The difference between a face-to-face interview and phone interview is not much. In fact, the goal for both interviews are the same and that is to provide the interviewer with evidence that their criteria are met.

In phone interviews, your voice is the only channel you are using. Therefore, the quality of your voice should reflect your emotional being and can influence the result of the interview.

A phone interview is part of the selection process and usually comes after the candidate is shortlisted. It is a deciding factor whether you will proceed with the next interview or in some cases whether you are awarded the contract.

You have to ace this interview and to better prepare you for your phone interview, this article provides the guide for you to stand on a good stead whether you are applying for a local or international contract.

Five Fundamental Aspects You Need to Remember:

1. Client Criteria: Most clients are looking for these qualities among
   their candidates: flexibility, dependability, productivity, likeability,
   affordability, and availability. Among these criteria, these three are the most important: Likeability, Productivity, and Dependability.
2. Prepare and provide evidence. You should not only be ready with evidence on how you are as a productive worker, this can be determined by your responses. However, like-ability and dependability are usually answered with reference to what you have done in the past as if how you solved a problem or how you beat a deadline even in difficult circumstances.
3. Having the best approach. Make sure that your voice reflects your
   eagerness to respond to the questions.
4. Ask questions. By asking questions, it shows that you are in a positive
   frame of mind and that you want to know more about the contract. This also reflects your like-ability.
5. Leaving a good impression. Make sure that you leave a lasting impression on the interviewer by asking relevant questions, engaging the client in the conversation and most importantly show in your voice that you enjoyed the interview.

By taking note of these basic fundamentals, you are now ready to take your phone interview.

Whether you are the interviewee or the interviewer, you must also know the top five questions that IT Contractor asks when they are conducting the phone interview, obviously permanent employees could use these tips too, but it is even more vital for contractors.

This will prepare both the parties in navigating through the phone interview and getting what they want out of the exercise.

A common IT contractor interview features a lot of questions to probe the candidate competency. To have a better picture, we have grouped together the IT contractor interviews into groups.

There are the standard questions, which are common in most job interviews. There are the Curve Ball IT questions that are sometimes not asked at all. The answer to the curved ball question will show whether the candidate has thoroughly researched about the company they want to get into.

There are also conversational questions wherein the skills of an IT contractor will be put to test. Most of these questions are skill based and allows a back and forth conversation between the two parties.

You must be able to recall a relevant experience in trying to prove your competency. In addition, there is also an in-depth look into
the competency of the interviewee. Senior management most often does the
competency-style type of interviewing.

It is hard to predict the questions that you will be asked on your phone interview, but to help you navigate the
interview we have compiled the five IT Contractor interview questions that are
frequently asked during interviews.

The 5 Questions That Might Trip You Up!

Here are the lists of these questions that might help you get that contract on your next phone interview.

1. How well do you work with others?
   A standard question that will determine the candidate's attitude when working with others. A company would want to know that their IT person could easily and patiently communicate with others when tempers are out of control. You also want to know whether they will
   cooperate to solve an issue.
   
   Usually, an interviewer will an ask the candidate to relay a situation related to the incident. They also want the interviewee to answer in a language that common employees can understand not filled with techno jargons.
2. Can you explain a Situation Where you had to Bend the Rules to meet a deadline?
   Anything that has a negative slant to it typically trips you up, we all want to sound perfect on an interview, and this is designed to cut cr*p and find out what you are really like.
   
   The key to this question is giving them a realistic solution, but be careful about how far you bent the rules, if it is too crazy, they could reconsider hiring you. 
   
   This is a great opportunity to inject some humour and win over your new boss.
3. Can You Explain a Testing Decision you made, that you later regretted?
   Again, a slightly negative question designed to make you stutter and blunder, but stay composed.
   
   Think of a basic error you made. The most important thing is making sure you have a good story about how you have learned from it, and how you have used that experience to improve as a tester.
4. Why Should we Even Hire You?
   This is a cut-to-the-chase type of question. They want to see how confident you are and what, deep down, you think you can bring to the role.
   
   Don't be alarmed if this is asked in a very direct, straight faced manor, some managers do this to psych you it, look them in the eye and explain why you are the best person for the role.
5. What is Your Biggest Weakness?
   Think about this carefully, do not say something like "I am really sh*t at testing", that would be interview ended!
   
   You need to explain something that you are working to improve that you feel could be achieved in your new role. You are showing them how you can grow and develop in the role.

The questions listed above are merely scratching the surface and as of this writing may have mutated into probing the candidate further to get to know them better. The contract market is fast and furious and if you are not prepared to take the phone interview, you will be eliminated fast!

The best tool in acing a phone interview is to practice with these questions because it is not all about technology specific questions. The weight of the decision in granting you the contract relies more on your attitude and behaviour.

5 Reasons Why You Even Consider Software Testing Contracting as a Career

A software tester is a person who tests the software built by other developers and finds the bugs and problems in the codes, and fixes them for the developers. They are skilled in software engineering.

A software tester is an important person for developers because they are the ones who make sure that the software developed by the developers meet the intended requirements and meet the usages of the targeted audience.

There are many software testers and software engineers. Not many people, outside of the IT industry really understand what a tester really does, the motivation for taking the role or the benefits of being a software tester.

Whether you are a software tester or willing to become one, here are the 5 reasons why you should consider a software testing contracting as a career:

1. High Demand for Work

As we know, there are thousands of software developers. You can find software for everything, be it food services, financial services or insurance, they all require software. As the number of developers and the requirement of software has increased, there is an increasing need for Software testers too. In fact, there is a high demand for software testers.

The career opportunities are increasing and it would be easier to get a job. You don't necessarily have to be working for a company. What awaits you is a prosperous career with a high paying day rate and you will be in good demand by companies. You can even get a managerial post. All you need to do is to work hard.

2. Challenging Work to Keep You Interested

You don't need to worry about the job being so boring like other jobs that you find. Many people quit jobs because they are fed up with doing the same thing again and again.

But a career of a software tester is so different. It is challenging. It is not always the same. There are many puzzles and problems to solve. If you don't want to have a boring job, then Software testing is the best career option for you.

You won't find it to be boring. You will face difficult situations and needed to solve them which make it more complex and challenging. You need to view the software in different perspectives and different angles. But the satisfaction that you get after fixing the defects and completing the project is incomparable. This is a professional career which needs thinking skills and logical skills along with the knowledge in software engineering.

3. Constant Learning - Fast Moving

It is a constant-learning career. There is always more to learn in a software testing career. You will come across different types of software and methodologies.

