By Jeffrey Jongkees
Date: September 11, 2023
Introduction
Finding the right balance between theoretical knowledge and practical experience is often crucial in the world of software testing. One of the courses that focuses on providing in-depth technical knowledge to testers is the ISTQB Advanced Technical Tester certification. But is it really necessary to take this course? In this blog post, we will explore the benefits of this certification and discover how it can contribute to your career as a tester.
Requirements Engineering Techniques
To start with, let’s look at the first topic this course addresses: Requirements Engineering Techniques. It is well-known that clear and concise requirements are essential for developing effective test cases. This course provides a deep understanding of various techniques to reach consensus on requirements as a team. It also highlights the different steps in the process, giving you a solid foundation for test development.
Testing in an Agile Environment
In the fast-changing world of software development, Agile has become the norm. The ISTQB Advanced Technical Tester certification covers various Agile development methods, including Test Driven Development (TDD), Behaviour Driven Development (BDD), and Acceptance Test Driven Development (ATDD). Understanding these methods is invaluable for an Agile tester, as it allows you to adapt your test cases to the specific methodology being used in your project. Additionally, you learn the ‘why’ and ‘importance’ of refactoring software code and test cases, which is crucial in maintaining test coverage and flexibility in adapting to new functionality.
Test Automation
Test automation is another key aspect of modern software testing, and the ISTQB Advanced Technical Tester certification covers two important techniques: Data Driven Testing and Keyword Driven Testing. These techniques enable testers to carry out test automation, even if they are less technically inclined. This enhances the involvement of the entire team in the testing process.
Deployment and Delivering Software
Another essential part of the course addresses the different stages of software implementation, such as Continuous Integration, Continuous Delivery, and Continuous Deployment. Understanding these stages and the associated test cases is vital for successfully bringing software to production so that users can make use of it.
How Will You Apply It
One of the main benefits of acquiring theoretical knowledge through this course is that it creates a common language within your team. It ensures that all team members understand the same concepts, improving communication and collaboration. This is particularly valuable in projects where different interpretations of terms can lead to confusion.
Conclusion
So, is it necessary to obtain the ISTQB Advanced Technical Tester certification? Overall, we can conclude that theoretical knowledge certainly adds value to your career as a tester. Understanding the mentioned concepts can help you develop better test cases and communicate more effectively in your team. Moreover, the certificate itself can be a useful reference when looking for new opportunities or when working with clients. While practical experience remains crucial, this certification can certainly be an additional asset on your resume. So, if you have the opportunity, taking the ISTQB Advanced Technical Tester course can be a valuable investment in your future as a tester.
