SQS is advising testing professionals, currently working through ISEB’s Software Testing Practitioner accreditation, to sign up to final courses before the scheme ends in early 2011.  The recommendation follows the announcement that the BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT, has signed an agreement with the UK Testing Board (UKTB), resulting in ISTQB Advanced becoming their preferred software testing accreditation from March 2011.

Steve Dennis, SQS UK Training Director explains: “Many people still seem to be unclear about the impact of the BCS/UKTB contract and the options open to them now that the ISEB Practitioner qualification is being withdrawn.  There are currently thousands of people participating in the scheme who need to understand the implications so that they can make a decision on the best way to move forward.”

For those who have started down the ISEB scheme, by passing Foundation and Intermediate qualifications, a move across to the ISTQB Advanced scheme would require 5 days of training, instead of the 3 day ISEB Practitioner training. This is longer and will be more expensive than completing the ISEB Path.

“By completing their Practitioner qualification before March 2011, professionals will save time and money,” rationalises Dennis.  “The ISEB scheme will still remain internationally recognised, the certification does not expire and it’s our understanding they will not be precluded from continuing down the ISTQB scheme at Expert level when this becomes available. So there is still great value in completing the ISEB scheme.”

Steve adds, “We have had a single scheme at Foundation level for several years which has been jointly branded by ISEB and ISTQB. SQS welcomes the consolidation on to the ISTQB Certified Tester Advanced scheme as it will provide a single international qualification, recognised in 47 countries, and a more clearly defined career path for the industry for the longer term.”

SQS suggests the main options open to software testing professionals are currently:

For professionals with the ISEB/ISTQB Foundation qualification:

• Take ISEB Intermediate and ISEB Practitioner by March 2011, or

• Move straight to ISTQB Advanced Scheme and choose from 3 paths: Test Manager, Test Analyst or Technical Test Analyst

For professionals with the ISEB Foundation and Intermediate qualifications:

• Take ISEB Practitioner Scheme before March 2011 to save time and money; about £1000 compared with £1500 and 3-day versus a 5- day course

For professionals with one ISEB Practitioner (Test Manager or Test Analyst) Qualification:

• Aim for another Practitioner Qualification if you can complete before March 2011