Kurowski Consulting - clarity over complexity

ISTQB® Certified Tester Advanced Level Test Analyst (CTAL-TA) v4.0

ISTQB® CTAL Test Analyst (CTAL-TA)

Master advanced test analysis and design techniques to improve software quality, reduce risk and deliver more effective testing outcomes.

Course Overview

The ISTQB® Certified Tester Advanced Level Test Analyst (CTAL-TA) certification provides experienced testing professionals with the knowledge and practical skills required to perform structured, risk-based software testing across the entire software development lifecycle. The course focuses on advanced test analysis, test design and defect prevention techniques, helping delegates improve the effectiveness and efficiency of testing activities.

Delegates will learn how to design and execute advanced test cases, apply a wide range of industry-recognised test techniques, contribute to risk-based testing, evaluate functional and non-functional quality characteristics, and support software defect prevention activities. The course develops the analytical skills required to perform the Test Analyst role effectively within modern software development environments.

Who Should Attend?

  • Software Test Analysts
  • Senior Software Testers
  • QA Engineers
  • Test Consultants
  • Business Analysts
  • User Acceptance Testers
  • Functional Testers
  • Test Leads
  • Quality Assurance Professionals
  • Developers involved in testing activities
  • Anyone holding the ISTQB® Foundation Level certification and wishing to advance their testing expertise

What You Will Learn

Upon completion of this course, delegates will be able to:

  • Understand the role of the Test Analyst throughout the software development lifecycle
  • Apply risk-based testing principles to maximise testing effectiveness
  • Design and implement high-quality test cases and test scripts
  • Select and apply appropriate advanced test design techniques
  • Use data-based, behaviour-based, rule-based and experience-based testing techniques
  • Design advanced test cases using industry-recognised methods
  • Define test environment and test data requirements
  • Address test oracle challenges and validation approaches
  • Perform functional and user-focused non-functional testing
  • Contribute to usability, adaptability, installability and interoperability testing
  • Apply software defect prevention techniques
  • Improve defect detection through root cause analysis and review techniques
  • Use testing tools effectively to support the test process

Course Modules

Module 1: The Tasks of the Test Analyst in the Test Process

Understand the responsibilities of the Test Analyst and their role throughout the testing lifecycle.

Topics include:

  • Testing across different software development lifecycles
  • Sequential, incremental and iterative development models
  • Test analysis activities
  • Test design activities
  • Test implementation activities
  • Test execution activities
  • High-level and low-level test cases
  • Test case quality criteria
  • Test environment requirements
  • Test oracle challenges and solutions
  • Test data requirements
  • Keyword-driven testing
  • Testware management
  • Test management and defect management tools

Module 2: The Tasks of the Test Analyst in Risk-Based Testing

Learn how Test Analysts contribute to product risk analysis and regression testing decisions.

Topics include:

  • Risk-based testing principles
  • Product risk analysis
  • Risk identification and assessment
  • Product risk mitigation
  • Risk monitoring activities
  • Regression testing strategies
  • Impact analysis
  • Risk-based test selection
  • History-based testing
  • Coverage-based testing
  • Operational profile testing
  • Optimising regression test suites

Module 3: Test Analysis and Test Design

Develop advanced test design skills using a comprehensive range of test techniques.

Topics include:

Data-Based Test Techniques

  • Domain testing
  • Equivalence partitions
  • Boundary analysis concepts
  • Combinatorial testing
  • Pairwise testing
  • Random testing

Behaviour-Based Test Techniques

  • CRUD testing
  • State transition testing
  • N-switch coverage
  • Round-trip coverage
  • Scenario-based testing
  • Use cases and activity diagrams

Rule-Based Test Techniques

  • Decision table testing
  • Decision table optimisation
  • Metamorphic testing
  • Test oracle alternatives

Experience-Based Testing

  • Session-based testing
  • Test charters
  • Checklist-based testing
  • Crowd testing
  • Exploratory testing approaches

Applying Appropriate Test Techniques

  • Selecting techniques based on product risks
  • Risk-driven test design
  • Benefits and risks of automated test design

Module 4: Testing Quality Characteristics

Understand how Test Analysts contribute to testing both functional and user-focused non-functional requirements.

Topics include:

  • Functional testing
  • Functional completeness
  • Functional correctness
  • Functional appropriateness
  • Usability testing
  • User experience evaluation
  • Accessibility considerations
  • Adaptability testing
  • Installability testing
  • Compatibility testing
  • Interoperability testing
  • Quality models and software quality characteristics

Module 5: Software Defect Prevention

Learn how Test Analysts contribute to preventing defects and improving overall software quality.

Topics include:

  • Defect prevention practices
  • Root cause analysis
  • Risk-focused quality improvement
  • Supporting phase containment
  • Using models to detect defects
  • Model-based testing foundations
  • Test basis reviews
  • Checklist-based reviewing
  • Role-based reviewing
  • Perspective-based reviewing
  • Scenario-based reviewing
  • Defect classification
  • Defect trend analysis
  • Improving defect detection effectiveness
  • Analysing test results for process improvement

Examination

The course prepares delegates for the ISTQB® Certified Tester Advanced Level Test Analyst (CTAL-TA) v4.0 examination.

  • Multiple-choice examination
  • Internationally recognised certification
  • Advanced Level ISTQB® qualification
  • Focused on advanced test analysis and test design skills
  • Covers advanced risk-based testing approaches
  • Includes practical application of advanced test techniques
  • Recognised globally by employers and organisations
  • Demonstrates specialist-level software testing expertise

Prerequisite: Delegates must hold the ISTQB® Certified Tester Foundation Level (CTFL) certification before taking the CTAL-TA examination.

Course Duration

3 Days Instructor-Led Training

Will be available as:

  • Classroom
  • Virtual Classroom
  • On-site Corporate Delivery
Register Interest