A testing community initiative
The Tester Skills Program is an initiative if IT@Cork Skillnet and Softest Ireland aimed at creating a learning and development program for software testers. A consortium of local software businesses, facilitated by Paul Gerrard have developed a skills inventory and syllabuses for Foundation, Advanced and Master schemes.
A deeper syllabus
The syllabuses cover a broader range of topics than certified courses. They also go into more depth, requiring the trainee to consider the thinking behind test activities. Courses separate the thinking from logistics which vary across all organisations.
Learning and development, not just training
The scheme is specifically designed to enable testers to think for themselves. It does this by encouraging learners to ask questions of their peers, managers and stakeholders. The course materials identify how coaching and mentoring support should be available to impart and embed local practices and knowledge.
