ISTQB course

Lesson 1 • Why Software Testing Matters

Covers the causes of software failures, the cost of defects, and the business case for testing. Anchors all subsequent technical content in real-world motivation.

Lesson 2 • Seven Principles of Software Testing

Examines each ISTQB testing principle with practical examples. Students apply principles to evaluate testing decisions in realistic scenarios.

Lesson 3 • Psychology and Ethics of Testing

Explores cognitive biases, tester mindset, and professional ethics in testing roles. Prepares students to collaborate effectively with developers and stakeholders.

Lesson 4 • Core Testing Concepts and Terminology

Defines error, defect, failure, and root cause with precise ISTQB meanings. Provides the shared vocabulary used throughout the entire course.

Lesson 1 • Maintenance Testing Considerations

Addresses testing triggered by software changes, migrations, and retirement. Connects impact analysis to efficient regression scope selection.

Lesson 2 • Sequential Development Models

Analyses waterfall and V-model structures and their testing implications. Establishes how test levels align with development phases in sequential projects.

Lesson 3 • Test Levels and Their Objectives

Defines component, integration, system, and acceptance test levels with distinct goals. Students distinguish responsibilities and entry/exit criteria at each level.

Lesson 4 • Test Types Across the Lifecycle

Distinguishes functional, non-functional, structural, and change-related testing types. Demonstrates how each type applies across multiple test levels.

Lesson 1 • Review Types and Formality Levels

Compares informal review, walkthrough, technical review, and inspection formality. Students select the appropriate review type based on project risk and goals.

Lesson 2 • Static Testing Fundamentals

Contrasts static and dynamic testing and identifies work products suitable for static analysis. Establishes the value of early defect detection before execution.

Lesson 3 • Static Analysis with Tools

Introduces automated static analysis for code quality, security, and standards compliance. Connects tool findings to defect categories and remediation priorities.

Lesson 1 • Use Case and User Story Testing

Derives test cases from use cases and user stories including alternate and exception flows. Bridges requirements-based testing to acceptance criteria validation.

Lesson 2 • Boundary Value Analysis

Targets defects at partition boundaries using two-value and three-value strategies. Extends equivalence partitioning with precise boundary identification.

Lesson 3 • Equivalence Partitioning

Divides input domains into valid and invalid partitions to reduce redundant test cases. Students apply partitioning to numeric, string, and date input types.

Lesson 4 • State Transition Testing

Models system behaviour as states, transitions, events, and actions using state diagrams. Students derive test sequences to achieve all-states and all-transitions coverage.

Lesson 1 • Exploratory Testing

Combines simultaneous learning, test design, and execution within structured time-boxed sessions. Students write session charters and debrief findings systematically.

Lesson 2 • Checklist-Based Testing

Uses structured checklists derived from standards, heuristics, and past defects to guide testing. Students build and maintain reusable checklists for recurring test scenarios.

Lesson 3 • Error Guessing and Fault Attacks

Leverages tester experience to predict likely defect locations and design targeted tests. Connects defect taxonomies to systematic fault-attack checklists.

Lesson 4 • Condition and Path Coverage

Extends branch coverage to individual conditions and independent execution paths. Demonstrates the exponential growth of paths and practical coverage trade-offs.

Lesson 1 • Test Estimation Techniques

Applies metrics-based and expert-judgement estimation methods to forecast testing effort. Students compare estimation accuracy and adjust plans based on actuals.

Lesson 2 • Test Monitoring and Control

Tracks test progress using metrics such as defect density, test execution rate, and coverage. Students interpret dashboards and take corrective actions when deviations occur.

Lesson 3 • Risk-Based Testing

Identifies product and project risks, assesses likelihood and impact, and prioritises test effort. Connects risk level to test coverage depth and execution order.

Lesson 4 • Test Planning Fundamentals

Defines the purpose, scope, and content of a test plan aligned with project objectives. Students draft key test plan sections including scope, approach, and schedule.

Lesson 1 • Tool Implementation and Adoption

Plans phased tool rollout, training, and process integration to maximise adoption success. Addresses change management challenges when introducing tools to existing teams.

Lesson 2 • Benefits and Risks of Test Automation

Weighs automation benefits such as repeatability against risks like high maintenance cost. Students identify automation candidates using objective selection criteria.

Lesson 3 • Categories of Testing Tools

Classifies tools by test activity: management, static analysis, execution, and performance. Provides a framework for mapping tool categories to project testing needs.

Lesson 1 • Full Mock Exam and Debrief

Simulates the full ISTQB Foundation exam under timed conditions with official-style questions. Debrief sessions analyse incorrect answers and reinforce correct reasoning patterns.

Lesson 2 • ISTQB Exam Structure and Strategy

Explains question formats, time allocation, and cognitive levels tested in the ISTQB Foundation exam. Students develop a personalised study and time-management strategy.

Lesson 3 • Syllabus Gap Analysis

Identifies individual knowledge gaps across all syllabus sections using diagnostic practice tests. Students create a targeted revision plan prioritising weak areas.