Hi Everyone,
Thanks to everyone that attended my session yesterday either in person or by Zoom meeting.
Here is the link to the recording: https://www.riceconsulting.com/video/Whats%20New%20In%20Selenium%203b.mp4
Here are the slides: https://www.riceconsulting.com/public_pdf/Selenium%20IDE%203.pdf
I plan to have more information about Selenium 3 available in the near future.
Thanks,
Randy
Thursday, December 20, 2018
Tuesday, December 04, 2018
Press Release - ASTQB GTB CMG Performance Testing Certification Now Available in e-Learning Format
Oklahoma City, OK - December 4, 2018
Rice Consulting Services, Inc. of Oklahoma City announces their
newest course offering, the ASTQB GTB CMG Performance Tester
Certification Course in e-Learning format.
This course is available for private in-house presentations and in e-Learning format to take at your own pace. Randall Rice, Principal Trainer and Consultant of Rice Consulting Services and holder of all five advanced ISTQB Test Certifications is the instructor in both training formats. The materials are written by Randall Rice.
"I have been working with performance testing since 1990 and I think the information presented in this course should be in every performance tester's skill set. Since those early days of performance testing using stopwatches, we have now progressed to the point where deep understanding of system performance and the use of performance test tools is great specialty area for testers," said Rice.
There are no pre-requisites for the course or for the exam, however, the ISTQB Foundation Level Certification (CTFL) is recommended. Exams are not included in the base price, but can be added, if desired.
To learn more and enroll, just visit: https://mysoftwaretesting.com/ISTQB-Performance-Tester-Certification-Course--E-learning-Version_p_87.html
Rice Consulting Services is an accredited training provider with the American Software Testing Qualifications Board (ASTQB).
For further details, contact Randall Rice at 405-691-8075, or by e-mail.
This course is available for private in-house presentations and in e-Learning format to take at your own pace. Randall Rice, Principal Trainer and Consultant of Rice Consulting Services and holder of all five advanced ISTQB Test Certifications is the instructor in both training formats. The materials are written by Randall Rice.
"I have been working with performance testing since 1990 and I think the information presented in this course should be in every performance tester's skill set. Since those early days of performance testing using stopwatches, we have now progressed to the point where deep understanding of system performance and the use of performance test tools is great specialty area for testers," said Rice.
There are no pre-requisites for the course or for the exam, however, the ISTQB Foundation Level Certification (CTFL) is recommended. Exams are not included in the base price, but can be added, if desired.
To learn more and enroll, just visit: https://mysoftwaretesting.com/ISTQB-Performance-Tester-Certification-Course--E-learning-Version_p_87.html
Rice Consulting Services is an accredited training provider with the American Software Testing Qualifications Board (ASTQB).
For further details, contact Randall Rice at 405-691-8075, or by e-mail.
Tuesday, November 20, 2018
Software Testing Training in Rwanda
In early October, I traveled to Kigali, Rwanda to conduct an ISTQB (International Software Testing Qualifications Board) Foundation Level course to forty-eight women who are part of Muraho Technology’s internship program. Muraho Technology’s mission is to create a new industry in Rwanda focused on providing world-class software QA and testing services to North American and European organizations.
It was an amazing experience. I will say at the outset that while I was one of three lead instructors (the two other trainers were Mike Penick for agile and Cindy Tempel for QA project management), the credit goes to the Muraho team for setting the table for the training. Without their preparation and support during the training, facilitating such a large group would be a very heavy load.
A Little Background
In 1994, Rwanda experienced a brutal genocide as a result of civil war. In a period of 100 days, over 800,000 people were killed. After order was restored, the country was eventually able to “reset”. It is a remarkable story of forgiveness and struggle. I was able to learn about the story at the Kigali Genocide Memorial.
Today, Kigali is regarded by many as one of the safest and cleanest cities in Africa. Interestingly, tech start-ups are popping up all over. However, the unemployment rate is around 80%, which makes any job opportunity valuable to the residents.
