How to pass ISTQB test exam?
Written by Vedad Muhamedagić, QA Analyst Softray Solutions
Let’s ask ChatGPT what is ISTQB foundation level exam.
Not bad ChatGPT! The ISTQB (International Software Testing Qualifications Board) Foundation Level certification is an entry-level certification for software testing professionals. It provides a basic understanding of software testing fundamentals, including testing concepts, test design techniques, test management, and test tools. Passing the ISTQB Foundation Level test is an important step for those who want to build a career in software testing. In this blog post, I will provide tips on passing the ISTQB Foundation Level test.
Recognizing Exam Format
ISTQB Foundation Level exam consists of 40 multiple-choice questions, which must be answered within 60 minutes. To pass, you must get at least 26 correct answers, representing 65% of the total. The questions are spread across six chapters and classified according to their difficulty level.
For non-native speakers, an additional 15 minutes of examination time is available. I suggest you take this option, additional time can be beneficial, particularly for questions that require more thought and understanding. The extra 15 minutes must be mentioned to the exam administrators when scheduling the exam, thus it is crucial to do so.
There are 6 chapters that appear on the test:
· Fundamentals of Testing
· Testing Throughout the Software Development Lifecycle
· Static Testing
· Test Technique
· Test Management
· Tool Support for Testing
Understand the subjects and ideas covered by the curriculum by thoroughly reading and inspecting it. The ISTQB Foundation Level exam includes several testing terminologies you need to be familiar with. Go through the glossary of terms in the syllabus and understand the meaning of each term. Also, make sure you use the correct terminologies when answering the questions.
There are six chapters, as you are well aware, but there are different amount of questions from each Chapter. I’m terrible with mathematics, but I know that it’s impossible to have same number from each Chapter. Here is an image for clarification.
I saw this image the final few days before the exam, which helped me make the most of the time I had left. I concentrated on the chapters with the most questions and ultimately did the most outstanding work on those two chapters while I struggled with the ones with less questions. Of course, learning every Chapter is the best and safest option, but using this as a guideline will allow you to focus more on specific chapters than others. These are not the precise values for every exam. However, for my exam, they were pretty close (+ — 1).
Four W’s for Win
When preparing for the ISTQB Foundation Level exam, it is essential to remember the Four W’s:
· What: What do I need to understand to pass the test?
· Why: Why am I taking this exam?
· When: When is the best possible time to take the exam?
· Where: Where can I find the materials I need to study?
You can better prepare for the exam and increase your chances of passing it by being familiar with these four W’s.
What?
In addition to the exam’s format, which was already described, you should be ready for many tricky questions. Questions like “What is the MOST correct answer…” or “Which of the following is LEAST likely…” can be very annoying. Of course, there is always one correct answer, but it can be confusing. The examiner will give you a pen and paper at the start of the test. It helped me a lot with these questions, where I would eliminate answers one by one and write them down. It would be challenging to correctly answer Equivalence, Boundaries, and State Transition questions without drawing them on paper.
Why?
The ISTQB certification is an internationally recognized qualification, which means that passing the exam is a visible way to demonstrate your skills and expertise as a software tester. This certificate will give the holder an advantage when applying for jobs by verifying their knowledge and expertise. It also demonstrates that the individual is a dedicated worker who has taken the time to reach a certain level of proficiency in the field. Many employers require ISTQB certification as a prerequisite for employment in software testing roles. The certification can increase your job opportunities and help you stand out from other candidates.
When?
When is the right time to take the test? There are differing views on whether it is advisable to pass the after working for a while or even before obtaining your first job. I passed it myself after working for more than two years, and of course, it was much simpler because of my experience. On the other hand, although I’ve worked for years, I still learned a lot while studying for the exam, so it is not bad to take an exam a lot sooner.
The answer to this question depends on the individual’s goals and current situation. For example, if the goal is to land a job quickly, it would be beneficial to take the test as soon as the individual is ready. On the other hand, if the goal is to gain knowledge and experience first, it may be more beneficial to wait until the individual has gained the necessary experience before taking the exam.
Where?
Here are some recommended study materials for the ISTQB Foundation Level exam:
ISTQB Foundation Level Syllabus: This is the official syllabus for the exam, and it covers the fundamental concepts of software testing, test design techniques, test management, and test tools. You can download it from the ISTQB website for free.
“Foundations of Software Testing: ISTQB Certification” by Rex Black, Dorothy Graham, and Erik van Veenendaal: This textbook covers the ISTQB Foundation Level syllabus in detail. It includes chapter summaries, review questions, and sample exam questions to help you prepare for the exam.
ISTQB Sample Exam Papers: You can find several sample exam papers on the ISTQB website or other online resources. These sample papers will help you familiarize yourself with the exam format and assess your preparation.
ISTQB Glossary of Testing Terms: This is a comprehensive glossary of testing terms that you need to be familiar with for the ISTQB Foundation Level exam. Just like syllabus and sample exam papers, you can download it from the ISTQB website for free.
Udemy, Coursera, Youtube: If you ask me to recommend just one thing that will help you to pass the exam, without any doubt, that would be “ISTQB Foundation Level 2023 Complete Training” course on the Udemy platform by Tarek Roshdy from Nezam Academy. I’m a visual type, and his way of teaching fits me great, especially the part with drawing examples.
Tips and Tricks
During the exam, time management is crucial. I was frustrated when I saw the first question, but I quickly remembered the advice I had been given: skip it and come back later. At the time the exam was coming to an end, there were still 5–6 questions, but I was relaxed because I knew I had answered most of them correctly. This approach worked well for me. However, it depends on the individual whether it is preferable to respond to more challenging questions when they are completely concreted.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, the ISTQB Foundation Level exam is a challenging yet achievable test to pass.
When to take a test or certification depends on the individual’s goals and current situation. If the goal is to land a job quickly, the sooner the test is taken, the better. However, if the goal is to gain knowledge and experience first, taking the test may be more beneficial after gaining the necessary expertise. It can be helpful to take the test and get the certificate because it validates the individual’s knowledge and skills in the field and can give them an edge in the job market. Ultimately, the decision of when to take the test should be based on the individual’s goals and the field they are interested in.
Finally, it is crucial to stay calm and focused during the exam. Make sure you read the questions carefully and answer them to the best of your ability. If you come across a difficult question, don’t panic. Instead, move on to the next question and return to it if you have time. Remember to manage your time effectively and ensure you finish the exam promptly.
Remember to choose study materials that are up-to-date, accurate, and comprehensive, and make sure you cover all the topics in the syllabus. One last piece of advice: Be brave and go for it! Good luck with your exam preparation!
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