Estimating for Testers

By the end of the course, attendees, through instructor-led presentations, exercises, and discussions, will be able to:

• Analyse risks to system quality to determine what should be tested—and to what degree—in a test subproject.
• Use methods to develop a time estimate for an example designed project.
• Present the estimate to management on a cost-relative, risk-management basis.
• Adjust the estimated schedule and budget to fit project constraints without undermining accuracy or unduly increasing risk.

Principles of Estimation

·      An overview of the key aims and challenges of estimation.

Risk and estimation

·      The relationship between risk and test estimates.

Why estimates go wrong

·      The common failings of estimates.

The real purpose of estimates

·      Why estimation is challenging and essential.

Estimates, targets, and commitment

·      The difference between being asked for an estimate and to hit a target.

Over-estimation Vs under-estimation

·      Which is better, or worse?

The importance of history in estimation

·      The value of experience and data.

Estimation risks and assumptions

·      Common assumptions made when estimating.

Practical techniques to develop an estimate

·      An investigation of the different techniques for estimation.

Principles of Estimation

·      An overview of the key aims and challenges of estimation.

Risk and estimation

·      The relationship between risk and test estimates.

Why estimates go wrong

·      The common failings of estimates.

The real purpose of estimates

·      Why estimation is challenging and essential.

Estimates, targets, and commitment

·      The difference between being asked for an estimate and to hit a target.

Over-estimation Vs under-estimation

·      Which is better, or worse?

The importance of history in estimation

·      The value of experience and data.

Estimation risks and assumptions

·      Common assumptions made when estimating.

Practical techniques to develop an estimate

·      An investigation of the different techniques for estimation.

There are no specific prerequisites for this course. However, previous experience in software development lifecycle is recommended.

• ISTQB Foundation in Software Testing
• ISTQB Advanced Level Test Manager

This course is suitable for anyone who wants to gain an understanding of how to make test estimation work in their own context.