The educational system has traditionally been based on rote memorization. Women in particular have experienced situations that were not supporting of learning at deeper levels, and in some cases placed obstacles in their efforts to successfully complete classes. So, weeks leading up to the training effort, dedicated effort was needed to build communication and critical thinking skills.
Muraho Technology and their Canadian sister company Iugowerx Global based in Calgary, Alberta, approach the challenge of job creation in Rwanda in a unique way by investing in the women’s desire to build their careers. The goal is to create over 1,000 new jobs in QA and testing. Muraho Technology is engaged in a joint initiative of the Germany government’s GIZ, the Private Sector Federation and the ICT Chamber in Rwanda. There is also interest from other countries as well.
As Muraho Technology's CEO, Dan Munkittrick states, "We have designed industry tailored training which includes job readiness through competency-based learning. We have designed our learning approach to a growth mindset. We strive to empower these women to become the next leaders in companies, as well as in Rwanda."
About the Training
ISTQB Foundation training is typically presented in a three-day or four-day timeframe. We spent five days, with the mornings focused on presentations and the afternoons devoted to hands-on computer-based exercises. This is a model I plan to introduce to the USA very soon for companies that want to provide a true bootcamp immersive training experience with hands-on computer-based experiences on actual applications.
The class was formed of 6 teams, with eight women in a team. I have been teaching software testing for 30 years and I can’t recall ever experiencing a training experience where the people were so engaged and functioned as true teams.
What I saw were teams (not groups) that truly cared and supported each other. If one person struggled in an area, the team was there to support them.
Muraho chose the American Software Testing Qualifications Board (ASTQB) as the exam provider because of the exam quality and the orientation toward western scenarios and language. They were also able to take advantage of the ASTQB's Volume Purchase Program of exams.
Being a member of the ASTQB board of directors and an accredited training provider, I was able to facilitate the process of exam acquisition and administration.
After the 5-day course and my departure to teach Advanced Security Tester Certification in Eindhoven, Netherlands, the class prepared an additional four days the following week by taking sample exams, then carefully deconstructing the questions and answers. Those who scored high enough on the sample exams were allowed to sit for the actual exam. The majority of those taking the exam passed!
All forty-eight women graduated the program!
Some of the individual stories were inspiring and humbling. One lady walked 90 minutes each way every day to attend class – not just for the week I was there, but for the entire curriculum of training. Another rode on the back of a motorcycle 90 minutes each way every day. Another lady contracted malaria during the week I was there and had to be sent home to get treated and recover. Thankfully, she did return and complete the program.
On the final day of the class, the ladies presented Mike Penick and me with beautiful wood carvings and a kilo of Rwandan coffee (which is awesome). It was very humbling to think that these ladies each contributed out of their lack to show their appreciation. That experience really touched me.
Thursday afternoon, we really worked hard on test design and how it could be applied to an actual software application. However, some concepts weren’t quite clicking.
Friday morning, we took another shot at it. One of the big challenges was finding relevant examples to which the ladies could relate. Friday afternoon, we did a major exercise where the teams went through the entire testing process from test strategy to test planning, analysis, design, implementation, execution, reporting and closure. This time, the results were excellent in all the teams.
Then, we repeated the process on a new version of the application as a regression test. Once again, we had success.
At 4:55 p.m. on Friday, we were tired, brains were full and it was time for me to say farewell.
As I was addressing the ladies, I wanted them to know the learning curve they just achieved. I had not planned my remarks, and the words just came out, “Ladies, welcome to the profession of software testing!”
Their response was overwhelmingly happy and I was glad to know they had successfully performed the software testing process on a live application – twice. Just to put it in context, on Monday, we were performing their very first test that was mainly exploratory.
Throughout the week, we had dignitaries and news crews visiting to see what was happening. Everyone that observed the training knew that something unique was happening. I was happy to be a part of it.
