If you’re interested in a career in software testing, the bottom line is you’re going to need an ISTQB Foundation level-certificate. Whether you test software all day or you’re just getting into the field, the exam is something that will aid you on your journey.
There’s plenty of free resources that can help you prepare and revise your body of knowledge to make sure you’re fully prepared. You can even access sample questions and answers to give yourself a head start.
The cost of the exam can vary but in the UK it costs around £145, and in the US around $250. This is something though you’ll only need to do once if you put the work in now!
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How Long Is The ISTQB Foundation Exam?
The exam usually takes 60 minutes to compete, and has a number of multiple choice questions, so don’t worry it won’t take up too much of your day. The research you do to prepare is up to you, but we recommend you take all the time you can to learn up on the questions you might be asked.
The more time you put in now the easier it will be in the future!
If the exam is not in your first language, you’ll be given an extra fifteen minutes to complete the tasks to make sure you fully understand what’s being asked.
You can learn all about the timing and process of the exam here.
But to give you a brief outline of what to expect, the exams include 40 questions-all multiple choice, which are scored at one point per answer.
The questions are devised to help you with your software testing future, but we recommend getting in as much revision as you can to have the best chance at success!
What Is The ISTQB Foundation Pass Rate?
The pass mark starts at 65%. Given that the questions are all scored on a one point system, which means you’ll need 25+ points to pass the test.
That’s more than half the questions so be prepared and give yourself the best possible chance. The statistics for passing have risen every year so far, you can check out the results here.
As of 2014, almost 75% of people would took the foundation level exam managed to pass on their first try, so the odds are stacked in your favour.
That statistic isn’t just for one country either, that’s the global average! So the majority of people who do take the test, pass, which might help put your mind at ease.
Your chances of success are greatly increased if you read an a study book or get hold of some ISTQB sample papers.
Can You Do The ISTQB Foundation As An Online Exam?
The short answer is, yes you can. You can find an exam provider by using this link. But if you own a business, and you want your employees to benefit from taking the exam in larger numbers, you can use the option of having an in house, or in office, test.
The ITSBQ exam can be done locally as well as online, which offers you the choice that can work best around your lifestyle. The member’s board work internationally as well as locally so if you would prefer to sit the exam in a more traditional setting, there are options available to suit everyone.
Can I Download The ISTQB certificate Once I Pass?
Again, the short answer is yes. This makes life all the easier knowing you can print the certificate from home.
Your local ISTBQ member’s board or exam provider will provide you with an email with your certificate attached once you have successfully passed the foundation level.
There are a further two levels of ITSBQ certificates that you can obtain: Advanced level and Expert level, and these can be emailed to you in the same way.
You can also have your certificate posted if you prefer a copy to be directly sent rather than emailed or don’t have easy access to printing facilities.
Once you’ve got the certificate to hand, you’re ready to show it to potential employers, which can offer you a competitive edge against those who have yet to take and pass the exam.
What Countries Can Take The ISTQB Foundation-Exam?
Global exam providers make it easy to obtain an ISTQB (Click here for 3 of the best ISTQB courses) exam in a variety in countries.
Countries that are covered by both the members board and Global exam providers include:
- United States of America
- Countries in South America
- United Kingdom
- Gautama
- Honduras
- Ireland
- Mexico
- Nicaragua
- Morocco
- Europe
- Iceland
- Tunisia
- Russia
- Turkey
- Madagascar
- Egypt
- Ethiopia
- South Africa
- Jordan
- Australia
- Kenya
- Israel
- New Zealand
- China
- Iran
- India
- Thailand
- South Korea
- Japan
- Philippines
- Malaysia
- Vietnam
- Taiwan.
Countries that are covered solely by Global exams providers include:
- Greenland
- The majority of Africa
- Parts of Asia.
You can check out the map of each country here.
Why Should You Even Bother To Get an ISTQB Foundation Certificate?
Remember, many employers now like to see their employees with at least a foundation level certificate in the ITSQB exam, so it’s worth getting your hands on one! The effort you put in now will pay off later, giving you better knowledge of the field and potentially opening up new job opportunities for you in the future.
As the certificate is recognised on a global scale, your employability rating goes up automatically after passing the exam. The certificate can provide you with a strong competitive advantage for the company you work for, or one you aim to work for at a later date. By gaining the qualification, you are more or less promising a higher level of reliability to your employer than a candidate who has not passed the exam.
It has been noted that consulting companies whose team members are all certified with ISTQB offer high levels of service to customers and clients which in turn increases revenue and the value of the brand itself. Not only this, ITSQB has now created a partner programme, which benefits companies who have a larger number of certified testers working in their facility.
Whether you are a business owner, or a worker in the field, there is a long list of benefits that comes with gaining your qualification, and it’s only a small cost for something that could make a huge improvement to your career, and potentially your lifestyle!
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