Mastering Software Testing - ISTQB Foundation Level

Course Overview

Welcome to the comprehensive Software Testing course aligned with the ISTQB (International Software Testing Qualifications Board) Foundation Level certification. This course will equip you with essential testing knowledge and practical skills needed in modern software development.

What You'll Learn

By completing this course, you will be able to:

• Understand fundamental testing principles and terminology
• Apply various testing techniques effectively
• Participate in test planning and estimation
• Design and execute test cases
• Manage defects throughout the software lifecycle
• Use testing tools and automation frameworks
• Prepare for ISTQB Foundation Level certification

Course Structure

Theory + Practice

Each chapter combines:

• Theoretical concepts with real-world examples
• Visual diagrams to illustrate processes
• Code examples for test automation
• Hands-on labs for practical application

7 Core Chapters

1. Fundamentals of Testing - Why testing matters and basic principles
2. Testing Throughout the SDLC - When and how to test
3. Static Testing - Reviews and static analysis
4. Test Techniques - Black-box, white-box, and experience-based
5. Test Management - Planning, monitoring, and control
6. Tool Support for Testing - Automation and test management tools
7. Defect Management - Bug lifecycle and reporting

Prerequisites

• Basic programming knowledge (any language)
• Understanding of software development lifecycle
• Familiarity with basic computer science concepts

Recommended: Experience with any programming language (Java, Python, JavaScript, etc.)

Learning Outcomes

After completing this course, you will:

1. Understand Testing Fundamentals

   • Seven testing principles
   • Testing vs. debugging
   • Test process fundamentals

2. Master Test Techniques

   • Equivalence partitioning
   • Boundary value analysis
   • Decision tables
   • State transition testing

3. Plan and Manage Tests

   • Test strategy and planning
   • Risk-based testing
   • Defect management
   • Test metrics and reporting

4. Use Testing Tools

   • Test management tools
   • Automated testing frameworks
   • Performance testing tools
   • Code coverage tools

Course Materials

Labs & Practice

Each chapter includes practical labs with:

• Setup instructions for testing environments
• Sample applications to test
• Test case templates
• Automated test scripts
• Solutions and explanations

Tools You'll Use

• Selenium WebDriver - Web application testing
• JUnit/TestNG - Unit testing frameworks
• Postman - API testing
• JIRA - Defect tracking
• Git - Version control for test scripts

Assessment

• Labs: 50% (7 practical assignments)
• Mid-term Exam: 20%
• Final Exam: 30% (ISTQB-style questions)

Certification Preparation

This course fully prepares you for the ISTQB Certified Tester Foundation Level (CTFL) exam, which includes:

• 40 multiple-choice questions
• 65% passing score
• 60-minute duration
• Recognized worldwide

Schedule

Week	Chapter	Topics	Lab
1	Fundamentals	Testing basics, principles	Lab 1: First tests
2	SDLC Testing	V-Model, Agile testing	Lab 2: Test planning
3	Static Testing	Reviews, inspection	Lab 3: Code review
4	Test Techniques	Black-box methods	Lab 4: Test design
5	Test Techniques	White-box methods	Lab 5: Coverage analysis
6	Test Management	Planning, execution	Lab 6: Test project
7	Tools & Automation	Selenium, APIs	Lab 7: Automation suite

Resources

• ISTQB Syllabus: Official ISTQB Foundation Level Syllabus
• Practice Exams: Sample questions provided
• Test Tools: Links to download testing tools
• Community: Student discussion forum

Getting Started

1. Review the course syllabus
2. Set up your testing environment (see Lab 1)
3. Start with Chapter 1: Fundamentals of Testing
4. Complete labs as you progress through chapters
5. Use practice exams to prepare for certification

Support

• Office Hours: Monday & Wednesday, 2-4 PM
• Discussion Forum: Ask questions and collaborate
• Lab Help: TA available during lab sessions

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Ready to become a certified software tester? Let's begin! 🚀