Welcome to course Professional Diploma in Software Testing & Quality Assurance by MTF Institute

Course provided by MTF Institute of Management, Technology and Finance

MTF is the global educational and research institute with HQ at Lisbon, Portugal, focused on business & professional hybrid (on-campus and online) education at areas: Business & Administration, Science & Technology, Banking & Finance.

MTF R&D center focused on research activities at areas: Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Data Science, Big Data, WEB3, Blockchain, Cryptocurrency & Digital Assets, Metaverses, Digital Transformation, Fintech, Electronic Commerce, Internet of Things.

MTF is the official partner of: IBM, Intel, Microsoft, member of the Portuguese Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

MTF is present in 208 countries and has been chosen by more than 380,000 students.

Course Author:

Hi! My name is Liza.

I have for 5+ years of experience on QA, It-companies using closed and open source product.

Promoted from Junior tester to Chief of QA.

I tested many systems: Web-app, API (MQ and Kafka), Backend. Now I work with Big Data.

For the past five years, I've immersed myself in the nuanced field of software testing. My journey has spanned an array of testing disciplines, from the precision of functional and non-functional testing to the dynamic worlds of web and mobile applications, as well as the complexities of system integration and Big Data testing.

As I navigated through these varied territories, I came to understand that the cornerstone of effective testing lies in a solid grasp of its fundamental theories. Mastery of these principles empowers a tester to execute their tasks with both efficiency and finesse.

In recent times, the market has been flooded with an array of quick-fix testing courses. Far from feeling threatened by the influx of novices these courses produce, I find myself scrolling past their ads, unimpressed and slightly disenchanted.

This led me to a realization: I yearn to offer something different. I aim to craft a course that stands out for being accurate, transparent, and genuinely beneficial. It's not about merely "passing the exam" but "preparing for the exam" in a way that respects the ever-evolving nature of technology, while still anchored in the timeless principles of testing theory. This is the essence of ISTQB, the international testing certification that offers a comprehensive exploration into the testing domain, laying a robust foundation for a professional career.

The course I've developed aligns perfectly with the official ISTQB glossary, presenting a fresh and effective approach to mastering testing fundamentals. We'll delve deeply into every critical aspect of testing, from the basic concepts and principles to the more intricate techniques and methods. More than just theoretical knowledge, this course is designed to equip you with practical skills that can be immediately applied to your professional life, enriching your work and enhancing your contributions to the field of software testing.

Software Testing & Quality Assurance (QA)

These two concepts are deeply intertwined, working together to ensure software products meet the highest standards.

Software Testing: The process of meticulously evaluating a software product to uncover defects or errors. It's like a rigorous inspection where testers put the software through its paces to see if it behaves as expected, finding any potential issues before they cause problems for users.

Quality Assurance (QA): A broader, proactive approach aimed at preventing defects from occurring in the first place. QA focuses on establishing processes and standards across the entire software development lifecycle to ensure that the end product meets a predefined level of quality.

Main Focus Areas

Software Testing:

Functionality: Does the software do what it's supposed to?

Performance: How fast and efficiently does it work?

Usability: Is it easy to learn and use?

Compatibility: Does it work across different devices, browsers, and operating systems?

Security: Is it protected from vulnerabilities and cyberattacks?

Quality Assurance:

Quality planning: Defining the quality standards for a project.

Process Definition: Outlining the steps for development, testing, and release to ensure quality is baked-in from the start.

Audits: Regularly reviewing processes and outcomes to ensure quality standards are being met.

Why Are Software Testing & QA Important?

Cost Reduction: Finding problems early is far cheaper than fixing them after release.

Customer Satisfaction: High-quality software leads to happy, loyal users.

Reputation: A reputation for reliable, well-tested products improves brand image and competitiveness.

Risk Mitigation: Thorough testing and QA minimizes the risk of costly failures or security breaches.

Importance for Companies and IT Experts

Companies: Investing in testing and QA demonstrates a commitment to quality, resulting in increased customer trust, better products, and competitive advantage.

IT Experts: Strong testing and QA skills make IT professionals more valuable and in-demand.

Career Development in Software Testing & QA

A career in this field offers numerous benefits and opportunities:

Growth Potential: The demand for quality software means these roles are plentiful and in high need.

Diverse Paths: Specialize in areas like automation testing, performance testing, security testing, etc.

Transferable Skills: Problem-solving, detail-orientation, and communication skills translate well to other IT domains.

Good Compensation: Skilled QA and testing professionals are well-compensated.

How to Get Started

Learn the Fundamentals: Study testing methodologies, types of testing and QA concepts.

Gain Practical Skills: Get hands-on with testing tools (e.g., Selenium). Practice on real-world projects or contribute to open-source initiatives.