Q. What is the ISTQB Foundation Exam based on?
A. The exam is based on the ISTQB Software Testing Foundation Syllabus Version 2007 which can be downloaded here http://www.anztb.org/certification/foundation/
Q. What is the ISTQB?
A. The International Software Testing Qualifications Board (ISTQB) is a governing body for software testing. Their purpose is to support a single, universally accepted, international qualification scheme for software and system testing professionals, by providing the core syllabi and by setting guidelines for the exams which are set by the regional/national boards. The certificate is called "ISTQB Certified Tester". The contents of each syllabus are taught as courses by training providers that have been accredited by regional/national boards. Guidelines for accreditation are set by the ISTQB so each accredited course is recognised by every regional/national board. The ISTQB is composed of representatives from each existing national board, such as the ANZTB and ISEB. Working parties within the ISTQB are responsible for developing and maintaining the Foundation and Advanced Level syllabi. As with the ANZTB, all members are volunteers. Please see http://www.anztb.org/about/
Q. How many tester are ISTQB Certified world-wide?
A. As at October 2009 there were 120,000 foundation and 5,000 advanced certificate holders.
Q. How does ISEB relate to ISTQB and ANZTB?
A. The Information Systems Examining Board (ISEB) is the national examining board for the UK and is part of the British Computer Society. ISEB created and managed a professional certification scheme for software testers several years before ISTQB was formed. The ISEB Foundation Level syllabus and exam have now been superseded by the ISTQB Foundation Level syllabus and exam, and ISEB is the UK administrator for the ISTQB Foundation Level exam. However, a pass in the original ISEB Foundation exam is considered to be equivalent to a pass in the ISTQB Foundation exam. The ISEB Practitioner Level syllabus and exam continue to be provided by ISEB and are recognised by the ISTQB, but the syllabus and exam will be superseded by the ISTQB Advanced Level syllabus and exam when they are released in 2007.
Q. How can my name appear on ANZTB's Certified Testers List with an ISEB certificate?
A. To save the 19 pound fee that ISEB require to verify your results, we suggest posting your original certificate to us with a cardboard backing OR posting us a certified copy. We will then print you an ANZTB certificate and put your name on our website for a fee of AUD33.00 (incl. GST) if you live in Australia and NZD30.00 if you live in New Zealand. Your ISEB certificate will also be returned with your ANZTB certificate
Q. What does an ISTQB Foundation certificate tell me about the skills of a software tester?
A. The Foundation Level exam tests for knowledge, not skill. It provides information about the certificate holder's level of familiarity with the most common concepts of software testing and the associated terminology. It does not require work experience. The Foundation Level exam is a stepping stone toward the Advanced Level, which is more in-depth and much more practice-oriented.
Q. How long is the certification valid for?
A. The certification is valid for life, however, both the Syllabus and Glossary will be amended from time to time and it is prudent to keep up to date by visiting www.istqb.org regularly.
Q. Who are the ISTQB Accredited Training Providers in our region?
A. Please go to http://www.anztb.org/accreditation/providers
Q. Do I have to undertake a course?
A. Many testers choose to self-study. However, a course ensures higher pass marks and a greater understanding of testing.
Q. Can I take the exam online?
A. Currently our exam is not available online.
Q. How much do the exams cost?
A. Foundation exam AUD330 (in Australia) or NZD300 (in New Zealand)
Advanced exam AUD385 (in Australia) or NZD350 (in New Zealand)
Q. What is the format of the exams?
Foundation Exam: The exam is 1 hour, closed book and paper based. You will be given 40 multiple choice questions of which there is one mark for each question.
Advanced Exams: The exams are 3 hours, closed book and paper based. You will be given 65 multiple choice questions of are worth 1, 2 or 3 marks. Some questions may ask you to indicate more than one answer for a question.
Q. What are the pass marks?
A. Foundation Exam 26 out of 40
Advanced Exams 65 out of 100
Q. Do the questions relate to the glossary as well as the syllabus, or do I only need to learn the syllabus?
A. Questions relate to the syllabus but the candidate will also need to study the glossary.
Q. When and how can I expect to receive my results?
A. Results are emailed within one week of the exam date. Certificates and letters are then posted from our office in New Zealand on the following week.
Q. Who do I contact if I do not receive my result?
A. Please email info@anztb.org
Q. Do other countries have the same exam?
A. No. The questions come from a pool of questions and are being combined differently so that the exam itself changes constantly while the level of difficulty remains comparable. New questions are constantly being developed by the members of all National Boards and the various working parties.
Q. If I fail, will ANZTB provide feedback on the areas that need work?
A. Currently we do not have a policy or procedures in place to enable any feedback.
Q. Does ANZTB supply sample exam papers to enable me to prepare?
A. Currently we are not able to supply sample exam papers and are waiting for the ISTQB to finalise their mock exam.
Q. When will the Advanced Technical Test Analyst exam be available?
A. There is currently no release date for this exam although it is the ANZTB's wish to offer this in the near future.