The “International Software Testing Qualifications Board” or ISTQB was initially founded in the year 2002, Nov. Since the commencement, this organization has constantly observed tremendous growth that enabled them to achieve remarkable goals. Their creation of some of the most amazing schemes that enabled candidates to get certification for an eligible software tester has made them one of the best choices. This organization conducts examinations in more than 120 countries across the world.
ISTQB Foundation Level Certification – What Is It?
The foundation level certification offered by ISTQB includes a syllabus that is one of the most opted syllabi for software testing. The contents of the syllabus and the glossary have become an industrial reference for the designation of software testing.
Qualification of the ISTQB Foundation Level Certification can be a great choice for people who are willing to become a part of IT. Being one of the most recognizable certificates in the world, undertaking the course can be beneficial for job seekers. Holding the certification will enhance the chance to start your career and make thorough improvements.
Top 6 Tips to Prepare For the ISTQB Foundation Level Certification
- Understanding The Syllabus
The very first step to ensuring great preparation is by understanding the syllabus. All you need is to know the syllabus of the ISTQB Foundation Level. This includes learning objectives for the various areas of knowledge, general objectives, key concepts, glossary, source references and much more. You can get the detailed structure of the syllabus on their official website.
Remember to follow the textbook by Dorothy Graham, Rex Black named “Foundation of Software Testing: ISTQB Certification.” Reading this recommended textbook will help you to get a better understanding of the concepts with examples to get in-depth knowledge.
Understanding the syllabus is the first guide to move ahead. This will help you to create a rough practice pattern for a seamless result.
- Check The Glossary
This is another valid resource that can become a lot helpful in understanding unknown terms. You can find a huge 589 terms that have been clearly assorted out in alphabetical order with the versions, definitions, references and synonyms. There are advanced filtering options that become necessary in exam preparations.
- Understand The Exam Structure:
One can take the foundation level exam online, or one can also choose the written test. You must have a complete understanding of the exam structure before you prepare. This will ease the preparation.
| Exam Type | Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) |
| Number of Questions | 40 |
| Passing Marks | 65% |
| Negative Marking | No |
Knowledge of the question distribution as per the cognitive level is a must. Pay attention to K1 questions. 50% of the questions are from K1, and these are easier and simpler to answer compared to the questions from other cognitive levels. Practice thoroughly and try not to make any mistakes in K1 as it improves the chances of clearing this exam.
Let us find out in detail about the K-level distribution:
| Cognitive Levels | Question distribution depending on the cognitive level | Question Distributions |
| K1 | 50% | 20 |
| K2 | 30% | 12 |
| K3 | 20% | 8 |
| K4 | ||
| Total | 100% | 40 |
Now that you have a rough idea about the K levels distributed throughout the syllabus, we will check how questions are being distributed according to the many chapters. This will enable you to focus properly and make efforts without wasting much time on chapters that carry fewer marks. Remember to check the wattage per chapter before preparations.
| K1 | K2 | K3/K4 | Total | |
| Chapter 1 | 4 | 3 | 7 | |
| Chapter 2 | 4 | 2 | 6 | |
| Chapter 3 | 2 | 1 | 3 | |
| Chapter 4 | 4 | 2 | 6 | 12 |
| Chapter 5 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 8 |
| Chapter 6 | 3 | 1 | 4 |
- Make Proper Self-Study:
Even when many wish to acquire the certification, most readers find it challenging to accomplish their goals. No doubt taking the training can be a great choice, but nothing can be better than improving the chances of cracking with a proper self-study.
In case you don’t find yourself very confident in studying alone, you can create your own circle and start making the preparation together. Group study is always valuable as with many having a common goal, overcoming challenges becomes very easy.
- Make A Note & Revise:
Make sure you are keeping a note of the things you are learning from the syllabus or textbooks. Writing can always be beneficial as not only it strengthens your learning, but also it ensures revising the concepts seamlessly and in detail.
You must know that humans can only remember 20% of what they read in 24 hours. Hence revision becomes the key. It enables you to constantly practice the things that you are learning. So follow these steps.
- Make notes thoroughly
- Create mind maps
- Take mock tests
- Take Tests
The last and the most important step to judge your preparation is by taking the tests. The best way to do this is to take up ISTQB foundation level mock test series from a credited training institute. Make a week-by-week preparation plan to solve these test papers and simulations along with preparing through test materials. Preparing through mock tests and simulations will guarantee you to pass the exam.
Conclusion:
Now that you have got a complete guide about the way to prepare and pass this certification course, you are probably ready to take your first attention. Even when it might not prove your skill, it is the validation of your knowledge which the employers are in search of. Taking this certification will make sure to enjoy a fantastic career as a professional software tester.