By testing and fixing the software you are learning new skills. You learn from each mistake you make and this will act as a knowledge bank when you do the testing next time. There will always be a team behind you to support you and ensure that you have all proper resources to learn.

You will be continuously growing and learn, thus improving your experiences and thus raising the chances for higher positions and better jobs from big companies. It throws challenges at you. You need to stretch your mind and think of different ways to find solutions. It is also about generating ideas. It is the only field in IT where you need to find different solutions and ideas and apply them to do your work.

4. Rewarding

You don't need to always work for someone without taking pride in what you have done. That is what generally happens for other kinds of jobs. They work and then they leave. They are not doing anything great. But for a software tester, you are going to help your company build a better product. You have the right to be proud of what you have done for the company or the people you work for.

If you want to do something different and become a person whom the team members values, then software testing contracting is the best career option for you. You make the impact on the project of the company daily. You will be an important and crucial member of the company. You decide the limit. You are in demand. So you will have more significance among others. There is a misconception that everyone can test. And thus the tester is having a rewarding career with satisfaction and happiness.

5. Strong Community

Software testers have a very strong community for them. They interact and discuss the problems faced. There are many members in the communities in Linked in and Stack Overflow to Twitter. They all have each other's back. They enjoy themselves by making new friends, discussing and also sharing their thoughts and messaging the members in their free time. The community is strong and insanely supportive and robust.

You won't face any problems while working. If you can't solve a problem, you can ask in the community, and members who have experienced similar challenges and who have found the solution for that will answer your query and you can get going.

The members always give a positive vibe while working. These communities are proven to be a real life saver, with motivations and job discussions. You will find many likeminded people. Sometimes these communities conduct gatherings for the members to relax and take a break from the work environment.

Other Benefits of Software Testing Contracting

Software testing contracting is an amazing career for those with good analytic skills. A software tester can have a very good career life with daily challenges to keep you engaged.

Another major thing is, it pays really well. As long as you can keep in work, the rates are lucrative, scope to increase your rate, you can claim expenses, and gives you a great opportunity to provide for your family. 

This career gives you a creative and challenging work experience and to support you with more resources to learn, you will have your team behind you. 

Did you enjoy this piece of information? Was this valuable to you? Please let me know your opinions in the comment section below.

The Agile methodology comprises a set of values and principles applied in the processes for developing software just like other software development methodologies such as the Waterfall model. The word “agile” refers to the capability of something to move easily and rapidly. This is a major feature of the Agile methodology.

When used, it takes a shorter timeframe to complete a project when compared to other methodologies. Iterations are used in Agile projects to deliver prearranged features. The following information will improve your understanding on what is the Agile methodology discussed in the ISTQB certification.

Key Phases Involved in Agile Methodology

1. The Concept Phase: During this first step, you and your team analyzes and arranges projects in order of importance. Each concept will require a definition of the business opportunity and how much time it will take to deliver the project.
   
   Once this information is compiled, you will be able to determine the achievability of each project and know which one is worth working on.
   
   
2. The Inception Phase: Here, you will work on the requirements with the stakeholders. You can create a flow chart that explains how the feature you’re developing should work.
   
   You then choose people who work on your team and develop a timeline for each activity showing when specific work needs to be completed for the length of the sprint.
   
   
3. The Iteration Phase: The developers and designers start to work on the initial iteration of the project. Their main goal here is to create a working product at the end of the given timeframe. This is just the first iteration as the product will go through quite a number of adjustments.
   
   
4. The Release Phase: To complete the software iteration, the system is tested for errors or malfunctions. The user and system documentation are finalized for everyone to get a clear picture on how the system works and how they can improve it. After this, the iteration is released into production.
   
   
5. The Production Phase: In this phase, your team works at ensuring the system functions smoothly and trains the users how to work with it.
   
   
6. The Retirement Phase: It is in this final step that you move the system from production, more so when you’re ready to replace it with another release.

So What Exactly is an Agile Sprint?

An Agile sprint refers to the specific duration of time during which certain tasks have to be finished and prepared to be reviewed. Sprints usually last for about 10 working days and comprise the following steps:

• A planning meeting where the team gets together and discusses the mechanisms for the forthcoming work.
• Designing and developing the product keeping the official guidelines in mind.
• Testing the results and documenting them.
• Presenting the product to the client.
• Gathering feedback from the client and integrating it in the next sprint.

What Does the Agile Scrum Refer To?

The Scrum is a subdivision of the Agile methodology. It is the most commonly used set of practices for Agile development. In simpler terms, it is a framework used to manage processes involved in a project. Scrum is mostly used when developing intricate software through the use of iteration practices.

It is preferred due to the fact that it reduces time and increases your team’s productivity. In addition, Scrum makes allows you to easily adjust to changes in product requirements. It helps you to:

• Handle change easily.
• Improve the quality of the finished product.
• Take control of the project timeline.
• Give the best estimates while simultaneously using less time to create them.

Scrum is dependent on a team that is self-organizing, such that the entire team will together make decisions on who will be assigned what task. Also, everyone in the team must have the ability to develop a feature from the concept to execution phase.

There are two major roles in the Scrum model; the Scrum Master who is basically the team leader and the Product Owner/PO who is the customer/user.

So what is Agile Design?

When you think about it carefully, agile design refers to the implementation of Agile development principles to the design process. Due to the fact that every designer on your team is different, it is important for you to choose the best techniques that work for you and get accustomed to them as you move on.

Some of these principles include:

• Involving your clients in every step of the processes: This is the best way for you to ensure that the client gets a clear understanding of what they are working towards as opposed to conventional design processes that work at a creating a perfect final end-product.
• Compile work from your teams regularly: This will help you to detect bugs or issues that may interfere with the overall product and fix them immediately or note them down to be adjusted in the next iteration.
• Always Carry Out Tests: Frequent testing will allow your team to identify and solve problems and this will consequently catalyze your team’s creativity.

What Are the Most Common Tools Used in Agile Design?

In order to be successful, designers and developers need to seamlessly work together.
The following are some of the most common collaboration tools and software used in Agile design:

• Slack: A chat application that keeps your team updated every minute.
• Justinmind: A prototyping tool for both mobile and web applications.
• Asana: Assists your teams to plan their projects and organize daily activities through a platform the enables them to track the status of their jobs.
• Agreedo: Helps your team to plan scrum meetings.
• ProductPlan: Assists with creating roadmaps which help your team to visualize the strategy.

To sum it up, the Agile Methodology has proven to be the best with regards to using less time in the software development process. Did you enjoy this detailed explanation regarding the Agile Methodology? I chose to cover the areas as presented so as to explain the main components involved in this methodology and in the simplest way possible.

