15 March 2010

BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT, which promotes qualifications for IT professionals, has signed an agreement with the UK Testing Board (UKTB). The agreement will see the two organisations working more closely together to promote and support Software testing accreditation and certification internationally. UKTB will become the preferred supplier for the Institute’s software testing exams at Foundation and Advanced levels, in accordance with the international ISTQB program.

The agreement will also see the Institute working more closely with an increasing number of ISTQB boards around the world.

Internationally, software testing exams are currently available at a number of different entry points from Foundation to Advanced, with the Institute’s Intermediate exam providing a valuable optional route between the two levels. For those professionals looking for certification beyond Advanced level, ISTQB will be providing its Expert level exam. The Institute will continue to offer its UK only Practitioner level in Software Testing until early 2011.

Michiel Van der Voort, Executive Director of International and Professional Development Services for the Institute, explains: "As the Chartered Institute for IT, we’re delighted to have reached this agreement with UKTB. Together we have an enormous amount of experience in this arena and we can deliver a high quality service to the software testing community internationally."

Geoff Thompson, Chairman of the UKTB welcomes the agreement, saying: "This is an exciting step forward for the software testing community which is central to the IT profession. By working together in this way, we can continue to increase the standard for software testing internationally."

Yaron Tsubery the current president of the ISTQB adds: "This agreement helps software testers in the UK and around the world clearly understand the standards they need to meet. It supports ISTQB’ goal to be the worldwide leading program for the development and certification of software testers."

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