If you’re considering a career in software testing or want to enhance your existing skills, the Black Box Software Testing (BBST®) Foundations course might be on your radar. This course, widely recognized in the software testing community, serves as a foundational step for those looking to gain deep insights into the principles of software testing. But before you dive in, you probably have some questions. Let’s explore the BBST® Foundations course and answer the most common queries potential students have.

1. What Topics Are Covered In The Course?

The BBST® Foundations course covers fundamental software testing concepts and critical challenges, focusing primarily on a context-driven approach to testing. The key topics include:

• Testing Basics: Understanding the role of testing in the software development lifecycle.
• Test Strategy: Choosing the most effective tests for your context.
• Test Oracles: Learning to determine and explain whether a test has passed or failed.
• Test Coverage: The myth of complete testing and evaluating how thoroughly you’ve tested a program.
• Test Measurements: Knowing the pitfalls of measurements and how to avoid them.

The course is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of these concepts, ensuring you have a strong grasp of software testing for both exploratory and automation purposes.

2. What Are The Learning Goals Addressed By The Course?

The BBST® Foundations course serves a multitude of purposes. It is designed in such a way that you will get different results from the course depending on your level of knowledge and experience. Here are 5 of the most common learning goals you could expect to address: 

1. Master Fundamental Testing Concepts: Gain a deep understanding of core software testing principles, techniques, and terminologies, enabling you to design and execute effective test cases for various software applications.
2. Develop Critical Testing Skills: Learn how to analyze software behavior critically, identify potential risks, and apply various testing strategies to uncover defects that others might miss.
3. Enhance Problem-Solving Abilities: Improve your ability to think like a tester, developing strong problem-solving skills to tackle complex software testing challenges and ensure higher software quality.
4. Understand the Context-Driven Approach: Explore the context-driven testing approach, which emphasizes tailoring your testing practices to the specific needs of the project and stakeholders, rather than following a one-size-fits-all methodology.
5. Build a Strong Foundation for Advanced Testing: Establish a solid groundwork in software testing that will prepare you for more advanced courses and certifications in the field, such as BBST® Bug Advocacy or Test Design, paving the way for career growth.

3. Who Are the Instructors and What Are Their Qualifications?

The BBST® Foundations course is taught by experienced professionals in the software testing industry. The materials and concepts are presented via video lectures from Cem Kaner, a leading figure in software testing with extensive academic and practical experience. The assignments, questions, and overall guidance during the 4-week course are conducted by instructors with a range of 10 to over 30 years of experience in the field. All course materials are developed by experts who have a deep understanding of testing principles, ensuring that you’re learning from the best in the field.

Read about each BBST® Foundations instructor to understand more about their approach and expertise. 

3. How Much Does the Course Cost?

The cost of the BBST® Foundations course varies depending on where you enroll and the type of track you choose. If you opt for the main track and enroll via our official website, the individual course costs 885 euros (as of writing this course).  If you are located in Germany, you can choose to take the main track course through our partner Oose and experience a hybrid class combining online with offline meetings (see prices here). Alternatively, you can choose the BBST® Foundations community track organized by our partner AST (see prices here).

To understand the difference between the main track and community, see here, and to find out more about the differences that Oose brings, watch this video. 

4. What Is the Time Commitment?

The BBST® Foundations course typically requires a commitment of about 15-20 hours per week over a four-week period. The course is rigorous and includes assignments, quizzes, and participation in online discussions, so be prepared to dedicate time to engage fully with the material. While it’s structured to be completed in four weeks, the course is intense, and you’ll need to manage your time effectively.

All learning can be done asynchronously, whenever you have time. You can work a full-time job while taking the course, but you’ll need to be mindful of your deadlines (twice a week, on Wednesdays and Saturdays at midnight GMT+2).

5. Are There Any Prerequisites?

Yes, there are some prerequisites for enrolling in the BBST® Foundations course. It is recommended that you have:

• Comfort with Online Learning: Since the course is delivered online, you should be comfortable with navigating online platforms and participating in virtual discussions.
• Proficiency in English: The course is conducted in English, so a good command of the language is necessary to understand the lectures and complete the assignments.

There is no typical background that you need to benefit from the course or complete it successfully. We had participants who were relatively unfamiliar with testing, and working professionals with several years of experience in testing. Also, this course is not strictly targeted at testers. Managers and programmers who are interested in testing will find the course helpful by getting new insights into the testing process and the skills that support it.

6. Does the Course Offer a Certificate of Completion?

Yes, upon successfully completing the BBST® Foundations course, you will receive a certificate of completion. This certificate is recognized in the software testing community and can be a valuable addition to your resume. While the course is not accredited by a formal educational institution, it is well-regarded by employers in the software testing industry.

Watch this video to understand more about our stand on certifications and why we choose not to compromise on getting them accredited. 

7. What Kind of Support Is Available?

The BBST® Foundations course offers several forms of support:

• Instructor Support: You’ll have access to instructors who can answer questions and provide personalized feedback on your work.
• Peer Support: The course includes discussion forums where you can (will be required to) interact with fellow students, share experiences, and help each other with challenging concepts.
• Technical Support: If you encounter technical issues, support is available to help resolve them promptly.

8. How Will I Be Assessed?

Assessment in the BBST® Foundations course is multifaceted, including:

• Quizzes: These test your understanding of the material covered in each module.
• Assignments: Practical assignments require you to apply the concepts learned.
• Peer Reviews: Some assignments may involve reviewing and providing feedback on the work of your peers.
• Final Exam: The course culminates in a final exam that tests your overall comprehension of the course material.

Individual feedback from instructors is provided throughout the course to help you understand your strengths and areas for improvement. You can read more on this topic here.

9. What Are the Technical Requirements?

To take the BBST® Foundations course, you’ll need:

• A Reliable Internet Connection: Since the course is online, a stable internet connection is crucial.
• Basic Computer Skills: You should be comfortable using a computer, navigating the internet, and using email.
• Access to a Web Browser: The course materials are accessible through standard web browsers like Chrome, Firefox, or Safari. No special software is required.

10. What Do Past Students Say About the Course?

The BBST® Foundations course has received positive reviews from past students. Many highlight the depth of knowledge they gained and the practical skills they developed. The course is praised for its challenging content and the effectiveness of its teaching methods. However, some students note that the course is intense and requires significant dedication to complete successfully. 

We have a blog post category about course experiences with reviews and advice from past participants that you can explore on this subject.

Conclusion

The Black Box Software Testing Foundations course is an excellent choice for anyone serious about building a career in software testing. It offers a thorough grounding in essential testing concepts, delivered by experts in the field. With its rigorous curriculum and recognized certification, the BBST® Foundations course is a valuable investment in your professional development.

Before enrolling, consider the following: What are your most common struggles? Could the topics or the learning goals mentioned above address these struggles? Keep in mind that Foundations is a mandatory course that you need to complete before taking Bug Advocacy and Test Design, so make sure to review those as well. If your answer to the second question is yes or even maybe, you will discover that the BBST® Foundations course is a powerful tool for improving your day-to-day activities and, most importantly, advancing your career in software testing.