Released on: July 18, 2008, 6:56 am

Press Release Author: American Software Testing Qualifications Board, Inc. (ASTQB)

Industry: Software

Press Release Summary: The American Software Testing Qualifications Board, Inc.
(ASTQB) has significantly expanded its ISTQB exam testing to more than 300 locations
throughout the United States.

Press Release Body: TAMPA, Fla. - The American Software Testing Qualifications
Board, Inc. (ASTQB) has significantly expanded its exam testing to more than 300
locations throughout the United States. ASTQB President Patricia McQuaid said the
electronic program will make the ISTQB global tester certification program more
accessible for employees and employers.

\"If America is to continue toward excellence in software development, it must commit
itself to competently testing the software it develops in a systematic and
consistent manner,\" explained McQuaid, who leads the non-profit U.S. national board
of the international organization in which over 60,000 software testers worldwide
currently hold ISTQB certifications.

\"In addition to its global nature, ISTQB's certification strength is found in its
credibility. We freely offer the ISTQB certification syllabi (body of knowledge)
and glossary, and let you choose your own form of education,\" continued McQuaid.

McQuaid said offering the new electronic certification exams at select test centers
across the country makes the ASTQB more available to those who seek certification as
an aid to their professional development and career opportunities. \"This new program
also makes it easier for companies to get their employees certified,\" added McQuaid.

\"Through a network of accredited training providers listed on ASTQB's website,
organizations and individuals have the option of taking a training course to prepare
for the examinations. This option has been popular as it allows individuals to learn
about a wide range of testing terminology and best practices,\" said ASTQB Executive
Director Lois Kostroski. \"But if that is not an option, or if the exam opportunity
does not coincide with your schedule after training, now you have the ability to go
to one of more than 300 select test centers around the country to take the
Foundation Level exam at your convenience.\" Advanced Level exams are expected to
come online later in 2008.

The 300+ test centers are located at community colleges, universities, MicroTek
stores, and other similarly convenient locations throughout North America. The
entire list of locations along with a schedule of time blocks available at each
location can be found at www.astqb.org.

In addition to the electronic certification exams at test centers, ASTQB will
continue to offer the exam at the conclusion of public certification training
offered by ASTQB\'s accredited training providers. \"Those certification exams are
available on a limited basis to anyone who has taken the training or has not taken
the training and wishes to take the exam," explained Kostroski. Training
opportunities and exams are also available at software industry trade shows and
other venues throughout the year.

ASTQB can also offer the exam at an employer\'s premises if requested. \"We are
committed to providing as many different and convenient opportunities as possible
for participants to take the certification exam,\" said Kostroski, who added that the
free syllabi and glossary offered by ASTQB at its Web site are considered tremendous
values by themselves by many software testers, regardless of whether they take the
certification exam.

About ASTQB:

ASTQB is a non-profit organization whose members comprise a group of highly
experienced experts in software testing who volunteer their time to the development,
maintenance, and promotion of the ISTQB Certified Tester program in the U.S. They
also represent U.S. interests internationally as the national board for the U.S.
within the ISTQB. Exam and accreditation fees are charged to cover the cost
connected with the administration of exams, applications for accreditation, the
maintenance of a physical office, exhibits at leading software testing conventions,
and the employment of administrative staff.

About ISTQB Software Tester Certification:

The ISTQB Certified Tester program provides certification for software testers
internationally. There are currently two levels of certification: The Foundation
Level and three separate Advanced Level certificates. For both levels, international
working parties develop and maintain internationally uniform curricula and exams.
One of the core principles of the program is a strict separation between the
administration of exams and the training to those who would like to prepare for the
exam in ISTQB compliant courses.



Web Site: http://www.astqb.org

Contact Details: Contact:
Lois Kostroski, Executive Director
American Software Testing Qualifications Board, Inc.
13153 N Dale Mabry Hwy, Suite 105
Tampa, FL 33618 USA
Phone 813.319.089 Fax 813.968.3597
Email info@astqb.org Web www.astqb.org