Quality Assurance Certification Training, Port Harcourt, Rivers State and Uyo, Akwa Ibom State

Software Quality Assurance Certification Training (Beginner to Advanced)

Phase 1: Foundations of Software Quality 

Module 1: Introduction to Software Quality & Testing (Beginner)

• What is Software Quality?
  • Defining software quality: Examining various perspectives (user, developer, business).
  • Importance of software quality: Exploring the impact of poor quality on users, businesses, and society.
  • Benefits of software quality: Increased customer satisfaction, reduced costs, improved efficiency, and enhanced reputation.
  • Real-world examples: Case studies of software failures due to poor quality (e.g., Therac-25 radiation therapy machine, Ariane 5 rocket).
• Basic Testing Terminology:
  • Understanding key terms: Defects, bugs, errors, failures, test cases, test suites, test plans.
  • Types of defects: Functional, performance, security, usability.
  • Defect lifecycle: From detection to resolution.
  • Interactive exercise: Identifying defects in a sample application.
• Introduction to the SDLC and the QA Role:
  • Overview of the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC): Understanding the different phases (requirements, design, development, testing, deployment, maintenance).
  • The role of QA in the SDLC: Ensuring quality throughout the entire process.
  • QA activities: Requirements review, test planning, test execution, defect reporting, and process improvement.
  • Real-world example: Shadowing a QA professional for a day to observe their activities.
• Overview of Common Testing Types:
  • Functional testing: Verifying that the software functions as intended.
  • Non-functional testing: Evaluating performance, security, usability, and other non-functional aspects.
  • Examples of functional and non-functional tests: Unit testing, integration testing, system testing, performance testing, security testing.
  • Group discussion: Brainstorming different testing scenarios for a given application.
• Introduction to the Different Certifications:
  • Overview of CSTE, CSQA, CMSQ, CAST, ISTQB, and ISCB certifications.
  • Certification requirements and benefits.
  • Career paths and opportunities for certified professionals.
  • Guest speaker: A certified QA professional sharing their experience and career journey.

Module 2: Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) Basics (Beginner)

• Overview of Common SDLC Models:
  • Waterfall model: Understanding the sequential phases and their dependencies.
  • Agile model: Introduction to Agile principles and values.
  • Iterative and incremental development: Exploring the concept of sprints and releases.
  • Case study: Comparing and contrasting the Waterfall and Agile models in different project scenarios.
• Understanding the Phases of Each Model:
  • Waterfall phases: Requirements gathering, design, implementation, testing, deployment, and maintenance.
  • Agile phases: Sprint planning, daily scrum, sprint review, sprint retrospective.
  • Interactive exercise: Mapping QA activities to each phase of the Waterfall and Agile models.
• How Quality Assurance Integrates into Each Phase:
  • QA in requirements gathering: Ensuring clear and testable requirements.
  • QA in design: Reviewing design documents for testability and quality.
  • QA in implementation: Unit testing and code reviews.
  • QA in testing: Test planning, test execution, and defect reporting.
  • QA in deployment and maintenance: Monitoring and ensuring ongoing quality.
  • Real-world example: Analyzing a project plan to identify QA activities in each phase.
• Introduction to Agile and Scrum Basics:
  • Agile principles: Individuals and interactions over processes and tools, working software over comprehensive documentation, customer collaboration over contract negotiation, responding to change over following a plan.  
  • Scrum framework: Roles (Product Owner, Scrum Master, Development Team), events (sprint planning, daily scrum, sprint review, sprint retrospective), and artifacts (product backlog, sprint backlog).  
  • Group activity: Simulating a sprint planning meeting to define sprint goals and tasks.

