Study groups are now forming for people wanting to prepare for the ISTQB Advanced Level certifications. These sessions are facilitated by Randy Rice and will include a weekly live online meeting of 60 to 90 minutes to discuss assignments and questions. The goal of this program is to make training for advanced certification as accessible and interactive as possible.
With the current live public class approach, there are some major challenges:
1) Cost – The five day course plus travel expenses can cost an individual over $5,000 USD, which is difficult for many people to justify to their management.
2) Time – Even with a 2-day core course, the first certification for an individual requires five days of training (assuming an accredited course length). Many people find it difficult to take five days off from projects.
3) Fatigue – By the end of the fifth day, people have been exposed to a lot of material. Then, to take the 3-hour exam at the end of the fifth day is like running a marathon, then going for a workout.
Our Solution
Our 12-week mentoring/coaching program is another way to prepare for ISTQB advanced certification. It is structured around the available textbooks for:
Advanced Test Analyst - The Software Test Engineer's Handbook: A Study Guide for the ISTQB
Test Analyst and Technical Analyst Advanced Level Certificates by Graham Bath and Judy McKay
Advanced Test Manager - Advanced Software Testing - Vol. 2: Guide to the ISTQB Advanced Certification as an Advanced Test Manager by Rex Black
Advanced Technical Test Analyst - The Software Test Engineer's Handbook: A Study Guide for the ISTQB Test Analyst and Technical Analyst Advanced Level Certificates by Graham Bath and Judy McKay
These textbooks are included in the price of the program and provide details about the techniques covered in the learning objectives.
In addition, we provide concise study notes for the topics. These are in outline form with commentary.
Each week, usually on a Friday, Randy conducts a live online session. The sessions are conducted by conference call and/or the live web meeting facility. There will be assignments and exercises in each session, just as in a live classroom. There will also be at least 30 minutes allocated to questions and discussion. However, this is not an online class, nor is it intended to take the place of a full class. It is for those who prefer to self-study with some guidance. This is not an accredited form of training. It is just another way to prepare for the exams.
Each week, you are expected to read 1 to 2 chapters of the book under study and perform assigned exercises. Before the first session, you will be asked to read the initial chapters of the textbook. After each session, a 5-question sample quiz will be given to complete before the next week's session. The quiz will be reviewed at the start of each session.
We have created a section in our Moodle e-learning environment for "Mentoring." This section includes topics for Foundation, Advanced, general testing, etc. Each mentoring section is organized by week: week1, week2, etc., with learning objectives, assignments, forums and sample exams in each week.
Practical Issues
Missed sessions - If you miss a session, you will be able to view or listen to the recorded session. If you miss a session, there is no refund for that session. Payment is made in full up-front.
Failed exams – If you show reasonable effort during the study group but do not pass the exam, you will be able to attend another session at no cost. However, you bear the cost of the re-examination.
Cost
The cost for this program is $1,050 per student per study group. All materials are included, but the exam and qualification fees are on your own ($100 one-time qualification fee and $200 exam fee for each exam). We offer a 10% “team discount” for 3 or more people from the same company. Exams can be taken electronically at Kryterion exam centers, which are in every major U.S. city.
Value
1) Cost-effectiveness – Lower cost, no travel costs
2) Time-effectiveness – Three to four hours time investment per week (including individual study time) for six to seven weeks on an easily-attended schedule
3) Personal mentoring – Randy will be available to answer any questions between sessions
4) Saturation approach - You have the time to learn the material well, instead of one week of focused training
5) Interaction with others preparing for the same certification
Evaluation
Each participant is expected to interact with other participants and with Randy as the facilitator. You get out of this effort what you put in to it. Each person will be evaluated on:
1) The quality of responses to forum posts by other participants
2) The quality of work in performing the weekly assignments
3) The level of effort shown
4) The level of understanding shown by the answering of sample exam questions.
How to Get Started
To sign-up, contact us here to express your interest or to ask any questions. You will be asked to complete a questionnaire to determine your readiness to participate. Shortly before the sessions begin, you will receive payment instructions.
Due to the personalized nature of this approach, we are limiting the group size to 15 people in each group.
We hope to see you in one of the study groups!
Last Updated on Thursday, 23 February 2012 20:28
