Certified Tester Advanced Level Test Automation Engineering (CTAL-TAE)

Overview

• Certification: Test Automation Engineering (CTAL-TAE)
• Version: 2.0, Released May 3, 2024
• Organization: International Software Testing Qualifications Board (ISTQB)
• Authors: Andrew Pollner (Chair), Pter Fldhzi, Gergely gnecz, Lszl Szikszai, among others.

Copyright and Usage

• ISTQB is a registered trademark.
• This syllabus can be used by training providers, and individuals for non-commercial use if source is acknowledged.
• Translations allowed by ISTQB-recognized Member Boards.

Revision History

• 2016: Original release
• 2024: Version 2.0 released

Purpose

1. Basis for International Software Testing Qualification.
2. Supports members in translating and accrediting programs.
3. Assists certification bodies, training providers, and candidates.
4. Advances the profession of software and systems testing globally.

Test Automation Engineering in Software Testing

• Targets roles like testers, test analysts, test automation engineers, test consultants, and managers.
• Provides methods and practices for sustainable solutions.

Career Path

• Offers a structured career path with potential certifications in Test Automation Strategy, Core Advanced Levels, and Agile testing certifications.

Business Outcomes for Certified Testers

• Understanding test automation throughout the software development lifecycle.
• Designing and developing test automation solutions.
• Verifying test automation infrastructure.
• Continuous improvement in test automation.

Examination Details

• Covers all syllabus content except introductions and appendices.
• Exam levels: K2, K3, K4.
• Recommended prior knowledge: ISTQB Foundation Level, software testing/development experience.

Accreditation

• Training providers can be accredited by ISTQB Member Boards.
• Courses must conform to syllabus to include an ISTQB exam.

Chapter Summary

1. Introduction and Objectives for Test Automation

• Keywords: System under test, test automation engineer.
• Purpose: Benefits and limitations of test automation.
• Lifecycle Models: Waterfall, V-model, Agile.

2. Preparing for Test Automation

• Keywords: API testing, GUI testing, testability.
• Infrastructure Configuration: Design for testability, observability, controllability.
• Tool Selection: Analyze system requirements for appropriate solutions.

3. Test Automation Architecture

• Keywords: Behavior-driven development, data-driven testing.
• Design Concepts: gTAA, test execution, and adaptation layers.

4. Implementing Test Automation

• Keywords: Risk, test fixture.
• Guidelines: Effective pilot and deployment activities.
• Risks: Deployment risks and mitigation strategies.

5. Implementation and Deployment Strategies

• Keywords: Contract testing.
• CI/CD Integration: Test automation at different levels.
• Dependencies: Configuration management for testware.

6. Test Automation Reporting and Metrics

• Keywords: Measurement, metric, test log.
• Data Collection: From test automation solutions and systems under test.

7. Verifying the Test Automation Solution

• Keywords: Static analysis.
• Verification: Correct behavior of test scripts and suites.

8. Continuous Improvement

• Keywords: Schema validation, test histogram.
• Opportunities: Improving test cases through data analysis and restructuring testware.

References

• Standards: IEEE, ISO/IEC.
• ISTQB Documents: Various syllabi and glossaries.
• Books & Articles: Notable works by Paul Baker, Efriede Dustin, Robert C Martin, etc.