Review By: Dale L. Perry
03/12/2010

The stated purpose of the book is to help those who are preparing for the ISTQB foundation level examination by providing more in-depth information on the required topics. The book accomplishes this very well.

The book is structured according to the content and focus of the syllabus and follows the same outline. The chapters were well organized and easy to read. At times, it was somewhat obvious that the various authors have different styles and mannerisms but this does not detract from the content of the book. The introductions at the chapter beginnings linking to the levels of knowledge and the subsequent reviews/summaries at the chapter ends were also well done.

The linkage to the ISTQB glossary and syllabus and key terms were useful. This will be especially helpful to those new to testing or veteran testers new to “standards” based terminology

The book contained numerous practice exercises, review questions and even a practice exam. Admittedly, the questions in the practice exam are from the authors and not the ISTQB but I found the format and content easy to follow and similar to those from the ISTQB.

Overall, this is a useful book for those who wish to prepare for the ISTQB Foundation level exam. The content presented is appropriate for the foundation level. In addition to preparation for the exam, this book would also be useful as an introduction to testing for beginning testers. It may be a little light for those with extensive IT backgrounds moving to test, but the book would still be useful in gaining an understanding of standards based terminology.

As an instructor for ISTQB exam preparation courses I found the exercises, reviews and practice questions well done. They will be especially helpful to those unfamiliar with standard test techniques and for preparing to answer questions based on the ISTQB syllabus and glossary.

Since the books was published the ISTQB has published and updated syllabus and glossary, but the changes were minor enough that it should not affect the usefulness of the book as a study guide. Obtaining the current syllabus and glossary would be important and useful to supplement the book.