The document compares the ISTQB and ISEB certification schemes for software testing. Both have a foundation level, but ISTQB then has advanced levels in test management, test analysis, and technical test analysis, while ISEB has intermediate and practitioner levels. The practitioner level has separate exams for test management and test analysis. The ISTQB certification is recognized in more countries and has a clearer structure from foundation to advanced levels compared to ISEB.

1. Training and Competence Development
Comparison of ISTQB vs ISEB
Software Testing Qualifications
What’s the difference?
This article aims to compare the ISEB and ISTQB Certification schemes for Software Testing.
We will also outline the content and structure of the certifications, and demonstrate the
link between them.
This document provides important information for those who already have the ISTQB or
ISEB Foundation qualification and need to choose the next step.
ISEB & ISTQB Certification Scheme Structures
The foundation levels of both certifications are transferrable as ISEB have adopted the
syllabus from the ISTQB Foundation level. This situation is a positive as it provides the
candidate with alternative options (i.e. once a candidate has completed the Foundation
level, he/she can choose to start either certification).
Once the Foundation level is complete the differences between the certifications become
clear. ISEB has an Intermediate level preceding its practitioner level, while the ISTQB syllabus
does not.
Both certifications changed in 2008, with the schemes having a new structure, composition
and order in which students attend and sit the examinations. We have outlined both
qualifications below.
The ISTQB Advanced Course in Software Testing Overview
The ISTQB was founded as an International Software Testing Qualifications Board in
Edinburgh in November 2002. The ISTQB’s role is to support a single, universally accepted,
international qualification scheme, by providing the core syllabi and by setting guidelines
for accreditation and examination for national boards.
The International Software Testing Qualification Board (ISTQB) is a fast growing and
democratic organisation which is made up of an assembly of member boards, with each
board representing major software and system developing countries and regions. There
are currently 45 member boards. the Irish Software Testing Board (ISTB) is the member
board for Ireland. To learn more about the ISTQB and ISTB, visit their websites at www.
istqb.org and www.istb.ie

2. The ISTQB (International Software Testing Qualification Board) has • The qualification is formally recognized in around 45 coun-
developed a new Advanced Level Certification which is seen as tries where the ISTQB has a constituent organisation
an alternative to the ISEB Practitioner level. A key difference from
the ISEB model is that there is no intermediary level required from • The ISTQB Advanced syllabus, aligns with the ISTQB Founda-
Foundation to Advanced level. tion syllabus adopted by ISEB
• The ISTQB Syllabus, through Learning Objectives and de-
Following on from the foundation level, the ISTQB Advanced
tailed description makes it clear what should be taught and
Level Certification has one syllabus which has been divided into what will be examined.
three core areas:
• There is a lot of international support for this qualification.
• Advanced Level Test Manager Our international clients prefer an international qualification
• Advanced Level Test Analysis
• Advanced Level Technical Test Analysis • The route to attaining Advanced level in one of the core
• areas i.e. Test Management, Test Analysis or Technical Test
The exam for each area is in multiple choice format, with a cer- Analysis is more straightforward and direct than the ISEB
tificate being awarded for each area. An additional ‘Advanced route, involving only one exam and fewer training days
Level Testing Professional’ certificate is awarded for gaining all
three. • Multiple choice exam questions enable non-English speak-
ing candidates to complete the exams more easily
Testing professionals, having achieved the Full Advanced Level
Testing professional level will then be able to proceed to the • ISTQB currently do not recognise the new revised ISEB Prac-
ISTQB Expert level, which aligns with the ISEB Practitioner Diploma titioner Certificates as equivalent to the full Advanced Level
level as mentioned below. Testing Professional certificate. This means that the expert
level in ISTQB cannot be reached through the ISEB Practitio-
ISEB Qualification Overview ner qualification but instead requires ISTQB Advanced as a
The Information Systems Examinations Board (ISEB) is a division of pre-requisite.
the British Computer Society. ISEB was created in 1990 from the
Systems Analysis examinations Board (which was set up in 1967). Find out more
ISEB administers examinations and issues certificates in a variety Sogeti, through our acquisition of Insight Test Services, have
of subjects in the field of information systems engineering. increased our comprehensive portfolio to over 40 courses and
workshops. Visit our website at www.sogeti.ie to view our up-to-
In 2008, ISEB made changes to the Practitioner Certificate based date schedule of topics as well as locations and prices.
on feedback from candidates and training providers. There were
two key problems that ISEB aimed to solve with the changes: Alternatively, contact us at the address below to discuss your
in-house needs.
• Firstly, that the transition from the foundation level exam to
an all encompassing practitioner level with one exam was About Sogeti
far too steep, and it was recommended that the gap be Sogeti is your local IT service provider throughout the island, north
bridged in order to assist candidates with their progression and south. We deliver tangible business value through the provi-
sion of excellence in IT services.
• Secondly, it became apparent that as testers tend to spe-
cialise in either the management of testing or in test analysis We provide local solutions tailored to the local market, yet have
but seldom both disciplines, many candidates who had the flexibility, where appropriate, to draw on the group’s IPR,
taken the exam recommended in their feedback that it expertise and services.
would be beneficial to develop separate exams for each.
Delivering Tangible Value through IT Services
Therefore, in order to cater of candidate needs, ISEB has rede-
veloped the original qualification to address all of these issues. Dublin
ISEB now offer four qualifications, one foundation, one general Plaza 256, Blanchardstown
and two role based. Corporate Business Park 2
Ballycoolin
• Intermediate Certificate in Software Testing Dublin 15
• Practitioner Certificates: Tel: +353 (0) 1 639 0100
– Practitioner Certificate in Test Management Fax: +353 (0) 1 639 0199
– Practitioner Certificate in Test Analysis
Galway
• Diploma in Software Testing Galway Technology Centre
Mervue
Galway
Our recommendation
We at Sogeti have decided to support the ISTQB Advanced Tel: +353 (0) 91 74 55 40
Syllabus rather than the ISEB Practitioner course at this time. Con- Fax: +353 (0) 91 75 56 35
sequently, we are providing ISTQB training.
www.sogeti.ie
The reasoning behind our recommendation is as follows:
info.ie@sogeti.ie
• ISTQB is the international standard for the software testing
qualifications and was developed by an international team
About Sogeti Group
Sogeti is a leading provider of professional technology services, specialising in Application Management, Infrastructure Management, High Tech Engineering and Testing.
Working closely with our clients we enable them to leverage technological innovation and achieve maximum results. Sogeti brings together more than 20,000 professionals
in 14 countries and is present in over 200 locations in Europe, the US and India. Sogeti is a wholly owned subsidiary of Cap Gemini S.A., listed on the Paris Stock Exchange.
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