A couple of weeks later, Dave Stevens interviewed me for the ASTQB podcast to discuss the training. His final question was, “Do you plan to return?” The question kind of caught me by surprise and I was rather unsure really how to answer it. I was a little non-committal. However, the question really got me thinking, “Yeah, Randy, what will you do?” I realized that I was in a unique place, in a unique role, for a purpose.
Now, I’m all in. I have been asked to return in March of 2019, which I have accepted.
Another question I am asked is, “What do you get out of this?” Yes, I received some compensation for the training and expenses, but it is far less than I would receive in any other training. It takes around 50 hours each way to travel the Kigali, so it’s not an easy trip, either. However, the greatest gain is the joy in serving and seeing how it can change someone’s life. For me, there is a spiritual motivation as well. I feel this as part of my calling in life.
How You Can Help
As I have been tell this story, people have been asking me, “How can I help?”
Please take a close look at the picture below. You will notice the poor condition of the computers
these ladies are using for training. To be successful in their careers, they need better computers.
I have started a gofundme page to raise the funds to buy 50 new laptop computers for Muraho Technology to provide to the ladies with a level of control to ensure the computers are used for the intended purpose. And, that’s just the start. We will need many more computers. A gift of any amount will help change the life of one of these ladies. I also appreciate the sharing of the page to spread the word. If you are able to help – Thank You!
A Little Background
In 1994, Rwanda experienced a brutal genocide as a result of civil war. In a period of 100 days, over 800,000 people were killed. After order was restored, the country was eventually able to “reset”. It is a remarkable story of forgiveness and struggle. I was able to learn about the story at the Kigali Genocide Memorial.
Today, Kigali is regarded by many as one of the safest and cleanest cities in Africa. Interestingly, tech start-ups are popping up all over. However, the unemployment rate is around 80%, which makes any job opportunity valuable to the residents.
The educational system has traditionally been based on rote memorization. Women in particular have experienced situations that were not supporting of learning at deeper levels, and in some cases placed obstacles in their efforts to successfully complete classes. So, weeks leading up to the training effort, dedicated effort was needed to build communication and critical thinking skills.
Muraho Technology and their Canadian sister company Iugowerx Global based in Calgary, Alberta, approach the challenge of job creation in Rwanda in a unique way by investing in the women’s desire to build their careers. The goal is to create over 1,000 new jobs in QA and testing. Muraho Technology is engaged in a joint initiative of the Germany government’s GIZ, the Private Sector Federation and the ICT Chamber in Rwanda. There is also interest from other countries as well.
 |
| Laura Stupin Helping to Provide Cultural Context |
As Muraho Technology's CEO, Dan Munkittrick states, "We have designed industry tailored training which includes job readiness through competency-based learning. We have designed our learning approach to a growth mindset. We strive to empower these women to become the next leaders in companies, as well as in Rwanda."
About the Training
ISTQB Foundation training is typically presented in a three-day or four-day timeframe. We spent five days, with the mornings focused on presentations and the afternoons devoted to hands-on computer-based exercises. This is a model I plan to introduce to the USA very soon for companies that want to provide a true bootcamp immersive training experience with hands-on computer-based experiences on actual applications.
The class was formed of 6 teams, with eight women in a team. I have been teaching software testing for 30 years and I can’t recall ever experiencing a training experience where the people were so engaged and functioned as true teams.
What I saw were teams (not groups) that truly cared and supported each other. If one person struggled in an area, the team was there to support them.
Muraho chose the American Software Testing Qualifications Board (ASTQB) as the exam provider because of the exam quality and the orientation toward western scenarios and language. They were also able to take advantage of the ASTQB's Volume Purchase Program of exams.
Being a member of the ASTQB board of directors and an accredited training provider, I was able to facilitate the process of exam acquisition and administration.
After the 5-day course and my departure to teach Advanced Security Tester Certification in Eindhoven, Netherlands, the class prepared an additional four days the following week by taking sample exams, then carefully deconstructing the questions and answers. Those who scored high enough on the sample exams were allowed to sit for the actual exam. The majority of those taking the exam passed!
