Foreword by Stephan Goericke

Errors that are missed when testing software may result in an incalculable explosion of costs for a company. In other words, software testing is not only a vital part of the quality assurance process within a software development company, it is also a way for the company to be a responsible partner for its customers, both in terms of the services rendered and the products provided.

The complexity of software projects has risen sharply, and continues to be on the rise. Today, the software in a cell phone has an average of 2.6 million lines of code. This means that any functioning software test management that takes a holistic approach to its task will be facing ever greater challenges. Software testing management comprises tasks such as planning, monitoring, and controlling software tests. The test phases of a project must be accurately planned and documented, and support tools must be carefully selected. Last but not least, the test project must continually be monitored in order to reduce risks, while having an early error detection system in place. Good test management considerably abbreviates the time required before a project is ready to be accepted by the client, and helps keep the maintenance costs and subsequent costs within budget.

In an effort to assess and optimize the skills and abilities of software testers, it must be ensured that the testers are qualified, and reliably so, in the field of test management, and they must have a certificate to prove it. That is why the economic sector is demanding standards that fully satisfy the criteria of independence, transparency, and international acceptance. The International Software Quality Institute (iSQI), headquartered in Erlangen, Germany and Potsdam, Germany, is the coordinating body for software quality standards of this type worldwide. Due to the excellent reputation of the iSQI, the certifications earned from us are recognized and respected all over the world. We are proud to say that by now, certifications according to the Standard ISTQB Certified Tester are being implemented in 34 countries and on 6 continents. This universal certification offers many advantages for the companies concerned, some of which are:

1. Professionalism: Software must be synonymous with dependability. This means software developers must be well trained, and we must be able to rely on that, since otherwise, the reputation of the entire sector will suffer. By giving software developers standardized and proven training that takes into account the practical aspects of programming, we can trust that a minimum qualification for this particular profession is ensured.

2. Lifelong learning: Software is becoming increasingly more complex, and the demands that must be met are growing daily. Lifelong learning is indispensable, since often, the initial training undergone by programmers may become out-dated and may have been too general in nature.

3. Standardization: Standardization that is independent from manufacturers and products creates transparency, and as a result, ensures acceptance and validity of the software across national boundaries and language barriers. Furthermore, employers and employees alike appreciate the ability to compare professional qualifications on a national and international level, which in today’s global market ensures the ability to cooperate and compete internationally.

This book addresses the need to establish such standards in the field of software testing. With its focus on test management, it is excellent reading for those already active in the profession, since it supplements the know-how they have gained in a compact and competent manner. Between 90 and 100 percent of the examination candidates who consulted the first book in this series, Software Testing Foundations, prior to taking the ISTQB Certified Tester – Foundation Level exam, met the requirements and received the certificate. We hope that similar results can be achieved at the Advanced Level with the aid of this book. The authors have, once again, earned high merits in the further development of the Certified Tester scheme. To all of this book’s interested readers: enjoy working through it, good luck in the certification exam you will take later, and, last but not least, the best of success in all your projects!

Stephan Goericke
Director, International Software Quality Institute