Why Expert?
The Expert Level extends the knowledge and experience obtained at the Advanced Level by providing in-depth, practically-oriented certifications in a range of different testing subjects. With Expert Level ISTQB® offers career paths for testers with clearly defined business outcomes.
Expert Level Modules
The Expert Level currently has four modules; two released and two in development:
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Improving the Test Process
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Test Management
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Test Automation (in progress)
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Security Testing (in progress)
Further modules will be added in the future.
The Expert Level Overview document provides a management summary of each module.
Clear Business Outcomes
Each Expert Level module has clear business outcomes. These provide information to businesses concerning the expectations of an expert in a particular subject. The business outcomes map to the individual Learning Objectives in a particular module.
The Expert Level Overview document lists the business outcomes.
Which levels are available after Advanced?
Holders of an Advanced certificate are eligible to continue on to higher level software testing qualifications, certifying themselves at Expert level as shown below. The entire learning journey is underpinned by the ISTQB® Glossary.
Achieving Expert Level
Criteria are set to ensure good and consistent quality of the Expert Level.
To obtain Expert Level certification, candidates must have:
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the Foundation Certificate
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an Advanced Certificate depending on the Expert Module desired
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passed the Expert Level Exam
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at least 5 years of practical testing experience
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at least 2 years of industry experience in the specific Expert Level topic
Note that the experience criteria may also be attained after taking the exam. It is recommended, however, that the candidate has gained this practical experience before taking the exam. If a non-public exam is to be taken, completion of Expert Level course is mandatory.
What skills does and Expert Level individual have?
An expert is a person with the special skills and knowledge representing mastery of a particular testing subject. Being a testing expert means possessing and displaying special skills and knowledge derived from training and experience and being able to apply that knowledge in real-life situations.
A testing expert is one that combines a broad understanding of testing in general with an in-depth understanding in a special test area. An in-depth understanding means sufficient knowledge of testing theory and practice to be able to influence the direction that an organization and/or project takes when creating, implementing and executing testing activities related to the special area.