All forty-eight women graduated the program!
Some of the individual stories were inspiring and humbling. One lady walked 90 minutes each way every day to attend class – not just for the week I was there, but for the entire curriculum of training. Another rode on the back of a motorcycle 90 minutes each way every day. Another lady contracted malaria during the week I was there and had to be sent home to get treated and recover. Thankfully, she did return and complete the program.
On the final day of the class, the ladies presented Mike Penick and me with beautiful wood carvings and a kilo of Rwandan coffee (which is awesome). It was very humbling to think that these ladies each contributed out of their lack to show their appreciation. That experience really touched me.
Thursday afternoon, we really worked hard on test design and how it could be applied to an actual software application. However, some concepts weren’t quite clicking.
Friday morning, we took another shot at it. One of the big challenges was finding relevant examples to which the ladies could relate. Friday afternoon, we did a major exercise where the teams went through the entire testing process from test strategy to test planning, analysis, design, implementation, execution, reporting and closure. This time, the results were excellent in all the teams.
Then, we repeated the process on a new version of the application as a regression test. Once again, we had success.
At 4:55 p.m. on Friday, we were tired, brains were full and it was time for me to say farewell.
As I was addressing the ladies, I wanted them to know the learning curve they just achieved. I had not planned my remarks, and the words just came out, “Ladies, welcome to the profession of software testing!”
Their response was overwhelmingly happy and I was glad to know they had successfully performed the software testing process on a live application – twice. Just to put it in context, on Monday, we were performing their very first test that was mainly exploratory.
Throughout the week, we had dignitaries and news crews visiting to see what was happening. Everyone that observed the training knew that something unique was happening. I was happy to be a part of it.
A couple of weeks later, Dave Stevens interviewed me for the ASTQB podcast to discuss the training. His final question was, “Do you plan to return?” The question kind of caught me by surprise and I was rather unsure really how to answer it. I was a little non-committal. However, the question really got me thinking, “Yeah, Randy, what will you do?” I realized that I was in a unique place, in a unique role, for a purpose.
Now, I’m all in. I have been asked to return in March of 2019, which I have accepted.
Another question I am asked is, “What do you get out of this?” Yes, I received some compensation for the training and expenses, but it is far less than I would receive in any other training. It takes around 50 hours each way to travel the Kigali, so it’s not an easy trip, either. However, the greatest gain is the joy in serving and seeing how it can change someone’s life. For me, there is a spiritual motivation as well. I feel this as part of my calling in life.
How You Can Help
As I have been tell this story, people have been asking me, “How can I help?”
Please take a close look at the picture below. You will notice the poor condition of the computers
these ladies are using for training. To be successful in their careers, they need better computers.
I have started a gofundme page to raise the funds to buy 50 new laptop computers for Muraho Technology to provide to the ladies with a level of control to ensure the computers are used for the intended purpose. And, that’s just the start. We will need many more computers. A gift of any amount will help change the life of one of these ladies. I also appreciate the sharing of the page to spread the word. If you are able to help – Thank You!
Thursday, May 31, 2018
ISTQB Advanced Security Tester Live Virtual Training in September 2018
I
hope you can take advantage of a unique opportunity to attend live
virtual training for the ISTQB Advanced Security Tester certification in September.The dates of the course are from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. EDT on Sept. 10 - 13, 2018.
I will be the instructor of the course. As chair of the ISTQB Advanced Security Tester Working Group, I can bring a unique perspective to the training and prepare you to take the exam.
Here's what you need to know:
1. This is a live virtual class that you can take from your desk or home. You will be able to interact with me, ask questions, make comments, etc.
2. This will be an intensive course with over 20 exercises. I will present some material, then we will have exercise time. At the completion of each exercise, I give my perspective about the solutions.