Feel free to leave a comment below with your feedback and if you enjoyed the article, don’t forget to share it with others who would be interested in the subject.

It was a long drive, I finanly got out of my 8 year old car, happy that it got me to the interview on time and in one piece. This was my first interview as a contractor and I had no idea what to expect, let alone how much I am worth.

2 days later, I got a call back saying they like me, and want to over me a 3 month contract. The next question was, "what is your rate?".

In all honesty I had no idea what to say, the agent gave me a typical range, and I decided to say somewhere in the middle. He said fine all to quickly, meaning he was happy because he got me at a rate that was lower than he was expcting.

If I was to do that again, after the years of experience I have now, I would have taken time to research the market and see my market rate. Once I established that, considering I was new to contracting, I would have pitched myself close to that.

Once you are established, you can obvioulsly go higher based on your skills and how closely it matches the role. The reality is, if the company has spent money on interviewing you, and made you an offer, they want to land you as soon as possible. Finding a good candidate is time consuming and costly for them, remember that.

Other things to consider before you make the plunge:

What is IR35?

Being an IT contractor means you are self-employed. Have you ever come across the term IR35? If no, then it is high time you know what it is in order to
prosper in this field. Paying taxes is very important. Whether one is employed
or works as self-proprietor.

IR35 was designed to ensure that those working as self-employed do not evade paying taxes. The IR35 applies to limited companies and those who offer their services by the use of broker or middlemen.

The emergence of disguised employment by most of the organization led to the creation of ir35. Disguised employment is where a company employee works on a contract with the company by the use of the middlemen.

As an IT contractor. Knowledge of IR35 is vital as it brings to your mind that you will never evade taxes. By not evading taxes, you have to set your rates having at the back your mind that what you have set will sustain you after the tax-man has gone with his share.

How can l increase my rates?

After discussing IR35 brings me to  another important question that a lot of new contractors ask, How can l increase my rates? 

Increasing your rates as an IT contractor is important to maximising your potential income. Two factors should come into your mind when thinking of how to maximize your potential income.

First, it is important to understand the factors influencing the demand for your services.

Second, what is your personal potential to command a higher rate? This is based on the value you bring to the game.

Let us begin by looking at these factors :

• The general economy – every successful business is pinned on the general outlook of a given economy. When the economy is on a boom, then be assured your business as an IT contractor will boom too.
  
  However, when the economy is gloomy, for example a recession, expect nothing better. For the past 10 years, the IT contracting industry has registered a boom. Why a boom? Because the economy has been recovering from the last major recession of 2008.
  
  And also many private and public firms feel it is cheaper seeking services from freelance workers as compared to employing new workforce permanently.
  
  Although contractors earn more in the short term, these workers work on contract basis, therefore after the expiry of your contract the company is done with you.
  
  
• The need for IT specialists – there is a massive positive growth in the IT industry from the past years. For instance in the United Kingdom recently, a research reveals that the digital jobs have grown to more than 1.5 million.
  
  This growth calls for the demand of IT experts. Therefore putting the IT contracting job on demand.
  
  
• Geographical location – as an IT contractor, where you are situated directly influences the charges you render for your services. If you live in an area where IT contracting services are not in demand then most definitely your rates will be lower.
  
  But if you are situated in a place where your services sell like hot cake, then you shall charge higher rates.
  
  
• Your personality – IT contracting involves relating to people. You are not working for robots, you work for people.
  
  The way you approach people and work with them will greatly impact on whether you are likely to receive that raise your rates or not, or even stay there for the longer term. Being tactful, and understanding office politics is vital here.
  
  
• Added new skills – in case you have just acquired some new skills while working on your current project. You should demonstrate these skills. Demonstrating the new skills should put you in a position of getting more pay.
  
  
• Nature of the client – nature involves if you are working for the client through a broker or it is a direct client. If it is a direct client, then expect a higher pay as compared to when a broker is included.
  
  

What is a Contract Extension?

After knowing some of the things to bare at the back of your mind on increasing the rate. Another vital question arises, as an IT contractor. Your work basically is based on contract. No permanent employment.

You may sign a contract with a given company. Start working, in the due working process or after the end of your contract, the company management may be impressed with your work. They may decide to prolong your task. This is what referred to as a contract extension. It entails extending your end date to secure more work.

In my experience I have known some contractors working at companies, on contract, longer than the employees, so it can be good practice to keep the client sweet to secure more work.

Do l need an accountant?

Working hard, receiving good recommendations from various people and contract extensions from various companies. is a sign of a positive growth, more cash is flowing into your business.

With the steady inflow of money into your business. There may be a need to employ someone who will help you in the management of your cash.

In my opinion, an accountant is best practise, it will save you a lot of headache and they can help you identify things that you may have overlooked.

Do Contractors get raises?

Being a freelance or a self-employed person. The question, do contractors get raise? May sound ambiguous. Why? Because you are not permanently employed by someone.

But my answer is yes. But it really is in the form of rate increases, typically negotiated on an extension (see above). 

The Next Step

Knowing how much to charge is just one part of the puzzle, understanding how to to structure your business, claim expenses, growing and retain your income are also important parts to master with the right knowledge and experience of contracting.

Once you master what to charge, the next challenge is understating how to negotiate a rate increase.

How To Negotiate A Rate Increase As An IT contractor

You may believe that you know about IT contracting and everything related to it. But do you know the 5 ways to negotiate a rate increase as an IT contractor? Don't worry, I've got you covered. We will be discussing that in this article.

As an IT contractor, negotiation is a vital stage in your career. Negotiation depends on several factors like your keenness to do the work, your skills, and experience, the demand as well as the complexity of the work. But whenever you negotiate, you should weigh the opportunity cost and ensure it is fairly higher. At the very least, never negotiate against yourself.

Let's begin the discussion, shall we?

1. Should Have A Valid Reason

It is never advisable to ask for a raise for the sake of it. It is very important to consider yourself as a client and think about whether it is really worth giving a raise to the contractor. This is our first and indeed most important point. You should have a valid reason for asking for the raise. Because nobody can get a raise without proving they deserve it. It is not that easy. When you are paying a dollar, it needs to be worthy.

So make sure that you deserve this raise before you ask the client for it, because there is a chance that the client will cancel the offer. If you have enough experience and skills to show your client as well as any previous works that you have done, and any good achievements, do not shy off from showing it as it will really count. The negotiation will also affect the competency in the market. Don't just wait for another offer with a higher payment, because that won't happen all the time. So make sure to utilize all the opportunities.

