Foundation Level

1. Anton Muzhailo
Software Testing Direction Lead, CodeSpace LLC
ISTQB Certified Test Manager
ISTQB – Foundation Level introduction
November 6th, 2017

2. Agenda
• Foundation Level itself
• Foundation Level exam
• Why Foundation Level is important and who needs it
• Foundation Level Syllabus
• How to be well-prepared for this exam
• Tips & Tricks on successful pass

3. ISTQB® Certification levels

4. ISTQB Foundation Level itself
The Foundation Level Syllabus forms the basis for the International Software
Testing Qualification at the Foundation Level.
www.istqb.org
ISTQB World ISTQB Foundation Level

5. ISTQB Foundation Level exam
Time: 60 min (75 for non-native speakers)
Scope: 40 multiple choice questions with 1 correct answer
Value: 1 point for each correct answer
Pass: 26 of 40 (65%)
Restrictions: Everything except:
• paper-based vocabulary for non-native speakers
• simple (non-programmable) calculator

6. Why Foundation Level is important?
There are several rules you need to know if you come to a different
world(country):
• You need to know the language (terminology) or English, but it doesn’t work
sometimes 
• You need a visa (certificate) for your future career development
• You need to know the path and final destination (syllabus and exam)
ISTQB Foundation Level is the entrance to the ISTQB Software Testing World

7. Foundation Level Syllabus
Fundamentals
of Testing
Testing
Throughout the
Software Life Cycle
Static
Techniques
Test Design
Techniques
Test
Management
Tool Support
for Testing
• Why is Testing Necessary
• What is Testing?
• Seven Testing Principles
• Fundamental Test Process
• The Psychology of Testing
• Code of Ethics

8. Foundation Level Syllabus
Fundamentals
of Testing
Testing
Throughout the
Software Life Cycle
Static
Techniques
Test Design
Techniques
Test
Management
Tool Support
for Testing
• Software Development Models
• Test Levels
• Test Types
• Maintenance Testing

9. Foundation Level Syllabus
Fundamentals
of Testing
Testing
Throughout the
Software Life Cycle
Static
Techniques
Test Design
Techniques
Test
Management
Tool Support
for Testing
• Static Techniques and the Test Process
• Review Process
• Static Analysis by Tools

10. Foundation Level Syllabus
Fundamentals
of Testing
Testing
Throughout the
Software Life Cycle
Static
Techniques
Test Design
Techniques
Test
Management
Tool Support
for Testing
• The Test Development Process
• Categories of Test Design Techniques
• Specification-based or Black-box Techniques
• Structure-based or White-box Techniques
• Experience-based Techniques
• Choosing Test Techniques

11. Foundation Level Syllabus
Fundamentals
of Testing
Testing
Throughout the
Software Life Cycle
Static
Techniques
Static
Techniques
Test
Management
Tool Support
for Testing
• Test Organization
• Test Planning and Estimation
• Test Progress Monitoring and Control
• Configuration Management
• Risk and Testing
• Incident Management

12. Foundation Level Syllabus
Fundamentals
of Testing
Testing
Throughout the
Software Life Cycle
Static
Techniques
Static
Techniques
Test
Management
Tool Support
for Testing
• Types of Test Tools
• Effective Use of Tools: Potential Benefits and Risks
• Introducing a Tool into an Organization

13. How to be well-prepared for this exam
Learning sources:
1. Official ISTQB docs (Syllabus 2011, Glossary, Sample Questions)
2. Additional books based on Foundation Level from industry experts
3. Certified training providers
4. Experience and time of already certified engineer
Good_enough_point  #1 is a must + any 2 additional

14. Tips & Tricks
start end
time
• 30 seconds max per question
• Answer if you are certainly sure
• You have ~ 10-15 answers now
Circle 1
~30% ~60%
• Cross out definitely wrong answers
• Mark possible correct answers
• You have additional ~10-15 answers
Circle 2
• You have 20-30 questions answered so far
• Make decisions
Circle 3