Module 3: Fundamentals of Software Testing (Beginner)

• Testing Principles and Objectives:
  • Testing principles: Exhaustive testing is impossible, defect clustering, pesticide paradox, testing is context-dependent, absence-of-errors fallacy.
  • Testing objectives: Finding defects, verifying requirements, ensuring quality, building confidence in the software.
  • Discussion: Analyzing the implications of each testing principle.
• Test Levels:
  • Unit testing: Testing individual components or modules.
  • Integration testing: Testing the interaction between components.
  • System testing: Testing the entire system as a whole.
  • Acceptance testing: Testing the software against user requirements and acceptance criteria.
  • Practical exercise: Designing test cases for each test level for a given application.
• Creating Simple Test Cases and Test Plans:
  • Test case components: Test case ID, test case name, test steps, expected results, actual results, pass/fail status.
  • Test plan components: Test objectives, test scope, test environment, test schedule, test resources, test deliverables.
  • Hands-on activity: Creating test cases and a test plan for a simple application.
• Basic Defect Reporting:
  • Importance of clear and concise defect reports.
  • Defect report components: Defect ID, defect summary, defect description, steps to reproduce, expected results, actual results, severity, priority, attachments.
  • Real-world example: Analyzing defect reports from a real software project.

Module 4: Requirements Gathering and Analysis (Beginner)

• Understanding the Importance of Requirements:
  • Defining requirements: What the software should do and how it should do it.
  • Types of requirements: Functional, non-functional, business, user, system.
  • Impact of unclear or incomplete requirements on software quality.
  • Case study: Analyzing a software project failure due to poor requirements gathering.
• Basic Requirements Elicitation Techniques:
  • Interviews: Gathering requirements from stakeholders through structured conversations.
  • Workshops: Facilitating group discussions to gather and refine requirements.
  • Questionnaires and surveys: Collecting requirements from a large group of stakeholders.
  • Document analysis: Reviewing existing documents to identify relevant requirements.
  • Role-playing exercise: Conducting mock interviews to elicit requirements for a given application.
• Creating Simple User Stories and Use Cases:
  • User stories: Defining user needs and goals in a simple and concise format (“As a [user role], I want to [goal] so that [reason]”).
  • Use cases: Describing user interactions with the system in a step-by-step format.
  • Practical exercise: Writing user stories and use cases for a simple application.
• Basic Requirements Documentation:
  • Requirements document: A formal document that captures all the requirements for the software.
  • Requirements traceability matrix: A document that links requirements to test cases and other artifacts.
  • Hands-on activity: Creating a basic requirements document for a simple application.

Module 5: Test Design Techniques (Beginner)

• Introduction to Black-Box Testing Techniques:
  • Black-box testing: Testing the software without knowledge of its internal code or structure.
  • Focus on inputs and outputs.
  • Common black-box testing techniques: Equivalence partitioning, boundary value analysis, decision table testing, state transition testing, use case testing.  
  • Interactive exercise: Identifying black-box testing techniques for different scenarios.
• Equivalence Partitioning and Boundary Value Analysis (Basics):
  • Equivalence partitioning: Dividing input data into groups that are expected to be treated the same way by the software.
  • Boundary value analysis: Testing the boundaries of input values to identify defects.
  • Practical exercise: Applying equivalence partitioning and boundary value analysis to create test cases for a simple function.
• Creating Test Cases Based on Requirements:
  • Mapping requirements to test cases: Ensuring that each requirement is covered by at least one test case.
  • Test case design considerations: Test data, test environment, test steps, expected results.
  • Hands-on activity: Creating test cases based on requirements for a simple application.
• Practical Exercise: Simple Test Case Creation:
  • Students will be given a simple application and a set of requirements.
  • They will apply equivalence partitioning and boundary value analysis to create test cases.
  • They will execute the test cases and report any defects found.