2. Performance Is Key

Whatever you do, for any price it is, always ensure to deliver quality work. Never compromise on quality, because that defines who you really are. Therefore, no matter what the payment is, if the quality is good, that will make a good reference for yourself. Always ensure the quality of your work is impeccable.

The more you provide a better outcome, the more the client will value your service. They will eventually become a regular client, then you can ask for a raise, considering the services that you have done so far because they will now be more dependent on you. Though you might have the skills, it might not expressly qualify you for a raise. What is important is to achieve the results. The rule of thumb is to always work for a good reference because that is what going to get you more offers from more clients. Always try to get the best results, no matter what’s at stake.

3. Note Your Extra Responsibilities

Often large contracts mean that you might even crossover the roles such that you might be doing what you didn't expect to do. It is often possible that you end up doing things that you didn't offer in the contract. As we know, flexibility is good, but always sure that you get paid for everything that you do.

You don't want to work for free so make a list of what you have done while working on the project. Mention them to the client while submitting the project and ask for the payment for the works done. If possible, ask the details and ensure you see to it that the employer is very specific about the tasks. There is no harm in telling the employer that anything else done other than the mentioned tasks would be considered as extras and should be paid for as such. This will help you in assured payment.

Another angle on this, is just getting on and doing this work, but keeping a note of the extra tasks you are taking on. Then when it comes to negotiation, you can use these extra tasks to justify the rate increase.

4. Know The Right Time To Negotiate

For an IT contractor, it is important to choose the right time to negotiate. Choosing the right time to approach the employer is vital.

For instance, you can't ask the employer for a raise during a time of recession or in any other situation where they are running short of money. Similarly, you can't ask for a raise within a few weeks of your recruitment. This is because it is more or less like asking too much without even deserving it.

Remember, there is a time that is required to prove your skills and quality of work, to the employer. So after achieving the set goals and objectives, it is okay to ask for a raise.

It is always better if you have a justification to get the raise and the general convention is that you approach your employer four to six weeks before the ending of the previous contract. This will give you enough time for you to show your works and skills and also get you the time to negotiate before the contract gets renewed.

5. Be Ready To Face The Outcome

If you ask for a raise and you happen to get a 'No' from the employer's side, then you will have two option to consider. If they can't provide the raise because they can't afford to pay you a higher amount of increased overheads, you better take that offer and notify them about having a conversation when times are better.

On the other hand, you can just resign from the job stating that it is not good enough for you. But the important thing to remember is that you need to be prepared for the outcome of this decision too.

If you are planning to resign, then you better find an alternate project or work, so that you can turn down the project confidently. You need to work yourself out the solution first as being idle is not good for an IT contractor. Remember that while the alternative job will take care of the rents and payments, securing it might not be easy without the points that we mentioned before.

Final Thoughts on Negotiating a Rate Increase

Before you negotiate, be sure of what you want, what you deserve, and also be ready to walk away if you need to. If not, then don't ask for another chance at negotiation. I would say that handling the scenario without affecting the relationship between you and the employer is most preferred.

Value your employer the most. Don't trouble them in their hardest times. Just make sure to ask for the negotiation at the right time.

The above-discussed points form the golden rules when thinking of the best ways to negotiate a rate increase as an IT contractor. I believe this discussion will help you figure out the problems and confusions that most of you were facing. I hope it has given a clear view of what you required.

Did you enjoy this piece of information? Was this valuable to you? Please let us know your opinions in the comment section below.

When I first started contracting back in 2007 as a Test Analyst, I was battling with the thoughts, "Do I have enough experience to do this?". Then I met up with one of my ex colleages in a local chicken shop, we love these chicken shops in the UK, well at least we do.

He was explaining to me how he was planning to by a second hand Porsche in cash from the savings he made from IT contracting. I was gobsmacked! Here I was with just enough to pay for the chicken lunch and he was doing very well.

The thing that really got to me, I worked with him for years as a graduate tester on a permanent salary, and I knew I was just as good as him, if not better. It just made me feel, if he can do it, so can I.

How do I get Into IT Contracting?

The idea of becoming a contractor is appealing and enthusiastic especially for people who work as employees. However, it takes some steps before you become a professional IT contractor.

Ask yourself if it is the right thing for you. Before you resign from your current employment, research what other contractors in the industry feel about it. Find out if there is a possibility for regrets or there are chances of developing your revenue generation. It is apparent that contractors enjoy financial independence and freedom than what any form of employment can do. 

New ventures have their ups and down and you have to develop enough strength to help you overcome them. You’ll be venturing into the business alone, and you must have the capacity to negotiate your way in the competitive industry. To make an informed choice, it is wise if you read and understand the pros and cons of IT contracting. 

Get the right skills and materials before you start soliciting for contracts. IT involves technology and different companies and institutions that you will work for need professional data input and output experts. Acquire the best academic qualifications on Information Technology because potential companies hire contractors based on skills. 

Just remember, most contracts are charged according to the level of skills required and the demand for such skills, but you must learn the best way to charge as an IT contractor. 

What Types of Companies Recruit IT Contractors? 

IT is valuable in financial, human resource, logistics, business intelligence, and manufacturing industries, to be honest almost any industry these days. These companies need contractors that can help design different applications that will enhance efficiency in their businesses. As such, most of the organizations require IT contractors, to develop programs, install and maintain them.

IT recruiting companies are several, and they all look at the contractor's technical skills before hiring them. However, working closely with different recruitment agencies like oxford international can create greater chances of getting hired. Companies across all industries look for freelance IT contractors in agencies where if they are impressed by your skills they call you for an interview.

What is it like being a Contractor?

As a contractor, the company or people that have hired you look upon you to deliver their projects to their expectation. This gives you a sense of responsibility that drives you into giving your all in the contract.

In all honesty, being a contractor is really not much different to being a permanent worker, you do all the same tasks. The big difference is you don't have the security of long term work and typically get paid substantially more for that risk.  

Do I get Sick Pay if I am an IT Contractor?

If you are working as an independent contractor with no company you are self-employed. It is mandatory for all companies to offer their employees sick pay when they go on sick leave. However, such a scenario cannot apply to you because you are not their employee.

So, the short answer is no, you will not get sick pay, this is part of the risk of being a contractor, hence the reason you are rewarded for this risk you take by getting a larger rate of pay. 

Am I Eligible for Holiday Pay as an IT Contractor?

A contractor is independent and does not share his or her financial responsibilities with company that has employed him. Just like you submit your tax returns and plan your contract finances, you are the one who is responsible for your holiday pay. The employer does not care on how you spend your money as long as you deliver the project as per the agreement.

