There are a lot of books around covering functional testing techniques, but relatively few cover both functional and technical testing. This book will fill that gap. Authors Graham Bath and Judy McKay are core members of the ISTQB Working Party that created the new advanced level syllabus, which will be rolled out worldwide this year.

This book brings both functional and technical aspects of testing into a coherent whole, which will benefit not only test analyst/engineers but also test managers. Based on the "Certified Tester" Advanced-Level syllabus issued by the ISTQB in 2007, the book covers everything you will need to know to successfully sit the examinations for Test Analyst and Technical Test Analyst.

For those planning to take one or both of these exams, the book provides a solid base for preparation and clearly indicates which sections apply to which specific examination.

Amazon.com® Reader Reviews (Ranked by Helpfulness)

Average Amazon.com® Rating:  Based on 4 Ratings

Suitable for ISTQB Advanced exams; not as self study. - 2008-12-19
Reviewer Rating:
The first edition of this volume has `ISTQB' on the front cover, but apparently is not sanctioned by the International Software Testing Qualification Board. Don't let that put you off, as the volume is closely aligned to the exam syllabus for two of the three advanced level testing qualifications administered by this board. Books tightly aligned to a syllabus can lose readability, but that has not happened here. However, it is fair to say that this is only for testers or those with a serious interest in testing, and being an advanced book, the audience may be a little limited.

There is a wealth of experience combined in the pages, and a rich vein of real-life stories ("war stories"). That is what makes this very readable. The chapters are identified with one of the two authors (apart from chapter 1 - both), so it is clear immediately who the `I' is in a particular chapter. There is also a long-running testing project which works well, with the requirements being clarified as the book progresses - just as happens in real life. With regard to the `Marathon' testing project, I am not too sure what the authors know about marathons. Bear this in mind as you read; an observation, not necessarily a criticism.

The authors' style is chatty and engaging, and both are well aware of the nuances of the syllabus, being members of the international core team that produced it. This volume brings life to the document that covers the advanced level qualification for Test Manager (not covered in this book), Test Analyst and Technical test Analyst (both of which are covered). Syllabus coverage may be patchy in parts (orthogonal arrays, the Classification Tree Method, Risk Based Testing, the defect process and people issues could be covered in more detail). However, there is a small glossary, and details of books / web-sites to obtain more information on these and other topics

This is a good buy, and I would recommend it, not just for a person studying for the examination, but as a sound second-level testing book. It is NOT specialised, but does have good coverage of some of the less well defined areas, especially non-functional testing (performance, usability, security - although the jury is out as to whether `security' is functional or non-functional).

If intending to sit one of the two exams for which it is intended, note that there are no sample exam-style questions, but sample exercises. There are not generally any answers to these - at this level of testing maybe there are no longer any answers, but just opinions. That is hard when contemplating a multiple-choice exam. For those intending to take either exam, buy the book. But do not use it as your sole source of information as you study, and it will probably need more than this book alone for self-study.

Peter Morgan (morganp@supanet.com)

Using an Example Application to Teach the Tester - 2008-09-29
Reviewer Rating:
Using the sample application going through all the steps that a test analyst or technical test would have to go through is a great way fro explaining the steps and emphasising the points to remember and then at the end of each chapter there is a Learning Check to see what you got frm that chapter.

A study guide for ISTQB TA and TTA - 2009-05-23
Reviewer Rating:
It is easily read, a lot of necessary material covered. Some details missing since it is based on an assumption that you have read a foundation level guide. An emphasis is made on examples but not on exercises. Anyway, this is a good book and very helpful study guide for ISTQB TA and TTA examinations.

Review for Book by Graham Bath - 2008-10-13
Reviewer Rating:
A good book for any one planning to go for Advanced level of ISTQB Functional and Technical Tester levels. The book has very basic examples given which are easy to understand and clears the concepts. Overall, a Thumps Up to the Book!

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