Software Test Analyst

ISTQB Advanced Level Test Analyst (CTAL-TA)

Build advanced test analysis, design, and execution skills while preparing for the ISTQB Advanced Level Test Analyst (CTAL-TA) certification exam.

Description

This course provides test engineers with advanced skills in test analysis, design, and execution. Through a hands-on approach, attendees learn how to define and carry out the tasks required to put a test strategy into action while accounting for user quality expectations and business-domain context.

Participants develop the ability to evaluate system requirements through formal and informal reviews, determine requirement validity, and analyze, design, implement, and execute tests. The course emphasizes risk-based decision-making so test effort and priority align with project risk and quality objectives.

Attendees also learn how to report testing progress and produce evidence that supports assessments of system quality. The training expands on ISTQB Foundation concepts and prepares participants for advanced testing work and certification.

Key takeaways from this class include:

Performing appropriate testing activities across software development lifecycle models.
Prioritizing testing activities based on risk analysis inputs.
Selecting and applying suitable test techniques to meet coverage criteria.
Producing the right level of test documentation for testing activities.
Determining which functional testing types are appropriate in different contexts.
Working effectively in a usability testing team.
Participating in requirements and user story reviews with stakeholders while identifying common work-product issues.
Improving testing process efficiency through effective tool usage.

Specific techniques covered include equivalence partitioning, boundary value analysis, classification trees, decision tables, cause-effect diagrams, state diagrams and tables, pair-wise techniques, use case testing, user story testing, domain analysis, and experience-based and defect-based techniques.

Additional focus is placed on software quality characteristics including functionality and usability, with familiarity topics in reliability, efficiency, maintainability, and portability.

Who Should Attend

This course is appropriate for:

Individuals who have taken ISTQB Certified Tester Foundation Level training and want to expand into advanced topics.
Individuals who hold ISTQB Foundation Level certification, meet advanced exam eligibility criteria, and want targeted preparation.
Anyone seeking deeper knowledge of advanced software testing methods.

ISTQB Certification & Exam

The International Software Testing Qualifications Board (ISTQB) is the world's most widely recognized certification body for software testing skills and knowledge. Founded in 2002, ISTQB is a not-for-profit association that has issued more than 750,000 certifications in 129 countries around the globe. To be eligible for any Certified Tester Advanced Level (CTAL) exam, candidates must provide proof of Certified Tester Foundation Level (CTFL) certification.

For public virtual classes, the Certified Tester Advanced Level Test Analyst (CTAL-TA) exam voucher is an additional fee and is not included in the course price. You can add the voucher during registration. If selected, the voucher is emailed after course completion. If not purchased with the class, you must contact an exam provider directly to take the exam later.

This purchase does not fall under the Coveros class-retake guarantee tied to exam outcomes. It includes one exam voucher only; any additional vouchers must be purchased from an exam provider.

Preparation

Coveros recommends that attendees hold ISTQB Foundation Level certification, especially if planning to take the CTAL-TA exam, though non-certificate holders can also benefit from the course.

Course Duration and Schedule

Three-Day Format

8:30 AM - 4:30 PM each day with a 1-hour lunch break and morning and afternoon breaks.

Five-Day Format

11:30 AM - 5:00 PM each day with afternoon breaks.

Upcoming Training

There are currently no scheduled classes for this course. If you would like to request one, click here for more information.

Request a Class

Course Outline

Session 1: Testing Process

Introduction
Testing in the Software Development Lifecycle
Test Planning, Monitoring and Control
Test Planning
Test Monitoring and Control
Test Analysis
Test Design
Concrete and Logical Test Cases
Creation of Test Cases
Test Implementation
Test Execution
Evaluating Exit Criteria and Reporting
Test Closure Activities

Session 2: Test Management - Responsibilities for the Test Analyst

Introduction
Test Progress Monitoring and Control
Distributed, Outsourced and Insourced Testing
The Test Analyst's Tasks in Risk-Based Testing
Overview
Risk Identification
Risk Assessment
Risk Mitigation

Session 3: Test Techniques

Introduction
Specification-Based Techniques
Equivalence Partitioning
Boundary Value Analysis
Decision Tables
Cause-Effect Graphing
State Transition Testing
Combinatorial Testing Techniques
Use Case Testing
User Story Testing
Domain Analysis
Combining Techniques
Defect-Based Test Techniques
Using Defect-Based Techniques
Defect Taxonomies
Experience-Based Techniques
Error Guessing
Checklist-Based Testing
Exploratory Testing
Applying the Best Technique

Session 4: Testing Software Quality Characteristics

Introduction
Quality Characteristics for Business Domain Testing
Accuracy Testing
Suitability Testing
Interoperability Testing
Usability Testing
Accessibility Testing

Session 5: Reviews

Introduction
Using Checklists in Reviews

Session 6: Defect Management

Introduction
When Can a Defect be Detected?
Defect Classification
Root Cause Analysis

Session 7: Test Tools

Introduction
Test Tools and Automation
Test Design Tools
Test Data Preparation Tools
Automated Test Execution Tools