ISTQB Certified Tester Advanced Level (CTAL) - Test Analyst

Explains the role and contribution of the Test Analyst throughout the test process and how they align with the roles of the Test Manager and Technical Test Analyst. Focusing on the tasks of test analysis and design the course explains appropriate uses for concrete and logical test cases, defining criteria for starting test execution, and measuring test completion status. The impact of different lifecycle models on these tasks is also considered.

Discusses Test Analyst responsibilities that include a contribution to project metrics, risk-based prioritisation and the scheduling of business domain-based tests. The impact of risk on test case selection, test coverage and test data tasks are also described.

Specification-, defect- and experience-based techniques are covered. The specification-based techniques introduced at the Foundation level are developed further. These include equivalence partitioning, boundary value analysis, decision tables, state transition testing and use case testing. Additional specification-based techniques introduced include classification tree testing, use of orthogonal arrays, pairwise testing, domain analysis, and user stories. Defect-based techniques, exploratory testing and the use of defect taxonomies are also covered. Participants learn how to select appropriate techniques for a given situation.

The specific software quality characteristics that apply to the Test Analyst are covered in this section. These include the functional areas of accuracy, suitability and interoperability as well as the non-functional areas of usability and accessibility. Describes how to approach testing these quality characteristics.

When can defects be detected and how the lifecycle of incidents can be applied at each level of testing. We cover examples of the type of metrics you can discover and how they can be used in process improvement.

Here the focus is on using checklists to identify defects in use cases and in requirements specifications from a tester’s perspective. Sample checklists are supplied and participants learn how to present problems found in a review meeting.

Explains how to define and use defect classification values classify defects found. Includes a discussion of capturing, refining and using root cause information for process improvement. Also describes how to perform preliminary root cause analysis.

Covers tool and automation issues that are relevant to the Test Analyst. This includes business process modelling tools and knowledge of the interactions between the tools typically used by a Test Analyst.