part of Quality Assurance. Software Testing helps to understand the quality of the software, provides confidence in the quality of the software and improves it.
What is the difference between Software Testing in Agile and traditional methodology?
In a traditional sequence methodology, testing is usually performed after the end of the development phase, testers are usually separated from programmers and are usually included in the project later. In Agile methodology, the tester is involved in the project after receiving the user story, checks if it can be tested, participates in estimation, writes unit tests together with the programmer, and then does exploratory testing. The scope of regression testing is much bigger than in traditional methodology.
When manual and when automated tests?
Manual tests are performed manually by a human, and automated tests are performed using a tool, script or software. This decision depends on a number of factors: specification detail, project requirements, project area and type, timelines, budget and internal company factors. Manual testing best suits the following scenarios: exploratory testing, usability testing and error guessing. Automated testing is most suitable for: regression testing, load testing, performance testing.
What knowledge and skills should a Software Tester possess?
A Software Tester must know the principles, phases, levels and types defined as per ISTQB syllabus. He/She must know functional and non-functional testing, static and dynamic testing, black box and white box testing, designing efficient test cases, executing them, writing detailed defect reports and exploratory testing.
It is a big advantage if the Software Tester has knowledge of development technologies, databases and application types. The tester should be familiar with project management methodologies, test management tools and non-functional testing tools.
The following non-technical skills should also be possessed for successful testing: analytical skills, knowledge of the nature of business, clear goals, independence, attention to details, critical view and good communication with the team.
What is the situation in this field here in Macedonia?
The demand for Software Testers in Macedonia in the last 2-3 years has been quite high. We have many success stories from students who have attended ISTQB trainings, started with manual testing and then continued with automated testing. Due to the large number of foreign companies in our country that have very serious projects, this profession is performed at a high level and according to world standards. On our market, there is more space for automated testing, which is why there is an influx of developers into testers.
During the presentation we also had a real demonstration of Team Foundation Server 2018 for an Agile project, planning the capacity of testers in the team, creating test plans, test cases, managing and executing manual tests and reporting defects directly from the browser.
What knowledge and certification are required for qualified Software Testers?
In addition to the above-mentioned knowledge and skills, a qualified Software Tester should also be able to: write a detailed test plan; control and monitor test activities; write test reports; perform test automation; have experience with automated test tools; have ISTQB Foundation Level certificate and ISTQB Agile Tester certificate.