Contractors are not entitled to most of the benefits that other employees get from their employers. Therefore, if you want to go for a vacation, you must do your math right to ensure there is enough money to complete the project and pay for the holiday.

Conclusion

I have worked for many years as an employee and nothing is more enjoyable than job security. However, As an IT contractor, the pay rates are so much more, in my opinion it just makes sense to contract instaed of being permamnent, as long as you feel confident in what you do and feel you can deliver value to your client.

You meet new challenges every day which makes you strong and motivates you towards performing better. You too can become a professional IT contractor if you believe and push yourself.

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So, you want to know all about the ISTQB Foundation level exam right? Luckily for you, you've come to just the right place. This article may be all you need on how to apply for the ISTQB Foundation level exam.

The procedure isn't too difficult. You first get on to the ISTQB website, click on the enrolment tab and you'll be directed to the Login Screen. For 'New Registrations' you'll need to key in your permanent address, personal information, postal address and then finally agree to the conditions and terms provided to you.

You will then be given information containing your User name, Registration number and password. Afterward, you will be required to make a few payments which you will have to do through demand drafts or DDs as they are commonly known. Visit the ISTQB contact link to know where to send the course cost payments.

WHAT IS THE ISTQB CERTIFICATION EXAM?

The International Software Testing Qualifications Board (ISTQB) is basically an internationally operated organisation that does software testing qualification certification.

It was established in 2002 in Edinburgh and is legally registered as a non profit organisation in Belgium. This standardized qualification is an ISTQB Certified Tester that software testers need to undergo in order to obtain certification by the ISTQB.

It is a syllabus based qualification which contains a hierarchy of guidelines and qualifications for the examination and accreditation.

This certification organisation for software testing qualification has managed to issue over five hundred thousand certifications. This Qualifications Board is made up of fifty seven member boards all across the globe and represents about eighty one countries to date.

The Foundation Level exam is designed on a theoretical nature basis and requires the exam taker, hopefully you, to have some knowledge on software development with a slight bias in the software testing field. The Advanced Level exams are much more practical and requires knowledge in specialized areas.

What is the CTFL Certification?

CTFL stands for Certified Tester Foundation Level and its certification training is essential for those of you with interests in the software testing and development industry. The ISTQB accredits this foundation level training which provides its trainees with software testing fundamentals that includes testing management, design techniques as well as testing principles and vocabulary.

This training is usually the first step for those of you that wish to pursue a career in software testing and is meant to measure your proficiency and understanding of software testing techniques, tools and vocabulary. This course is a globally accepted professional certification program that is largely examination based and not an easy one at that.

What is the Validity Period of the ISTQB Certification?

The foundation level certificate is valid for your whole life, so there is no worries about renewal, regardless of changes to the ISTQB foundation syllabus, once you have this certifcate.

Not to be confused with the partner program. The partner program of the ISTQB has a validity period of one year. People and organisations renewing their partnerships are awarded thirty percent Loyalty Discounts on their Partner fees. 

However, partnership levels can be upgraded by individuals or organisations upon request before their one year timeline expires. The only requirement being that you must ensure you're eligible for that upgraded level.

A partner can also terminate their partnership at any time during their validity period upon request. The procedure for this is to contact your Exam provider or Member Board where your program is managed and directly request for your partnership to be cancelled. Simple as that.

The Exam Provider or Member Board involved will then proceed to process your request, get the Partner Program Database and the ISTQB website updated and then finally they will advise the Partner Program Chair of the change and why it has happened. No fees are refunded as a result of the termination.

What Does A Software Tester Make Annually?

Software developers and testers basically work hand in hand and testers actually play a vital role.

They receive software builds at various levels of completion and then proceed to put these programs through numerous tests, clearly documenting software response along the way. Documenting is a key component of software testing because it helps software engineers and programmers discover any coding irregularities

Entry level testers with five years experience or less can expect to get paid about around fifty thousand dollars a year, which includes bonuses, overtime pay and tips. Software testers in the middle of their careers, meaning five to ten years experience, can expect an average pay of about sixty eight thousand dollars while those with ten to twenty years experience will be awarded an average salary of about seventy five thousand dollars

Conclusion

And there you have it. All you need to know about this internationally accredited training program and how to apply for the ISTQB Foundation level exam. You will find no better article than this on matters concerning this nature and we hope you thoroughly enjoyed that deep analysis on the topic given herein. We strive for excellence when it comes to information regarding such Certification Testing and the requirements that come along with it.

Not only does this certification provide you with a competitive advantage, it promises higher levels of reliability on the several applications being developed on a constant basis. Also, a consulting company that employs certified staff members can offer high levels of care to their customers which may in turn lead to increased revenue and will undoubtedly improve the organisations brand value. Please feel free to share with us any opinions, suggestions or comments you may have concerning this article. We are here for you.

The contracting sector is evolving at a tremendous rate as more people realize the benefits of versatile working. With the demand of a contingent workforce tremendously increasing, there has never been a better time to become a contractor. But the question on how much experience is needed to become a contractor is something that almost everyone has asked during their initial stages of contracting.

It is apparently considered that an experience of 3 years is suitable in order to become a contractor. Some people say any earlier is risky to become a contractor. But this much information is not enough. In this article, we will consider the most important questions related to contracting and will explain them in a detailed manner.

How to find contracts?

You must have a targeted approach in order to successfully get a contract. A killer’ contractor CV is probably the most integral step towards finding a good job. Make sure you CV has information relevant to the contract job being applied for. Make your CV short as well as focused and tailored. An estimated 80% contract jobs are given through agencies, so you must market yourself on the job board using specific agencies. Being noticed and standing out is very important if you want a good job.

Follow the contract job applications and chase clients. Experienced contractors believe that if you have landed an interview, you often end up getting the job. That is why during initial negotiations, you should focus on getting the interview and not bargain over rates. For clearing the interview, you should make sure you are prepared, proactive and understand the issue. Be confident, understand the job and try to close the deal. Having reassured the client at interview, follow up with the agency and there! You got a new contract!

Do I Require a limited company to contract?

Earlier, it used to take weeks to set up a payment mechanism but now it can be done in less than 24 hours by using company facilities and business accounts. The best payment structure depends on your IR35 status. A limited company might not be the best choice for you in case you are inside (caught) by IR35.

If you want to contract for a longer term, then a limiting company will provide you tax advantages and flexibility. On the other hand, you should use a PAYE umbrella company , if you plan to contract for a shorter time. A limited company provides maximum benefits if you have significant benefits that you need to claim. You should not be opting for these companies in case you do not incur and need to claim many contracting expenses.

Is it better to work as a permanent job first?