3. We will go over every question in the ASTQB Sample Exam after each major section in the syllabus. There are nine sections in the syllabus.
4. If you can't make all the sessions, I am also including the e-learning version at no extra cost so you can make-up any sessions needed.
5. The exam is not included in the price of the course. However, the exam can be added for $200. You can use the exam voucher at any Kryterion exam center. Please note that while anyone may take the course and gain a lot from it, in order for you to take the exam, you must first hold the ISTQB Foundation Certification (CTFL) and have 3 or more years relevant experience in software testing or a related field.
6. The course also includes a printed workbook. Please allow 5 - 7 days for printing and shipping the book to you. If you live outside of the USA, allow 14 days to receive the book.
7. After August 31, the registration price increases by $200. So, it's best to register soon.
8. Before registering for the class, please review the course outline and ISTQB Advanced Security Tester syllabus so you will be aware of the topics we will cover. While we do cover penetration testing, this is not a class on penetration testing. This certification and course covers many aspects of cybersecurity and the testing of security defenses.
9. You will leave the class with an increased knowledge of how to help protect your organization by testing your security defenses to ensure they are working effectively.
10. This course is fully accredited by the ASTQB.
11. You can register at https://www.mysoftwaretesting.com/ISTQB_Adv_Security_Tester_Certification_Course_p/istqbseclv.htm
If you have any other questions, please feel free to contact me by phone (405-691-8075) or through the contact form at http://www.riceconsulting.com/home/index.php/component/com_formmaker/Itemid,453/id,1/view,formmaker/.
I hope to see you in the course!
Randy
Thursday, May 17, 2018
Upcoming Courses and Other News
I hope you have had a great week!
I recently finished teaching a two-day live virtual private course on Basic Training in Software Testing. One of the students said it sounded like I was in the room with them. We had a great time together, even though the course was virtual. They even got to hear some of my humor (tasteful, of course) and stories from the trenches of testing!
I just want to let you know there are two courses on my public live virtual schedule. Both courses are guaranteed to run. I will be the instructor for both courses.
June 19 - 21, 2018 - ISTQB Foundation Course - This will be my only live public presentation of this course this summer. It's a great opportunity to get personal live training for the ISTQB CTFL certification. To learn more and to register, please visit https://www.mysoftwaretesting.com/ISTQB_Foundation_Level_Course_in_Software_Testing_p/ctfllv.htm
August 1 and 2, 2018 - UAT Fast-Track Course - This is a two afternoon course designed to get you going in User Acceptance Testing right away. This is a complete coverage of UAT practices and processes that teaches true real-world system validation from the business user perspective. To register and learn more, please visit https://www.mysoftwaretesting.com/Structured_User_Acceptance_Testing_Live_Virtual_p/uat-lv.htm
QAI Quest 2018 - I will be speaking at QAI's Quest conference in San Antonio next week. This is a great conference. Great sessions, lots of networking opportunities, great food, all in the San Antonio Riverwalk area. I'll be doing my famous (or infamous) "Becoming an Influential Test Team Leader" tutorial on Monday, a test management workshop all day on Tuesday, and then on Thursday, "Building Your Credibility as a Test Leader." If you are attending, please connect and say "Hi!" It is still possible to register, but time is almost up, so act fast if you want to attend. http://qaiquest.org/2018
ASTQB Webinar - I will be conducting a free webinar on Thursday, May 24 for ASTQB on "Defining Solid Software Security Requirements". If you find defining security requirements a challenge, I will present some ideas that may help.
User stories, while helpful to define functions, are typically not detailed enough to define both intended and unintended behavior of a system, especially in the context of information security.
Unfortunately, industry metrics tell us that the great majority of software defects (security and others) can be traced back to flawed or missing requirements.
