My notes on how to study for ISEB foundation
While trawling through my hard drive on a deletion frenzy, I found my old notes on what I did to pass the ISEB foundation exam. Bear in mind that I made these notes in 2003 and the ISEB syllabus has moved on since. But I have updated all the links and someone might find my updated notes useful.
Original Notes - with up to date links.
Hints and tips
- The questions get written from the syllabus - know the syllabus
- The definitions come from the glossary - forget what you think you know if you want to pass - learn the definitions in the glossary
- The techniques come from the BS7925, read and understand this
- At the end of your study, if you feel like doing something adventurous then read the practitioner syllabus for extra depth
Mandatory
- Study the syllabus in conjunction with the Glossary of terms used in software testing and the BS7925 standard
- Build a mind map or set of study notes for the syllabus to summarise what you think important
- Check your understanding and notes against the definitions in the glossary and the standards
- Learn some memory techniques and general exam techniques. The multiple choice foundation exam tests your memory skills rather than your testing skills.
Optional with Cost
- From the Recommended Texts: Hetzel reads at about the right level; Beizer, although admirably included in the list should count as a bit more advanced than the foundation requires (but do read it for your own education and edification); I use Roper as a good summary of test techniques at about the foundation level
- Get the sample paper from ISEB and try it out
Additional References
- System Evolutif version of syllabus
- Gerrard Consulting have a demonstration version of their on-line foundation course
- Gerrard Consulting have supporting Materials on the demo page for the IEE829 Master Test Plan, and Syllabus Versions.
Hi,
I read your notes on How to Study for ISEB and I found it very helpful when I prepared for my exam (I wrote one last weekend). I just wanted to add that I also used the exam simulation software by Dr. John Estrella titled Sample Exam Questions: ISTQB Certified Tester Foundation Level (http://sampleexamquestions.com/). With your tips and the software combined I aced my exam. Thank you for all the help.
Lee
Glad you found this useful. Thanks for the comment, Alan.
[...] So I duly went out to pass the ISEB Foundation. Eschewing any form of training for such a simple and easy test. I downloaded the syllabus and began preparing for a public sitting of the exam. (see my notes on how to prepare) [...]
Hi,
I passed Foundation. I ma now moving onto studying for Intermediate. There is 1 (just 1) sample paper & a book.
I still get confused as to terminology.
Test Scenario, Test Condition, Test Case, Test script (manual), Test script automated.
Do you know of website with an example? (proper Example)
I’m sure I’ve also seen “Test Asset” (maybe I was seeing things)
I would read the syllabus. All the exams focus on the syllabus so everything needs to have coverage in there.
if someone in the I.T field and wants to be ISEB certified,where does he or she starts.
Start by questioning why you want to get certified, and how much certification you actually require. Bear in mind that people make a lot of money from the ISEB certifications and training so don’t just give money to them, weigh up the benefits to you against the costs to you. Since the certifications have the syllabus online, make a decision about how much you can self-study using the syllabus and other recommended texts to avoid training. Unless of course your main motivation for doing the certification revolved around the training.