One among the main factors that makes permanent jobs better than contract jobs is the fact that they provide stability. It is apparently considered that an individual should have at least 3 years of experience before becoming a contractor.

But there is not hard and fast rule. I personally knew a guy who decided to become a contractor with just 4 months of experience. Permanent jobs come along with numerous benefits. Initially, gaining some experience in a permanent job can make you feel more confident and strengthen your move towards being a successful contractor.

Do I get paid with company dividends as a contractor?

If you are a limited company contractor, you are likely to decide how or when you pay yourself. If your contract work is not caught by the IR35, most of the limited company contractors obtain income in the form of dividends. Dividends are beneficial because they are not subject to National Insurance Contributions (NIC) which allows them to save money.

But there are certain things that you need to keep in mind. Dividends can only be paid from company benefits. Also, declaring dividends without sufficient profits is illegal. Corporation tax keeps more dividend information within each threshold. It is important to keep the S447 in mind. According to the tax law section 447, employment related securities tend to target employers using contrived schemes to avoid taxes by paying dividends, rather than paying salary.

Do I pay less tax while serving as a contractor?

There are numerous ways through which you can save money by having a  tax efficient setup. Unlike Umbrella Company, a limited company allows effective tax planning through a combination of salary and dividends. You can also claim your business-costs in terms of expenses in order to receive tax relief. In order to save tax, you need to understand IR35. If the contract is caught inside IR35, you can still effectively complete your contract. However, note that there will not be any entitlement as a contractors operating outside the IR35. Understanding how to structure your business is just as important as understanding how much to charge your clients.

It is advisable that you keep up with all government schemes as this might enable you to operate tax-efficiently. You might think that hiring an accountant is something that is not required and can be avoided. But an accountant actually helps in saving your money as well as time and stress. Furthermore, you should avoid any kind of penalties and you should take a share of the profit of your company and keep it as pension.

Pros and Cons of IT contracting

The upsides to being an IT contractor can be mesmerising, being your own boss is something most people sitting in a cubicle wish for everyday.

Being in charge of my own finances rather than remaining subject to a corporation’s view on their employees as production robots with fixed salaries gave me the independence and liberty to not be part of the never ending concrete jungle.

It can be frightening but moving away from the well known path into IT contracting once done, makes you question why you never did before.

IT contracting is not for everyone though and needs firm resolve and conviction to make it work. Like everything else, it comes with the good, the bad and the ugly. Here are 5 pros and cons of IT contracting to help you make your decision.

The Pros Of IT Contracting

• Financial Benefits: A very compelling factor in regard to contracting is more money. A lot of contractors are paid more than double the amount a full time employee is paid for the same project.
  
  Your skills and the industry you are in will play a role in how good a pay you can ask for. The main reason why your pay increases is because you offer your employer flexibility and are taking on short term contracts. Most contractors are paid by the day and can ask for additional pay for extra hours put in.
  
  
• All rounded experience building: Working for a range of different companies and range of different bosses can give you the ability to learn a little something from each one.
  
  You can develop the skills you already have and obtain new ones by the minute. Each manager will want work done differently and have a different approach to the job. This teaches you how to cater to different types of people. It allows you to advance your career by exposing yourself to multiple different types of processes.
  
  
• Build Your Network: One of the main benefits associated with contracting is you get to build multiple relationships across several companies at the same time. If you can give excellent work to an employer, even on a short term basis, they will keep you in mind and also be a great review to add to your shelf of achievements.
  
  This helps you uncover a range of opportunities with other companies and clients and also maybe discover permanent positions you could apply for to gain additional job security.

The cons of IT contracting

• Job security: Job security can be hard when it comes to contracting because of the short-term factor of all your contracts. You need to have found a new contract before the one you are on has ended. This can prove disheartening if you have to deal with a time period where you have no work. During this time period, you start to consider the negatives of the job and have to focus on moving forward rather than getting disheartened.
  
  
• Business Expenses: When you work for a corporation or for someone else, they are paying for the office, the electricity and everything else. When you are IT contracting these expenses become yours to bear and you have to start being your own stingy boss.
  
  
• Benefit Plans: One reason why a lot of employees stay employees is for the package deal you get when signing a contract.
  
  You do not want to give up your healthcare that comes with your salary. You would have to pay an additional amount for health insurance if you work separately.
  
  A lot of people I have met along the way have health insurance added to their spouse’s through their position in a company.
  
  
• Pension: Normally an employer would pay if you are ill or give you a pension by deducting a certain amount from your salary regularly. As a contractor you need to take control of all these aspects yourself and put aside enough money for the years that will follow. This needs to be done on a regular basis with no excuses.

Personally, looking back, contracting has been the best decision I made, giving me all the perks a job could never offer and that I was looking for.

The downsides take time to deal with and understand, but once you do it is smooth sailing. Understanding health insurance and putting your money aside are important steps to the learning process.

Negotiating with potential managers is also a learning curve that needs to be tackled with. After you get yourself sorted and settled, the perks out weight the tons by quite a bit. 

I personally feel that becoming a successful contractor requires a lot of patience and credibility. It is true that permanent jobs are more secure and stable, but the job of a contractor makes you feel free, wanting to explore. These are some of the key points that I felt like sharing with my voracious readers. As an author, it is a 'must’ for me to deliver the best of knowledge so that my readers can extract maximum information from my articles.

As a reader, how was your experience reading this article? Did you find out boring or was it a 10/10 article? Feel free to share, both your thoughts and the article. Give us your feedback as it helps us to provide specific information and key points that can be of more value to you in future. Comment below about your experience, sharing your impression of this article. You can also share this article with others, so that more people can obtain the benefits of this article.

When it comes to choosing between a permanent IT job and an IT contract, you always prefer permanent because you have job security and you do not have to go for job hunting after the contract expires. 

Though people fear that contractual job has certain disadvantages, they miss seeing that it gives you an advantage to work at your own time, flexibility to earn at your own comfort and pays you more than your permanent job.

Risks are present in a permanent job as well, you may get fired if you do not abide by the rules and regulations of the company, do not maintain proper discipline, confidentiality and break the rules. It's just that we have built a perception to see both the jobs at different angles. In this article I will make you aware of “How Risky Are IT Contract Jobs?” and some amazing statistics on how the world is shifting from permanent job to contractual job.

Should you give up your full-time job for a contract?