Module 6: Defect Management Basics (Beginner)

• Defect Lifecycle and Reporting:
  • Defect lifecycle: New, assigned, open, fixed, retest, closed.
  • Defect reporting: Importance of clear and concise defect reports.
  • Defect report components: Defect ID, summary, description, steps to reproduce, expected results, actual results, severity, priority, attachments.
  • Practical exercise: Writing defect reports for simulated defects.
• Understanding Defect Severity and Priority:
  • Severity: The impact of the defect on the software (e.g., blocker, critical, major, minor, trivial).
  • Priority: The urgency of fixing the defect (e.g., high, medium, low).
  • Group discussion: Analyzing different defect scenarios and assigning severity and priority levels.
• Using Basic Defect Tracking Tools:
  • Introduction to defect tracking tools (e.g., Jira, Bugzilla).
  • Creating and managing defect reports in a defect tracking tool.
  • Hands-on activity: Using a defect tracking tool to report and track simulated defects.
• Practical Exercise: Reporting Mock Defects:
  • Students will be given a sample application with known defects.
  • They will identify and report the defects using a defect tracking tool.
  • They will practice assigning severity and priority levels to the defects.

Module 7: Introduction to Test Planning (Beginner)

• Basic Test Plan Components:
  • Test objectives: What the testing aims to achieve.
  • Test scope: What will be tested and what will not be tested.
  • Test environment: The hardware and software configuration used for testing.
  • Test schedule: The timeline for testing activities.
  • Test resources: The people and tools involved in testing.
  • Test deliverables: The documents and artifacts produced during testing.
  • Interactive exercise: Identifying the key components of a test plan for a given application.
• Understanding Test Scope:
  • Defining the boundaries of testing: What features, functionalities, and platforms will be tested.
  • Factors influencing test scope: Project requirements, time constraints, budget limitations, risk assessment.
  • Case study: Analyzing the test scope for a real-world software project.
• Introduction to Risk Assessment:
  • Identifying potential risks that could affect the quality of the software.
  • Assessing the likelihood and impact of each risk.
  • Prioritizing risks based on their severity.
  • Group activity: Brainstorming potential risks for a given application.
• Creating a Simple Test Plan:
  • Students will be given a simple application and a set of requirements.
  • They will create a basic test plan, including test objectives, scope, environment, schedule, resources, and deliverables.

Module 8: Practical Testing Workshop (Beginner)

• Hands-on Testing of a Simple Application:
  • Students will be given a simple application to test.
  • They will apply the testing techniques learned in previous modules.
  • They will execute test cases and report any defects found.
• Applying Learned Test Design Techniques:
  • Equivalence partitioning, boundary value analysis, and other basic techniques.
  • Students will practice designing and executing test cases.
• Creating and Executing Test Cases:
  • Students will create test cases based on requirements and apply test design techniques.
  • They will execute the test cases and document the results.
• Basic Defect Reporting Practice:
  • Students will practice reporting defects using a defect tracking tool.
  • They will focus on writing clear and concise defect reports.

 

Phase 2: Intermediate Software Quality Techniques 

Module 9: Advanced Test Design Techniques (Intermediate)

• Decision Table Testing:
  • Understanding decision tables: Representing complex business rules and logic in a tabular format.
  • Identifying conditions and actions: Analyzing requirements to extract decision rules.
  • Creating test cases from decision tables: Ensuring complete coverage of all possible combinations.
  • Practical exercise: Designing test cases for a complex decision-making scenario using a decision table.
• State Transition Testing:
  • Understanding state machines: Modeling system behavior based on states and transitions.
  • Identifying states and transitions: Analyzing requirements to define the system’s state diagram.
  • Creating test cases from state diagrams: Covering all possible state transitions and invalid transitions.
  • Practical exercise: Designing test cases for a state-based system (e.g., a vending machine, a traffic light system).
• Use Case Testing:
  • Understanding use cases: Describing user interactions with the system to achieve specific goals.
  • Identifying actors and use cases: Analyzing requirements to define the system’s use case diagram.
  • Creating test cases from use cases: Covering all possible scenarios and variations within each use case.
  • Practical exercise: Designing test cases for a use case scenario (e.g., user registration, online shopping).
• Exploratory Testing:
  • Understanding exploratory testing: A simultaneous learning, test design, and test execution approach.
  • Exploratory testing techniques: Session-based testing, error guessing, and checklist-based testing.
  • Benefits and limitations of exploratory testing.
  • Practical exercise: Conducting an exploratory testing session on a given application.
• Test Data Preparation and Management:
  • Importance of realistic test data: Reflecting real-world scenarios and user behavior.
  • Test data sources: Production data, synthetic data, and test data generators.
  • Test data management techniques: Data masking, data anonymization, and data subsetting.
  • Practical exercise: Creating and managing test data for a complex testing scenario.

