Training seems like an obvious topic and not one to which a blog or two could be usefully devoted. However we get a surprising number of questions about training and plan to address a few of them here. The first one is what type of training is offered. We define three broad categories here:
- Training related to testing.
- Training related to a particular Test Tool.
- Application related Training.
You only have to read the job advertisements to see the expectations related to open positions. You may see a long list of test tools with which the applicant is to be proficient. You will most likely see some reference to a Test Methodology or SDLC. Most job advertisements finish off with some soft skills.
So how do our three categories relate to day-to-day work?
Taking them in reverse order:
Application related Training
Clearly the more the person knows about the application for which the system was built, the easier it is to understand the risks, define the scope of testing and explain the results to the business. It is also easier to understand the business requirements and expectations.
Training related to a particular Test Tool
This type of training is usually supplied by a vendor and can range from an overview of the test tool allowing one to to use it without in-depth knowledge all the way to becoming a technical expert. The only comment is that every tool has been superceded by something else eventually so every tool or technical process will eventually become redundant.
Training related to testing
This type of training covers the rest of the requirements. It teaches about SDLC, Communication, Risk, Planning, and Testing to name only a few items.
Discussion Questions
- Do you participate in Training for Testing?
- Was it beneficial to the project?
- What would you have done differently based on what you know now?
Next Week: Sources of Information