If your thoughts are dwelling between a full-time job and contact job, I would suggest going with the contact job if it gives you a better career opportunity and at least 50% salary hike than your full-time job. According to the study conducted by QUARTZ, 40% of America’s work population will be freelancers by 2020. Contact jobs are preferred more by job seekers as they get to work in their area of interest, it gives them a learning opportunity and there's room for professional growth. Gone are the days when people were under the impression that contract jobs pay less, and are offered at entry-level positions. Though it’s a risk, it’s worth if you are getting a good opportunity to build a professional relationship with your industry. On a bright side, if you perform well when on a contact you might get a full-time employment within the company.

What is the difference between a fixed term contract and a normal contract role?

A fixed term contract is valid for a specific period. The start and the end date of the contract are clearly specified and extendable if required and mutually agreed upon by both the parties. It is also very close to a permanent working contract but has a defined end date.

It is a great way to test the skills of an employee before hiring him/her a permanent position in the company. It also benefits the IT company as they get to showcase their employee skills by completing a short-term project in a given time period.

Normal contact does still have an end date, but you will not receive any employee benefits like paid leave, sick pay etc.  This is what a traditional contractor is typically known as.

3. What are the disadvantages of contract employment?

• The major disadvantage of a contract employment is job security. Since you are aware that it’s a contract job, a voice at the back of your head constantly pokes you that you will have to leave this job after a certain period. It may decrease your morale.
• Every company has a different confidential policy and you really have to catch up fast to keep a track of all. A simple error may lead to termination of your contract.
• Time management becomes a problem when you are handling different projects, you may lose track and suddenly feel whatever you are doing is a waste of your time and energy.
• The hourly payment option gets compromised as you get paid only for the number of hours you have worked. If you are idle for few hours, you do not get paid and your valuable time is wasted.
• You have a lot of pressure to prove yourself to the company by constantly producing good results, with a fear that any wrong move and you are out of the company for good.

Do contract jobs offer benefits?

The permanent employee benefits include fixed salary, health insurance, disability insurance and life insurance, retirement plan, vacation and sick day leave policy. You will not be able to enjoy these benefits if you are on a contract. You will have to purchase your own policy (which can be costly) and you will not get paid if you go on a leave. You will not get worker’s compensation benefits if you need one. Though some of the companies have changed their policy and they give insurance benefits to the contractual employees as well. It’s better to clear everything with your employer before you sign the contract.

Can you quit a contract job?

A contract is bound by legal terms and conditions and if you quit in the middle before the contract expires there can be certain consequences. If the contract clearly states that you will be charged a certain amount if you terminate the contract, you will have to pay the amount to the employer. Some employers have conditions that they have every right to blacklist you from the field you are working in if you leave early. Others will not give you the bonus which you were supposed to get at the end of the contract. In another case, the employer simply has a condition that you will have to serve a one month notice before you leave the company. The terms and conditions vary from company to company, so it is advised that you thoroughly read your contract before opting to quit.

Conclusion

There has always been a confusion in the mind of an employee whether to go for a permanent job or a contractual job. There is no correct answer as it all depends on what kind of package and job you are being offered and whether it is something you are interested to build your career in.

If you are happy with your permanent job, stick to it, but if you are not, contractual jobs have a lot of opportunities for you, learn how to master face to face and telephone interviews for software contract testers and take the plunge. Always remember risk is in both the jobs. It depends how much you are willing to take. It was my responsibility to make you aware of what you can expect from an IT contract job and the risks it has. Now it’s up to you, what you decide. I am sure the cloud of confusion is now cleared.

I would really love to know your thoughts, life experiences or any question you have about the contract job in the comment below.

Do your bit. Share the article and help your friends who might have the same confusion as you.

Happy Job Hunting!

Just like me, most IT employees are fed up with shifting work hours, work related stress, regular meetings with clients and are looking for alternatives. After working as an IT tester in a reputable IT firm for more than 6 years, I was fed up with my lifestyle and wanted some freedom.

I resigned from my job and decided to become a an IT Contractor and now, I am enjoying my life to the fullest. In extreme cases, I work on contract basis and personally, I didn’t experience any difference in IT contract vs. permanent tester employment. Also, the pay will be higher in case of contract employment but you need to adjust with slightly awkward shift timings. According to several surveys, companies also prefer contract employees and the percentage of contract employees in the US workforce is constantly on rise.

Why Contract IT testers?

Employers need to pay IT employees even if they are on bench without actually taking up any work. Whereas in case of contract IT testers, they will come to office whenever there is work and get paid on completion of the work. Employer and worker relationship will be very minimal in case of contract based employment and this in itself has several advantages.

IT companies are moving towards cost cutting methods and are doing away with employees who are not meeting their standards. In fact, most IT companies are retaining the core team only and sending pink slips to all other employees. They are thinking of completing the jobs with contract employers and that’s the reason why the demand for contract based IT workers is on constant rise where are permanent employees are going to offices in fear.

Contract vs. Permanent IT Testers: Who Are More Qualified?

In general, permanent employees enjoy some sort of job security and because of this, some employees won’t take their jobs seriously and I am sad to admit that some of my colleagues also belong to this category.

On the other hand, contract IT testers are cognizant of the fact they need to be well qualified to impress their employers and get a chance to work. That’s the reason why contract employees are more focused, job-oriented and try different certifications to prove their credentials.

Are You Thinking Of Moving From Permanent To Contract-based Job?

If you are fed up with regularly going to office just like me, you might want to consider moving from permanent to contract employee. However, those who see permanent jobs as an option of regular income source and don’t have confidence in their skills shouldn’t even think of quitting their permanent job. Even after the recent recession, the IT sector is growing at a constant pace and if you are skilled and qualified, and can learn how to ace a telephone interview, you don’t need to worry about securing a contract job.

You may find it difficult for the first few months but once you get used to it, your lifestyle will change beyond your thinkable limits. You will start enjoying your life and you can spend more time with your family and friends. All your stress related disorders will automatically disappear when you move from permanent to contract employment.

Who Can Handle Work Pressure Better?

Contract-based IT testers will surely have experience with different kinds of software tools and their exposure will be high compared to permanent employees. I, myself learnt several new testing tools after quitting my permanent job and my overall skillset improved a lot. IT companies work on tight deadlines and it is very important to complete the assigned task within the stipulated time.

Obviously, permanent IT testers are not used to working on tight deadlines as most of the things will be pre-planned and all they have to do is work accordingly. If the employer forces them to work on tight deadlines, they will be under immense pressure and there will be more chances of committing mistakes. So, contract employees score more marks here as well.

Earnings – Who Scores Better?

In case of permanent employees, employers are constrained by several factors like health insurance, maximum work hours limit, extra pay, leaves, etc. However, as for the contract-based employees, most of these worries can be eliminated and the employer need to supervise only on the task assigned to the contract-based IT testers. Obviously, contract based workers cost a bit more than permanent employees but they are 100% worth giving a try, considering the services offered by them.

