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The Testing Focus Track

The Testing Focus Track has two learning paths: Applied Testing (this course) and ISTQB certification.

The Applied Testing (AT) Learning Path

Purpose

As the name “Applied Testing” suggests, those who complete the course gain hands-on experience testing software applications. Participants can feature the work products produced in their portfolios and / or on the AT alumni page.

Moreover, the assignments and in-class exercises provide abundant opportunities for participants to strengthen core knowledge work skills such as:

• Learning
• Communication
• Critical thinking
• Analytical thinking
• Collaboration

The mid- and long-term outcomes envisioned are that participants will be better equipped:

• to get the most out of their internships
• to take charge of their learning journeys no matter where their career choices take them

Is Applied Testing the Right Course For Me?

The Applied Testing learning path is open to Powercoders participants and alumni alike, and equally suitable for those new to testing and those with previous work experience in software development projects.

Time Commitment

Applied Testing is a full-time learning path. Most participants will spend upwards of 32 hours a week in class, studying and working on assignments.

The course has a fixed timeline; it is not self-paced. Classes are held from 9 - 17h, twice a week. Assignments are due at 19h twice weekly. A significant proportion of the work on exercises and assignments is done in collaboration with other participants.

Prerequisites

Beyond the ability to study full-time throughout Focus Weeks and a CEF level B2 command of English, there are no prerequisites for the Applied Testing learning path.

Outcomes

While all participants cover the same topics during Focus Weeks, the learning outcomes will differ from one individual to another, depending on their starting point (previous experience and training in IT), and the time and effort they invest in the course.

• Novices gain insight into what a test specialist’s work entails through the hands-on practice integral to the course. By the end of Focus Weeks, they should be empowered to take control of their learning journey and make the most of their internships.
• Participants with previous experience or relevant training may wish to take on more challenging tasks at work or to increase their effectiveness. By actively engaging in the course, they can deepen their knowledge, and strengthen their testing skills as well as those skills fundamental to knowledge work in general.

More About the Applied Testing Course

Course Materials

The latest version of the Applied Testing course syllabus covering six interconnected themes can be accessed via the online syllabus.

The resources list is available here.

On-Boarding

On registering for the Applied Testing course, participants will be added to the class Slack channel and receive onboarding information, including:

• Calendar invitations to the scheduled instructor-led classes and other events.
• Access to and instructions for use of the whiteboard, the LMS and other online tools used in the course.
• Installation instructions for other applications used in the course.

Support Channels

Participants can post questions in the class Slack channel, tagging the teaching team. For in-person support, members of the teaching team are available during scheduled office hours.

ISTQB Certification

This course option is available to participants and alumni with relevant experience, offered by the Swiss Testing Board (STB). The central aim of this learning path is to prepare for the ISTQB certification exam.

The syllabus for the ISTQB Certified Tester Foundation Level and sample exams are available for download from the ISTQB website.

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Next: Testing Essentials.