In this session, I will cover:
. The lifecycle view of software requirements and security
. Stakeholder involvement in gathering and documenting requirements for software security
. The importance of clearly defining the security aspects of a system
. How to drive the scope of requirements by understanding known threats and available defenses
. How to define “misuse cases”
. How to revise and maintain software requirements when threats change, new threats emerge or new features are added to the system
You may register for the live webinar at https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/5774716823412850689
Please note that these sessions fill up very fast and if you are able to register, it's a good idea to show up 10 - 15 minutes early to make sure you can get a spot. There are limited slots available. (This webinar will be recorded and made available on the ASTQB website following the webinar.)
=======
Finally...One of the great rewards in being a trainer and consultant is to see people succeed in building their careers. One story in particular is that of Tammy Khan, who has achieved 11 ISTQB/ASTQB certifications since last fall. It was my pleasure to help her in that effort. Way to go, Tammy! You can read her story here - https://www.astqb.org/press-room/astqb-newsletter-2018-2.php
Feel free to contact me with any questions by just replying to this e-mail.
I would love to see you at one of these events!
Tuesday, April 17, 2018
ISTQB Advanced Test Automation Engineer (CTAL-TAE) Now Available in e-Learning Format
I am excited to let you know about my newest course offering, the ISTQB Advanced Test Automation Engineer (CTAL-TAE).
This course is available for private in-house presentations and in e-Learning format to take at your own pace. I am the instructor in both training formats. The materials are written by Grove Consultants.
I have been working with test automation since 1988 and I think the information presented in this course should be in every test automator's knowledgebase and skill sets. Since those early days of test automation, we have now progressed to the point where test automation is an essential skill for testers.
Although anyone can take this course, to take the exam you must first hold the ISTQB Foundation Level certification (CTFL) and have 3 or more years experience in software testing or a related field. Exams are not included in the base price, but can be added, if desired.
To learn more and enroll, just visit: https://www.mysoftwaretesting.com/ISTQB_Adv_Test_Automation_Engineer_e_Learning_p/advate.htm
For a limited time, I am offering a $100 off discount!
I have also created a special 5-person team license for the e-Learning course. https://www.mysoftwaretesting.com/ISTQB_Adv_Test_Automation_Engineer_e_Learning_Team_p/advate5.htm
One more thing... I am planning to conduct a live virtual presentation of the ISTQB Foundation Level course on June 19 - 21, 2018 (Tuesday - Thursday).
I will be the instructor of this all-inclusive training offering - one electronic exam and physical notebook are included. Plus, you get 3-months access to the e-learning following the course! https://www.mysoftwaretesting.com/ISTQB_Foundation_Level_Course_in_Software_Testing_p/ctfllv.htm
I hope to see you at one of these events!
This course is available for private in-house presentations and in e-Learning format to take at your own pace. I am the instructor in both training formats. The materials are written by Grove Consultants.
I have been working with test automation since 1988 and I think the information presented in this course should be in every test automator's knowledgebase and skill sets. Since those early days of test automation, we have now progressed to the point where test automation is an essential skill for testers.
Although anyone can take this course, to take the exam you must first hold the ISTQB Foundation Level certification (CTFL) and have 3 or more years experience in software testing or a related field. Exams are not included in the base price, but can be added, if desired.
To learn more and enroll, just visit: https://www.mysoftwaretesting.com/ISTQB_Adv_Test_Automation_Engineer_e_Learning_p/advate.htm
For a limited time, I am offering a $100 off discount!
I have also created a special 5-person team license for the e-Learning course. https://www.mysoftwaretesting.com/ISTQB_Adv_Test_Automation_Engineer_e_Learning_Team_p/advate5.htm
One more thing... I am planning to conduct a live virtual presentation of the ISTQB Foundation Level course on June 19 - 21, 2018 (Tuesday - Thursday).
I will be the instructor of this all-inclusive training offering - one electronic exam and physical notebook are included. Plus, you get 3-months access to the e-learning following the course! https://www.mysoftwaretesting.com/ISTQB_Foundation_Level_Course_in_Software_Testing_p/ctfllv.htm
I hope to see you at one of these events!
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