Review By: Robert Jahrling
08/15/2011Software Testing Foundations is a study guide for the ISTQB's Certified Tester Foundation Level Exam. For this third edition, the authors have corrected errors, updated some definitions, and made changes to the text to reflect the 2010 ISTQB syllabus. It provides thorough coverage of essential topics in the certification exam and should serve as a good guide for anyone taking the test in the next few years, provided that the syllabus doesn't drift too much.

While the information presented in the book will probably be nothing new for experienced testers, this book, like most study guides, is intended to present the reader with the ISTQB-standard vocabulary and concepts that will be present in the exam. It can be used as a general testing reference, but that's not really its purpose. It’s a specialized tool to help the reader prepare for the exam, rather than an introduction to the practice of testing software in the real world.

The book is clearly and logically laid out, progressing from basic terminology through to overall test management and organization in a concise manner. The only real complaint that I have about this book is that it's a translation (from the German fourth edition), and it’s very noticeable, especially in the early sections. It's not a bad translation, but, as with any translation, sometimes the flow of the text is impeded and the reader can get a little bit lost.

If you are planning to take the ISTQB Certified Tester exam, or if you know someone who is planning to take the exam, this book is a good resource. Despite the sometimes-stilted syntax, it does provide a comprehensive overview of the topics covered in the exam, and as such it should help you get that passing grade.