Module 10: Functional and Non-Functional Testing (Intermediate)

• In-depth Functional Testing Techniques:
  • Equivalence partitioning and boundary value analysis (advanced): Applying these techniques to complex scenarios.
  • Data-driven testing: Using test data to drive test execution and automate test cases.
  • Keyword-driven testing: Separating test data and test logic for increased maintainability.
  • Practical exercise: Designing and executing data-driven and keyword-driven test cases.
• Introduction to Performance Testing and Security Testing:
  • Performance testing basics: Load testing, stress testing, endurance testing, and spike testing.
  • Performance testing tools: Introduction to JMeter and LoadRunner.
  • Security testing basics: Vulnerability scanning, penetration testing, and security audits.
  • Security testing tools: Introduction to OWASP ZAP and Burp Suite.
  • Practical exercise: Conducting basic performance and security tests on a web application.
• Usability and Accessibility Testing Basics:
  • Usability testing: Evaluating the ease of use and user experience of the software.
  • Accessibility testing: Ensuring that the software is accessible to users with disabilities.
  • Usability and accessibility testing guidelines: WCAG, ISO 9241.
  • Practical exercise: Conducting basic usability and accessibility tests on a web application.

Module 11: Test Automation Fundamentals (Intermediate)

• Introduction to Test Automation Concepts:
  • Benefits of test automation: Increased efficiency, reduced costs, improved accuracy, and faster feedback.
  • Test automation feasibility and ROI: Evaluating the suitability of automation for different scenarios.
  • Test automation frameworks: Understanding the different types of frameworks (linear, modular, data-driven, keyword-driven).
  • Interactive exercise: Analyzing the benefits and limitations of test automation for different testing scenarios.
• Basic Automation Tools (Selenium, etc.):
  • Selenium WebDriver: Introduction to Selenium for web application automation.
  • Appium: Introduction to Appium for mobile application automation.
  • JUnit and TestNG: Introduction to unit testing frameworks for Java.
  • Hands-on activity: Installing and configuring Selenium WebDriver and writing basic automation scripts.
• Creating Simple Automated Test Scripts:
  • Identifying test cases suitable for automation.
  • Writing basic automation scripts using Selenium WebDriver.
  • Executing automated test scripts and analyzing results.
  • Practical exercise: Automating a simple test case for a web application using Selenium WebDriver.

Module 12: Agile Testing and DevOps Integration (Intermediate)

• Testing in Agile and DevOps Environments:
  • Agile testing principles: Continuous testing, collaboration, and rapid feedback.
  • DevOps practices: Continuous integration, continuous delivery, and continuous deployment.
  • The role of QA in DevOps: Ensuring quality throughout the CI/CD pipeline.
  • Case study: Analyzing how a company successfully implemented Agile testing and DevOps practices.
• Continuous Integration and Continuous Testing:
  • Continuous integration: Integrating code changes frequently and automatically running tests.
  • Continuous testing: Running automated tests throughout the SDLC to provide rapid feedback.
  • Tools for CI/CT: Jenkins, Travis CI, CircleCI.
  • Practical exercise: Setting up a basic CI/CT pipeline using Jenkins and integrating automated tests.
• Understanding CI/CD Pipelines:
  • CI/CD pipeline stages: Build, test, deploy, and monitor.
  • The role of QA in each stage: Ensuring quality gates and feedback loops.
  • Benefits of CI/CD: Faster delivery, reduced risk, and improved quality.
  • Interactive exercise: Analyzing a CI/CD pipeline and identifying QA activities in each stage.

