5 Latest International Software Testing Standards
As a software quality assurance or software tester, you know that adhering to software testing standards is critical to the success of your project. But what are software testing standards, and why are they so important?
In this blog post, we’ll discuss some of the widely used standards in software development for increasing the Quality Assurance (QA) and testing of a product.
Software Testing Standards help to ensure that all software is tested in a consistent and effective manner, which helps to improve the quality of the final product.
What are Software Testing Standards?
Software testing standards are established guidelines and best practices that ensure the quality and effectiveness of software testing processes. These standards provide a framework to help organizations develop, execute, and manage testing strategies while maintaining consistency and reliability across projects. By adhering to these standards, teams can improve their testing methodologies, foster better communication among stakeholders, and facilitate compliance with industry regulations. Examples of widely recognized software testing standards include ISO/IEC 25000 for software quality requirements and evaluation, IEEE 829 for test documentation, and ISTQB for qualification schemes in software testing. Implementing these standards can lead to higher quality software products and improved customer satisfaction.
IEEE Standards Association
The IEEE Standards Association (the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Standards Association), is a non-profit organization that develops and maintains industry standards for a wide range of technologies.
IEEE standards are developed through a consensus-based process that brings together volunteers representing all interested parties, including manufacturers, users, employers, consumers, and academia. The goal of this process is to promote the development of technology that is compatible, interchangeable, and reliable.
IEEE standards are published in a variety of formats, including the IEEE Standards Collection and the IEEE Xplore Digital Library.
According to the IEEE standards association, the latest software testing standards are allowed to be used throughout a company’s software development life cycle.
With multiple software testing standards such as ISO and IEEE already in effect, another standard, ISO/IEC/IEEE 29119, has been added to the list to keep up with the pace of global technology advancements.
What is ISO/IEC/IEEE 29119
ISO/IEC/IEEE 29119 is an international standard for software testing that was published in 2013. The standard was developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE).
ISO/IEC/IEEE 29119 is intended to be used by organizations that develop, maintain, or use software. It can be used to improve the quality of software products and services, and to make the software development and testing process more efficient.
The standard is designed to be used in conjunction with other software development standards.
If you follow the standard you’ll be utilizing internationally recognized and approved testing standards, which will help your company maintain a high quality approach for testing in the long run.
Types of International Software Testing Standard
There are presently five different international software testing standards. They are as follows:
Software Testing Standards are a set of guidelines that provide a framework for testing software applications. These standards help ensure the quality of the software being developed and tested.
When choosing a software testing standard, it is important to select one that is relevant to your organization’s needs and objectives. The most important thing is to ensure that the standard you choose can be realistically implemented and followed within.
- ISO/IEC/IEEE 29119-5: Keyword-driven software testing (published: November 2016).
- ISO/IEC/IEEE 29119-4: Test techniques and strategies (published: December 2015).
- ISO/IEC/IEEE 29119-3: Test documentation of the product (published: September 2013).
- ISO/IEC/IEEE 29119-2: Test processes in a product (published: September 2013).
- ISO/IEC/IEEE 29119-1: Concepts and definitions of software (published: September 2013).
ISO/IEC/IEEE 29119-1
The purpose of this software testing standard is to focus on the concepts and definitions of other standards in the 29119 series. It aids users in comprehending the vocabulary these standards are based off as well helping them understand how each concept could work practically.
The 29119-1 is an abundance of knowledge and can be seen as the root of IEEE software testing standards. Some topics that are part this expansive series are: introduction to software testing, testing processes in SDLC, risk-based testing, common test practices, defect management etc.
ISO/IEC/IEEE 29119-2
The goal of this standard is to create a generic test process in a product that can be employed for conducting testing during any SDLC.
ISO/IEC/IEEE 29119-3
It has a specific emphasis on test documentation of the product. It offers standardized templates that are designed in such a way as to cover the whole SDLC. These templates, on the other hand, may be adjusted to meet the needs of each organization.
ISO/IEC/IEEE 29119-4
With an emphasis on test techniques and strategies this standard can be a powerful way to generate test cases that may be used to demonstrate that each stated requirement has been satisfied or that there are any defects that need to be addressed.
It covers software testing techniques such as equivalence partitioning, boundary value analysis etc.,
ISO/IEC/IEEE 29119-5
It is used widely in the software testing field and entails keyword-driven testing, which involves making test cases based on a predefined set of keywords.
