Istqb Faqs

***ISTQB FAQS***

Frequently asked questions about ISTQB...

1. How is ISEB going to work with National Boards?
ISEB is already working closely with a number of National Boards and will continue to
do so. We are engaging with all National Boards at certain levels and there will be
different ways of operations that will become apparent as the new syllabus is more
widely used. We are in discussion with ISTQB on this matter.
ISEB maintains its independence as an Exams Institute but supports what ISTQB is
doing and will utilise the infrastructure and market presence that ISEB has to help
with the adoption of the ISTQB syllabus on a global basis.

2. Can ISEB exams be taken in any country?
Yes they can. ISEB have already run examinations in a variety of countries. Via the
alignment with the ISTQB syllabus we can now offer examinations that will be
internationally recognised.
ISEB is embarking on a translation process for its examinations and if you have any
specific language requirements please let us know.

3. How are ISTQB ensuring that the exams are the same quality and difficulty?
In terms of exam quality ISEB has a proven track record on the quality of their
examinations across their entire portfolio and this is replicated in all countries.
ISTQB are in the process of agreeing all the processes around this. ISEB are unable
to verify the quality and difficulty of other ISTQB exams taken outside of ISEB.

4. How long will training providers have to convert to the new ISTQB exam?
We are looking for Training Providers to have their new materials in place and being
used by the end of June 2006. After this time we will no longer support the existing
examination. Training Providers who licence the course materials from an existing
accredited Training Provider are not required to submit the course materials for
review as this will be the responsibility of the licencor. They are only required to
submit the form ‘Staffing List’ to show which course tutors they have on their records.

5. How will the re-accreditation of licensees work?
This will be handled in the exact same way it is done now and the onus will be on the
licensee to ensure that adequate information is supplied to them by the licensing
organization.

6. How can anyone get in touch with ISEB about any ISTQB issues relating to
ISEB?
There is a dedicated ISEB email and telephone number for all enquiries.
Email: isebcustomerservice@hq.bcs.org.uk
Telephone: +44 (0) 845 3004417

7. How will ISEB reassure existing certificate holders?
This has already been done via the dual badging that has been carried out. Due to
ISEB’s involvement with ISTQB and the use of the ISEB syllabus in creating the
ISTQB syllabus any candidate already holding the ISEB foundation certificate will be
ISTQB certified.

8. When will the ISTQB exam be available in Prometric centres?
The ISTQB aligned ISEB exam is now available via Prometric test centres
world-wide.
We will be running the existing exam and the new ISTQB aligned exam concurrently
until the end of April 2006, to allow Training Providers and candidates already
carrying out study against the existing exam, time to complete their training and take
the relevant exam.

9. How will ISEB run the current exam and the new exam concurrently?
Prometric will be used for this purpose and both exams will run concurrently until the
end of June 2006 on Prometric. This date will be evaluated and more time given if
needed.
The first ISTQB aligned paper based examination has been available from January
2006 and is a direct replacement for the existing ISEB examination. The existing
paper based ISEB exam will be available as an option until the end of April 2006.

10. When will accreditation submissions be able to be submitted?
Submissions are being welcomed now. We have a clear process in place that will
provide a quick turn-around for training providers. Please see below for details.

11. How long will the accreditation process take?
We ask that materials are submitted at least 3 weeks prior to the accreditation
meeting dates detailed in the schedule to allow adequate time for review. In most
cases notification will be given the week after the accreditation review meeting.

12. What are the cost implications to training providers for re-accreditation of
materials?
Training Providers do not have to pay to have their revised course materials reviewed
for reaccreditation to the ISTQB syllabus.

13.Will current accreditation timings and dates change?
All Training Providers’ accreditation dates and periods will stay the same. i.e. training
providers will maintain their current accreditation status and period run.

14. What are the procedures for making changes to the syllabus?
Any views on the syllabus or comments should be directed to ISEB via the dedicated
email address, isebcustomerservice@hq.bcs.org.uk. ISEB will use the ISTQB UK
appointed representative to feed these back to ISTQB.
Updates to the syllabus have not been clarified in terms of times and regularity, but
ISEB will ensure that plenty of notice is given to Training Providers about any
possible changes and will be ensuring that the syllabus is kept up-to-date as part of
our involvement with ISTQB.