Module 13: Test Management Tools (Intermediate)

• Using Test Management Tools (Jira, TestRail):
  • Jira: Introduction to Jira as a test management tool.
  • TestRail: Introduction to TestRail as a dedicated test management tool.
  • Creating and managing test cases, test suites, and test plans.
  • Executing test runs and tracking test results.
  • Hands-on activity: Using Jira and TestRail to manage test cases and execute test runs.
• Test Case Management and Reporting:
  • Organizing test cases: Creating test suites and test cycles.
  • Tracking test execution progress: Monitoring test results and generating reports.
  • Analyzing test metrics: Defect density, test coverage, and test execution time.
  • Practical exercise: Generating test reports and analyzing test metrics using Jira and TestRail.
• Defect Tracking and Reporting Using Advanced Features:
  • Advanced defect tracking: Linking defects to test cases and requirements.
  • Defect workflow customization: Configuring defect statuses and transitions.
  • Defect reporting and analysis: Generating defect reports and analyzing defect trends.
  • Real-world example: Analyzing defect reports from a real software project using Jira.

Module 14: Risk Management in Testing (Intermediate)

• Risk Identification and Assessment:
  • Identifying potential risks: Brainstorming and using risk checklists.
  • Risk assessment techniques: Qualitative and quantitative risk analysis.
  • Risk assessment tools: Risk matrices and probability/impact grids.
  • Practical exercise: Identifying and assessing risks for a given software project.
• Risk-Based Testing Strategies:
  • Prioritizing testing based on risk: Focusing on high-risk areas.
  • Test coverage and risk: Ensuring adequate test coverage for high-risk areas.
  • Risk mitigation through testing: Designing tests to specifically address identified risks.
  • Case study: Analyzing how risk-based testing was used to improve the quality of a software project.
• Creating Risk Mitigation Plans:
  • Developing mitigation strategies: Identifying actions to reduce the likelihood or impact of risks.
  • Contingency planning: Defining alternative approaches in case risks materialize.
  • Monitoring and reviewing risks: Tracking the effectiveness of mitigation strategies.
  • Hands-on activity: Creating a risk mitigation plan for a given software project.

Module 15: Software Quality Reviews and Inspections (Intermediate)

• Formal and Informal Review Techniques:
  • Formal reviews: Walkthroughs, inspections, and technical reviews.
  • Informal reviews: Peer reviews and buddy checks.
  • Benefits and limitations of different review techniques.
  • Practical exercise: Conducting a walkthrough and an inspection of a software document.
• Code Reviews and Technical Reviews:
  • Code reviews: Examining code for defects, adherence to standards, and best practices.
  • Technical reviews: Evaluating design documents, test plans, and other technical artifacts.
  • Review checklists and guidelines: Developing checklists to ensure thoroughness.
  • Hands-on activity: Conducting a code review using a code review tool.
• Inspection Checklists and Guidelines:
  • Developing comprehensive checklists: Covering different aspects of the software (e.g., functionality, performance, security, usability).
  • Tailoring checklists to specific projects and contexts.
  • Using checklists to ensure consistency and thoroughness in reviews.
  • Real-world example: Analyzing inspection checklists used in a real software project.

Module 16: Metrics and Measurement (Intermediate)

• Software Quality Metrics and KPIs:
  • Defining software quality metrics: Measures of different aspects of software quality.
  • Common quality metrics: Defect density, defect removal efficiency, test coverage, code complexity.
  • Key performance indicators (KPIs): Metrics that track progress towards quality goals.
  • Interactive exercise: Identifying relevant quality metrics for different project scenarios.
• Analyzing Test Effectiveness and Efficiency:
  • Measuring test effectiveness: How well the tests are finding defects.
  • Measuring test efficiency: How much effort is required to execute the tests.
  • Analyzing test results: Identifying trends and areas for improvement.
  • Practical exercise: Analyzing test results to evaluate test effectiveness and efficiency.
• Creating Basic Quality Reports:
  • Reporting on quality metrics: Communicating quality status to stakeholders.
  • Report components: Summary, metrics, trends, analysis, and recommendations.
  • Data visualization: Using charts and graphs to present quality data.
  • Hands-on activity: Creating a basic quality report using a reporting tool.

