This document discusses standards and models for establishing robust Testing Centers of Excellence (TCoE). It identifies key building blocks for a TCoE, including assessments, resourcing, process frameworks, and more. The document then examines various standards and models from the industry that can provide guidance for each building block, such as TPI® for assessments, TMAP® for processes, and COBIT® for governance. Combining approaches from TPI®, TMAP®, and other standards is recommended for creating a well-rounded TCoE. Organizations are advised to identify which standards suit their context as no single model applies universally.

1. MAVERIC’S POINT OF VIEW
Standards /
Models for
Setting Up a
Robust TCoE
Abstract: This paper
explores different building
blocks for robust Testing
Centers of Excellence (TCoE)
along with standards /
models that can be used for
defining and implementing
them.
27-11-2012
Vol. 9
www.maveric-systems.com

2. Maveric’s Point Of View2
Introduction
Testing is a necessary prerequisite for successfully building and implementing Information Technology Systems. Many
organizations are setting up Testing Centers of Excellence (TCoE) to meet their testing needs and to continually improve
their IT operations. As a part of the organizational transformation to Centers of Excellence, testing is being moved out
from development and business teams to a centralized testing team.
Many organizations have implemented a TCoE solution and many more are on their way to setting up more centers
to achieve testing efficiencies. However, while some of these organizations lost their initial momentum, some others
discontinued due to the lack of value realization. This has led to claims that TCoE does not deliver much value. On the
contrary, the TCoE strategy is the right strategy for organizations to adopt for achieving testing efficiencies. This paper
examines the various standards / models that can be used to set up and operate a robust TCoE.
The TCoE Scaffold
A robust TCoE is based on the following fundamental building blocks:
• An understanding of the current testing state through an as-is assessment
• Core-flexible resourcing
• Test process framework
• Project management framework
• Service management framework
• Common tools, infrastructure and automation
• Competency development
• Test governance mechanism
Each of these building blocks benefit immensely by adopting practices from established standards / models from the
industry in accordance with their context. This shall also help the stakeholders benchmark the maturity of their TCoE
practices vis-à-vis industry best practices.
Standards / Models for TCoE
The Standards / Models that can be used for defining and implementing the building blocks for a robust TCoE are
summarized below:

3. Maveric’s Point Of View3
TCoE building block Model / Standard Where to use
As-is assessment TPI®
Next, TMMi®
• Assess the maturity of current
testing practices
• Identify strengths weaknesses
• Prioritize improvement actions
based on business goals
Core-flexible resourcing TMAP®
Next, P-CMM®
• Identify the testing team structure
• Roles responsibilities
• Career growth path
Test Process Framework TMAP®
Next, ISTQB
• Glossary of testing terms as
applicable to the organization
• Definition of test policy
• Define test levels test types
applicable
• Policies, procedures guidelines for
planning, preparation, specification,
execution, completion control of
testing
• Identify test coverage requirements
and corresponding test design
techniques to be used
Project management framework
PMI®
PMBOK, PRINCE 2®
, TMAP®
Next, ISTQB
• Define the project management
methodology
• Policies, procedures guidelines
for management of testing tasks /
projects
Service management framework ITIL®
, CMMI®
for Services, ISO 20000
• Define service strategy
• Define the SLAs and OLAs of TCoE
organization
• Integration with other functions
/ departments for provision of
seamless IT services
• Define procedures for SLA
management, capacity
management, asset management
configuration management
Common tools, infrastructure
automation
TMAP®
Next, CMMI®
, TOGAF®
• Evaluating and selection of tool set
for test management, automation,
security performance testing
• Develop and implement roadmap
• Identify the route-to-live based on
the test strategy
• Test environment / infrastructure
evaluation and redesign
• Define test environment /
infrastructure management
practices
Competency development ISTQB, TMAP®
Next, P-CMM®
• Skill assessment
• Training certification
• Career growth plans

4. Maveric’s Point Of View4
Test governance mechanism COBIT®
, TPI®
Next, TMMi®
, Six Sigma
• Metrics collection, reporting
analysis
• Organization repositories
• Continual improvement
• Periodic audits / assessments
to check for compliance
improvement opportunities
Note: All registered trademarks are referred Table 1: Standards / Models usage for TCoE
Conclusion
It is important to identify the key areas that need to be addressed when establishing a TCoE, so that clear directions,
initiatives and strong support by top management can be achieved. There is no single model for building a robust Test
Center of Excellence. The closest working combination for deriving guidance to set up a TCoE comes from TPI®
Next
and TMAP®
Next. However, additional guidance has to be derived in service management, governance and competency
development areas for a well-rounded TCoE. Organizations embarking on setting up a TCoE have to do necessary ground
work to identify the standards / models that are suitable to its context and utilize them.
References
TMMi®
2009, Editor: Erik van Veenendaal, Copyright© TMMi Foundation, Ireland.©2009 TMMi Foundation.
TPI®
Next In November 2009 by [Sogeti]2 and Capgemini group of members
[Koomen and Pol] T. Koomen and M. Pol (1999), Test Process Improvement, Addison-Wesley, ISBN 0-201-59624-55
Authors
Hari Babu T, Principal Consultant - Process Assurance
Pavan Kumar, Consultant - Process Assurance

5. Maveric’s Point Of View
MAVERIC
SYSTEMS 2012
We’re a leading provider of assurance services across the technology adoption
lifecycle bringing tangible value to clients by singularly focusing on enhancing
quality from requirements to release.
Our Program Assurance, Process Assurance and Application Assurance services
bring end-to-end assurance capabilities to client engagements. We take
accountability for requirements definition, requirements validation, comprehensive
functional non-functional testing and quality process assessment, definition
improvement. We support clients through managed testing services as well as
testing of packaged applications.
We have supported a large number of clients (in banking, insurance and telecom
verticals) over the last decade through their transformation programs involving
implementation of core business systems, CRM systems, payment systems, billing
systems and other sub-systems. We power technology-led business transformation
programs for leading corporates through our definitive domain expertise,
superior knowledge of industry-standard solutions, innovative testing productivity
accelerators and relentless passion.
Headquartered in Chennai, we have offices in Mumbai, Bangalore, Dubai, Riyadh,
London, New Jersey, Kuala Lumpur and Singapore. We also have a dedicated global
offshore delivery center and a Testing RD lab in Chennai.
Maveric Systems Limited (Corporate Office):
Fagun Mansion, 74, Ethiraj Salai, Egmore, Chennai - 600 105.
Phone: +91 - 44 - 2820 7690. Fax: +91 - 44 - 2820 7691.
Write to us at info@maveric-systems.com | www.maveric-systems.com
The contents of this document are entirely a Maveric perspective and is based on our experience and
expertise in the industry. All rights reserved.