ISTQB Certification: Full Guide to Passing on First Try

Chapter: Test techniques
Learning objective: Apply boundary value analysis
Key idea: Defects often occur at the edges of input ranges
My example: Age field valid 18-60 -> test 17, 18, 60, 61
Glossary terms: boundary value, equivalence partition
Confidence (1-5): 3
Revisit on: ___

chapters = {
    "Fundamentals of testing": 4,
    "Testing throughout the SDLC": 3,
    "Static testing": 2,
    "Test analysis and design": 2,
    "Managing test activities": 3,
    "Test tools": 4,
}   # self-rated confidence 1-5

weak = [c for c, score in chapters.items() if score <= 2]
print("Focus this week on:")
for c in weak:
    print(" -", c)

def boundary_values(low: int, high: int, three_value: bool = False) -> list:
    """Boundary values for a valid range [low, high]."""
    if three_value:
        return sorted({low - 1, low, low + 1, high - 1, high, high + 1})
    return [low - 1, low, high, high + 1]

def partitions(low: int, high: int) -> dict:
    return {"invalid_below": low - 1, "valid": (low + high) // 2, "invalid_above": high + 1}

print("2-value BVA:", boundary_values(18, 60))
print("3-value BVA:", boundary_values(18, 60, three_value=True))
print("EP representatives:", partitions(18, 60))

from itertools import product

# Conditions: is_member, order_over_1000
# Rule under test: 10% if member AND over 1000; 5% if only one is true; else 0%
def discount(member: bool, over_1000: bool) -> int:
    if member and over_1000:
        return 10
    if member or over_1000:
        return 5
    return 0

print("member  over_1000  discount")
for m, o in product([True, False], repeat=2):
    print(f"{str(m):7} {str(o):10} {discount(m, o)}%")
# 2 conditions -> 4 combinations (columns in the decision table)

import csv
from collections import Counter

mistakes = [
    {"q": 7, "chapter": "Test techniques", "reason": "wrong BVA type"},
    {"q": 15, "chapter": "Managing test activities", "reason": "misread NOT"},
    {"q": 22, "chapter": "Test techniques", "reason": "missed invalid partition"},
    {"q": 31, "chapter": "Static testing", "reason": "review roles confused"},
]
with open("mistakes.csv", "w", newline="") as f:
    w = csv.DictWriter(f, fieldnames=mistakes[0].keys())
    w.writeheader(); w.writerows(mistakes)
print(Counter(m["chapter"] for m in mistakes).most_common())

Before the exam
- Confirm time, ID requirements and online/centre rules
- Sleep well; no new topics the night before

During the exam
- First pass: answer what you know, flag the rest
- Read every option before choosing
- Watch for NOT, MOST, BEST, FIRST in the question
- Second pass: return to flagged questions
- Never leave a question unanswered if there is no penalty

Week 1  Fundamentals of testing + glossary terms
Week 2  Testing throughout the SDLC + static testing
Week 3  Test techniques: EP, BVA, decision tables, state transition
Week 4  Remaining techniques + managing test activities + tools
Week 5  Timed sample exam 1, review every mistake
Week 6  Timed sample exam 2, revise weak chapters, rest before exam

45 min  Read one syllabus section and write notes
20 min  Glossary flashcards
25 min  Practice questions on today's topic
10 min  Update mistake log

Weekends: one timed mock or technique drill

[ ] Read the current official syllabus fully
[ ] Can explain the testing principles in my own words
[ ] Can solve EP and BVA questions quickly
[ ] Can build a decision table and state transition table
[ ] Completed official sample exams under time limits
[ ] Reviewed every wrong answer
[ ] Confirmed exam rules with my exam provider