Module 17: Configuration Management (Intermediate)

• Version Control Systems (Git Basics):
  • Introduction to Git: A distributed version control system.
  • Basic Git commands: Clone, commit, push, pull, branch, merge.
  • Using Git for code management and collaboration.
  • Hands-on activity: Practicing basic Git commands using a Git repository.
• Change Management Concepts:
  • Change request process: Initiating, reviewing, approving, and implementing changes.
  • Change control board: A group responsible for reviewing and approving changes.
  • Versioning and baselining: Managing different versions of software artifacts.
  • Real-world example: Analyzing a change request process used in a real software project.
• Basics of Release Management:
  • Release planning: Defining the scope and schedule for a software release.
  • Release build process: Compiling, packaging, and deploying the software.
  • Release deployment: Installing and configuring the software in the production environment.
  • Interactive exercise: Identifying the key activities involved in release management.

Module 18: Intermediate Practical Project

• Testing a More Complex Application:
  • Students will be given a more complex application to test.
  • They will apply the testing techniques learned in previous modules.
  • They will execute test cases and report any defects found.
• Applying Intermediate Testing Techniques:
  • Decision table testing, state transition testing, use case testing, exploratory testing.
  • Students will practice designing and executing test cases using these techniques.
• Creating Comprehensive Test Documentation:
  • Test plans, test cases, test reports, defect reports.
  • Students will practice creating comprehensive test documentation for the project.

Phase 3: Advanced Software Quality Mastery 

Module 19: Advanced Test Automation & Frameworks (Advanced)

• Developing Advanced Automation Frameworks:
  • Modularization and reusability of test scripts.
  • Implementing page object models and data-driven frameworks.
  • Creating custom reporting and logging mechanisms.
  • Hands-on activity: Developing a modular test automation framework for a web application.
• Integrating Automation into CI/CD Pipelines:
  • Setting up continuous integration servers (Jenkins, GitLab CI/CD).
  • Triggering automated tests on code changes.
  • Analyzing test results and generating reports within the CI/CD pipeline.
  • Hands-on activity: Integrating an automated test suite into a CI/CD pipeline.
• Advanced Scripting and Data-Driven Testing:
  • Using scripting languages (Python, Ruby, JavaScript) for advanced test automation.
  • Implementing data-driven testing with external data sources (CSV, databases).
  • Using testing libraries and frameworks beyond Selenium (e.g., Cypress, Playwright).
  • Practical exercise: Implementing data-driven testing for a web application using an external data source.

Module 20: Advanced Performance & Security Testing (Advanced)

• In-depth Performance Testing:
  • Load testing with realistic user loads and traffic patterns.
  • Stress testing: Identifying the breaking point of the system.
  • Endurance testing: Evaluating system performance under sustained load.
  • Spike testing: Simulating sudden traffic spikes.
  • Hands-on activity: Conducting advanced performance tests on a web application using JMeter.
• Performance Tuning and Optimization:
  • Analyzing performance test results: Identifying performance bottlenecks.
  • Working with developers to optimize application performance.
  • Implementing performance tuning techniques (e.g., caching, database optimization).
  • Case study: Analyzing a real-world performance issue and implementing performance tuning solutions.
• Advanced Security Testing:
  • Web application security testing: OWASP Top 10 vulnerabilities and how to test for them.
  • Penetration testing: Conducting simulated attacks to identify vulnerabilities.
  • Security code reviews: Identifying security vulnerabilities in code.
  • Hands-on activity: Conducting a penetration test on a web application using Burp Suite.
• Security Testing in the Cloud and Mobile Environments:
  • Security considerations for cloud-based applications.
  • Mobile application security testing: OWASP Mobile Top 10.
  • Practical exercise: Conducting security testing on a mobile application.