Per day income of contract based IT testers will be much higher compared to permanent employees. Also, in some cases, they don’t need to regularly go to the office and will enjoy more holidays per year compared to employers who are permanently stuck in offices in the name of job security.

In Need Of CTFL Certified IT Testers?

Certified Tester-Foundation Level (CTFL) is a certification given to qualified testers and if an employer wants a CTFL certified IT tester, he needs to pay heavy salaries on monthly basis. Certified IT testers are easy to find and as the competition among the contract based IT testers is very high, they offer competitive services at lower prices. As contract IT employees are generally hired based on the work load, they know their job perfectly well. Their focus will always be on that job. On the other hand, permanent employees need to manage a lot of tasks in the office and their focus will be low on the job even though they are certified and qualified.

Most of the above-mentioned points are my personal opinions and you can agree or disagree with me. However, generally, the one thing that differs in contract vs. permanent IT tester employees is the job security. But even on this one I was not in total agreement as permanent jobs are also not absolutely permanent and the employer can easily give you the axe if the IT tester performance is below par.

I won’t say I am super-skilled but I consider myself as reasonably good and I am earning a lot more than all my friends who are stuck in permanent jobs. I shared my views so that you can also get inspired to do what your heart desires. If you enjoyed reading this article, please share this with all your friends who are struck in offices but still want freedom and peace in life. Don’t forget to share your opinions in the comment section below.

Today I am sharing a video I did on the ISEB Testing Foundation Syllabus, and to make it even easier to digest, I have a transcription of the video below. If you are looking for more specific questions, such as how much does the ISTQB foundation exam cost or how many questions are in the ISTQB foundation exam, then we have them covered throughout this site. Anyway, back to the video:

Transcription for: What is in the ISEB Testing Foundation Syllabus video

Hey, welcome back guys, this is Wayne Vassell here, again for Talented Tester, and today I'm going to be tackling one of the questions that have been asked a few times and is, "What exactly is in the ISEB Testing Foundation Syllabus?" For those of you that watch in ISEB ISTQB very much use interchangeably, ISTQB is really the standard that we're following now, but this is the specific questing that has been asked.

Overview of the Syllabus

The syllabus can be found online. Typically, there is five major headings for the syllabus, which are broken down into many different subsections.

01. Fundamentals of Testing

The first section we've got is the fundamentals of testing, and that is effectively why is testing necessary, which is broken down to software systems, context, causes of defects, for example what are the root causes of defects, how the defects happen, a real understanding of defects.

The role of testing in software development, and that's maintenance and operations. Testing and quality, understanding exactly what quality is and understanding how much testing is enough.

Obviously if you studied and prepared for these for this exam, you'll know what some of these headings mean and then you should have an idea of how you're actually going to prepare for the exam.

Other areas as well, what is testing, the seven testing principles, fundamental test process, and that is test planing and control, test analysis and design, implementation and execution, evaluating the exit criteria.

Basically with the exit criteria is understand how do you know when to actually exit from testing. Test closure activities, such as test closure reports et cetera. The phycology of testing and finally code ethics. That is the main bulk of the first top level coverage of fundamentals of testing.

02. Testing Throughout the Software Life Cycle

The next section is testing throughout the software life cycle, and that encompasses software development models.

For example the V model, iterative incremental development models, testing with a life cycle model. This doesn't really cover such things as agile. Agile is pretty much a new extension, which is almost treated as a separate certification, so that's not covered here. It also goes into test levels, that's component testing, integration testing, system testing and acceptance testing.

Different test types, testing of functions, a functional testing, testing of nonfunctional software, also knows as nonfunctional testing. Structural testing, testing related to changes, for example retesting and regression testing. Other things that covered in this or the last one to be covered in this is maintenance testing.

Hopefully there should a few key things that stick out for you. In my mind the one that's sticks out most is regression testing and retesting. Obviously that's a pretty critical part of testing and regression is pretty much something that you're gonna need throughout your whole testing career and is something good to master.

03. Static Techniques

The next headline topic is static techniques, and this includes the overall static techniques and the test process, the review process, activities of formal review, roles and responsibilities, types of reviews, success factors for reviews and then finally, static analysis by tools.

04. Test Design Techniques

The next major heading that we've got is test design techniques, and this basically covers the test development process, categories of test design techniques, specification based or black box techniques, and that's including stuff like equivalence partitioning, boundary value analysis, also known as BV, decision table testing, state transition testing and used case testing.

The next subsection within this area is a structured base or white box techniques, and that's statement testing coverage, decision testing and coverage and other structured based techniques. Experienced based techniques and choosing test techniques.

05. Test Management

And then the final major area is test management, and this includes test organization, test organization independence, task of test leader. The test studies are mainly to do with being a test lead, so a lot of these to do with actually managing a project or leading a project. The next subsection is to do with test planing and estimation. That's planing, planing the activities, the entry criteria, defining the exit criteria, which was touched on early on in one of the other sections. Test estimation, knowing ... Or not necessarily know, but estimating how long you plan for each test phase, test strategy and test approach, understanding how to layout the strategy, and this would also include the test strategy document. Other subsections are test progress, monitoring and control, which encompasses test reporting, test control. The next subheading, configuration management and then we have also risk in testing, that's project risk and product risks. The final subsection within this area is incident management.

06. Tool Support for Testing

And sorry, the final one, final subheading area is tool support for testing. These are different types of test tools. It goes into the meaning of purposes of the tool, test tool classification, tool support for management, tool support for static testing, tool support for test specification, tool support test execution and [log in 00:06:32], like defect management tools. Tool support for performance and monitoring, like performance testing and tool support for specific testing needs. It then goes into effective use of tools, the potential benefits and risks, and then it talks about special considerations for some of the tools and then it introducing tools for organization.

Final Words

These are the key areas that are covered within the syllabus. Obviously within each of these headline topics are very much detailed low level sub areas, which I've basically covered at a high level during this video. The key thing really is making sure that you've prepared for each of these sections, so that when you have your multiple choice questions you're prepared to ace the exam, hopefully on your first attempt.

Now, one of the key ways to make sure that you're fully prepared for the exam and make sure that you have the best chance of success is getting a free exam questions and sample test papers that you can use to help you to succeed.

I've got for you at my website TalentedTester.com/Sample is a way for you can download an absolutely free exam and question sample that you can actually use to help you prepare for your exam to give you the best possible choice at chance of succeeding. Thank you very much for watching this video today and I look forward to you in the next video. Thank you very much.