Module 21: Advanced API & Web Services Testing (Advanced)

• Testing Complex APIs and Microservices:
  • RESTful APIs, SOAP APIs, and other web service protocols.
  • API testing tools: Postman, SoapUI, and other specialized tools.
  • API contract testing and integration testing.
  • Hands-on activity: Testing a complex RESTful API using Postman.
• Using Advanced API Testing Tools:
  • API testing frameworks: RestAssured, Karate.
  • Test automation for APIs: Integrating API tests into CI/CD pipelines.
  • Generating test data for API testing.
  • Practical exercise: Automating API tests using a framework like RestAssured.
• Web Services Testing and Integration:
  • Testing the interaction between different web services.
  • Service virtualization: Simulating the behavior of dependent services.
  • Hands-on activity: Testing the integration between two or more web services.

Module 22: Quality Management Systems (QMS) & Standards (Advanced)

• ISO 9001:2015 and Other Quality Standards:
  • In-depth analysis of ISO 9001 requirements and implementation.
  • Other relevant standards: ISO 27001 (information security), ISO 14001 (environmental management).
  • Understanding the benefits of ISO certification.
  • Case study: Analyzing the implementation of ISO 9001 in a successful organization.
• Implementing and Auditing QMS:
  • Developing and documenting QMS procedures.
  • Conducting internal and external audits.
  • Corrective and preventive actions: Identifying and implementing corrective and preventive actions.
  • Practical exercise: Conducting a simulated internal audit of a QMS.
• Process Improvement Methodologies:
  • Lean Six Sigma: Applying Lean and Six Sigma principles to improve software quality.
  • Root cause analysis techniques: 5 Whys, Ishikawa diagrams, Pareto analysis.
  • Continuous improvement initiatives: Implementing and tracking process improvements.
  • Practical exercise: Developing a process improvement plan for a specific software development process.

Phase 4: Certification Preparation and Real-World Projects

Module 23: CSTE/CSQA/CMSQ/CAST/ISTQB/ISCB Exam Preparation (Continued)

• In-depth review of key concepts and exam topics:
  • Detailed review of each certification’s syllabus and objectives.
  • Focus on areas where students may need further clarification.
  • Interactive quizzes and discussions to reinforce learning.
• Advanced exam strategies and techniques:
  • Time management strategies for the exam.
  • Effective reading and comprehension techniques.
  • Identifying and addressing common exam pitfalls.
• Practice exams and mock tests:
  • Simulated exam environments with timed conditions.
  • Detailed answer explanations and performance analysis.
  • Personalized feedback and coaching to address areas of weakness.
• Personalized study plans and coaching:
  • Developing individualized study plans based on student needs and learning styles.
  • One-on-one coaching sessions to address specific questions and challenges.
  • Providing ongoing support and motivation throughout the study process.
• Practical Exercise: Participate in multiple mock exams and receive personalized feedback.

Module 24: Project 1: Real-World Web Application Testing Project (Advanced)

• Testing a complex web application with advanced features and functionalities:
  • E-commerce applications, social media platforms, content management systems.
  • In-depth functional, non-functional, and security testing.
  • Cross-browser and cross-device testing.
• Developing comprehensive test plans, test cases, and test reports:
  • Utilizing advanced test design techniques and risk-based testing.
  • Creating detailed test plans, test cases, and test suites.
  • Generating comprehensive test reports with detailed analysis.
• Conducting advanced functional and non-functional testing:
  • Performance testing, load testing, stress testing, and security testing.
  • Usability testing and accessibility testing.
  • Analyzing test results and identifying areas for improvement.
• Project: Conduct a comprehensive test of a real-world e-commerce web application, including all aspects of functional and non-functional testing.

Module 25: Project 2: Real-World Mobile Application Testing Project (Advanced)

• Testing a mobile application on multiple platforms and devices:
  • iOS, Android, and other mobile platforms.
  • Different device sizes, screen resolutions, and operating systems.
  • Using emulators, simulators, and real devices.
• Conducting advanced usability, performance, and security testing:
  • Usability testing with real users.
  • Performance testing under different network conditions.
  • Identifying and reporting security vulnerabilities in mobile applications.
• Project: Conduct a comprehensive test of a real-world mobile banking application, covering all aspects of mobile testing.

Module 26: Project 3: Real-World API Testing Project (Advanced)

• Testing complex RESTful APIs and microservices:
  • Understanding API documentation and specifications.
  • Using advanced API testing tools (e.g., Postman, SoapUI, RestAssured).
  • Testing API performance, security, and reliability.
• Using advanced API testing tools:
  • Test automation for APIs: Creating and executing automated API tests.
  • API contract testing: Verifying that APIs adhere to their contracts.
  • API security testing: Identifying and mitigating security vulnerabilities.
• Project: Conduct a comprehensive test of a real-world API for a social media platform, including functional, performance, and security testing.

Module 27: Project 4: Real-World Automation Testing Project (Advanced)

• Developing and executing advanced automated test suites:
  • Implementing page object models, data-driven testing, and keyword-driven testing.
  • Using advanced scripting and programming techniques.
  • Integrating with CI/CD pipelines for continuous testing.
• Using multiple automation tools:
  • Selenium, Appium, JUnit, TestNG, and other relevant tools.
  • Evaluating and selecting the appropriate tools for different testing scenarios.
• Implementing CI/CD pipelines with automated testing:
  • Setting up and configuring CI/CD pipelines (Jenkins, GitLab CI/CD).
  • Integrating automated tests into the pipeline.
  • Analyzing test results and generating reports within the pipeline.
• Project: Develop and implement a complete automated test suite for a complex application and integrate it into a CI/CD pipeline.

Module 28: Quality Audits and Compliance Project (Advanced)

• Conducting advanced quality audits:
  • Performing internal and external audits based on ISO 9001 and other standards.
  • Analyzing audit findings and generating audit reports.
  • Developing and implementing corrective and preventive actions.
• Developing compliance documentation and reports:
  • Creating and maintaining quality manuals, procedures, and work instructions.
  • Documenting audit findings and corrective actions.
  • Generating compliance reports for regulatory bodies and stakeholders.
• Project: Conduct a simulated ISO 27001 audit for a software development organization, including documentation review, interviews, and reporting.

Module 29: Case Studies and Industry Best Practices (Advanced)

• Analyzing real-world software quality issues and their root causes:
  • Examining case studies of software failures and quality incidents.
  • Identifying the contributing factors and root causes of these issues.
  • Discussing lessons learned and best practices to prevent similar incidents.
• Discussing advanced industry best practices and emerging trends:
  • Exploring the latest trends in software quality assurance (e.g., AI-driven testing, blockchain testing).
  • Sharing best practices from leading organizations.
  • Discussing the future of software quality assurance.
• Project: Develop a case study analysis of a major software failure, including root cause analysis, lessons learned, and recommendations for improvement.

Module 30: Final Project, Presentations, and Career Advancement (Advanced)

• Final Project:
  • Students will work on a comprehensive final project that applies all the knowledge and skills learned throughout the program.
  • The project will involve testing a complex real-world application, developing a test automation framework, or implementing a QMS.
• Presentations:
  • Students will present their final projects to the class and instructors.
  • They will demonstrate their testing skills, analysis, and reporting capabilities.
• Advanced Career Guidance and Job Search Strategies:
  • Resume and cover letter writing for QA positions.
  • Interview preparation and practice.
  • Networking and building connections in the QA industry.
  • Exploring different career paths in software quality assurance.
• Networking and Professional Development:
  • Connecting with industry professionals through guest lectures and networking events.
  • Building a professional online presence (LinkedIn, GitHub).
  • Joining professional organizations and attending conferences.
• Discussion of Emerging Trends:
  • Exploring the latest trends in software quality assurance (e.g., AI-driven testing, blockchain testing).
  • Discussing the impact of these trends on the future of QA.