Miscellaneous Software Testing Standards
There are other standards, in addition to the Standards mentioned above, that a software tester needs to be familiar with for QA and software testing purposes.
| Standard | Description |
|---|---|
| IEEE 829 | It provides a framework for creating test plans, test designs, test cases, test procedures, test logs, and test reports. It ensures that all software testing documentation is complete and consistent. |
| IEEE 1061 | It establishes better quality requirements, identifies, implements, analyzes, and validates the process and product software quality metrics. |
| IEEE 1059 | It supports in guiding Software Verfication and Validation plans. |
| IEEE 1008 | It supports in setting up proper unit testing. |
| IEEE 1012 | It supports Verification and Validation of product. |
| IEEE 1028 | It helps ensure that software inspections are carried out correctly. |
| IEEE 1044 | It classifies various software anomalies. |
| IEEE 830 | It provides a framework for developing system requirements specifications (SRS). |
| IEEE 730 | It deals with the software quality assurance plans. |
| IEEE 1061 | It deals with the software quality metrics and methodologies. |
| IEEE 12207 | It guides in software life cycle processes and life cycle data. |
| BS 7925-1 | Glossary of Software Testing Terms. |
| BS 7925-2 | A set of expectations for software component testing. |
Benefits of Software Testing Standards
- Improved Quality: Standards help ensure that software is developed and tested properly, leading to better quality products.
- Consistency: They provide a uniform approach to testing, making it easier for teams to follow processes and achieve reliable results.
- Better Communication: Having clear standards improves understanding among team members and stakeholders, reducing misunderstandings.
- Compliance: Adhering to industry standards helps organizations meet legal and regulatory requirements.
- Increased Efficiency: Standardized practices streamline testing efforts, saving time and resources in the development process.
- Enhanced Reputation: Organizations that consistently apply testing standards are often viewed as more trustworthy and competent by customers.
How do you find software testing standards?
Finding software testing standards can be straightforward if you know where to look. Here are some steps to help you get started:
- Online Research: Use search engines to look for software testing standards. You can start by searching for specific keywords like “software testing standards” or “ISO testing standards.”
- Official Websites: Check the official websites of recognised organisations, such as the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), and the International Software Testing Qualifications Board (ISTQB). These websites often provide access to the latest standards and guidelines.
- Academic Journals and Articles: Review academic papers and articles related to software testing. Many universities and research institutions publish studies that cite or discuss relevant standards.
- Industry Forums and Groups: Join software testing communities, forums, and social media groups. Engaging with professionals in these spaces can help you learn about current standards and best practices.
- Consult with Experts: If you’re part of a tech organization, reach out to software testing experts or consultants. They can provide insights and resources for finding and implementing standards specific to your field.
By following these steps, you can discover the necessary software testing standards to enhance your testing processes and ensure quality in your projects.
How do you choose software testing standards?
Choosing the right software testing standards can greatly improve the quality of your testing processes. Here are some steps to help you make the best choice:
- Understand Your Needs: Start by assessing the specific needs of your project or organization. Consider factors like the type of software you are developing, regulatory requirements, and customer expectations. This understanding will guide you in selecting standards that align well with your goals.
- Research Available Standards: Look into different software testing standards that are widely recognized in the industry, such as ISO 29119, ISTQB guidelines, and IEEE standards. Each of these provides different frameworks and best practices for testing, so take the time to read about what they offer.
- Evaluate Alignment with Your Processes: Once you’ve identified potential standards, evaluate how well they fit with your existing testing processes. Consider whether they can be smoothly integrated into your workflow or if they require significant changes. Standards that complement your current practices are easier to adopt.
- Seek Input from Your Team: Involve your testing team in the decision-making process. Their experience and expertise can provide valuable insights into which standards may be most effective. Engaging your team ensures that everyone is on board and that the chosen standards reflect collective knowledge.
- Consider Industry Best Practices: Review what industry leaders and competitors are using in their testing processes. Adopting widely accepted best practices can enhance your credibility and ensure that your testing is on par with industry standards.
- Pilot and Review: After selecting one or more standards, implement them on a trial basis. Monitor the outcomes and gather feedback from your team. This pilot phase allows you to make adjustments before fully integrating the standards into your testing process.
By following these steps, you can choose software testing standards that provide clarity, improve the quality of your testing efforts, and help achieve better results for your projects.
How do you apply software testing standards?
Applying software testing standards involves a systematic approach to ensure consistency and quality in your testing processes. Here’s a detailed breakdown:
- Understand the Standards: Begin by familiarising yourself with the chosen testing standards. Read the documentation to grasp the key concepts, requirements, and procedures. This foundational knowledge will help you integrate the standards effectively.
- Develop a Testing Strategy: Create a clear testing strategy that outlines how the standards will be applied in your projects. This strategy should define testing goals, scope, and types of tests to perform based on the standards.
- Train Your Team: Organise training sessions to educate your testing team about the standards. Ensure everyone understands their importance and how to apply them. This training helps maintain consistency and boosts confidence within the team.
- Implement Standardised Practices: Start incorporating standardised processes into your testing activities. This could include using specific test case templates, following consistent reporting formats, or conducting reviews at set stages of your testing.
- Monitor and Measure: As you apply the standards, keep track of your testing metrics. Measure effectiveness by looking at factors like defect rates, test coverage, and overall quality. This monitoring helps you assess whether the standards positively impact your testing outcomes.
- Gather Feedback and Adjust: Regularly collect feedback from your team about the application of the standards. Encourage open communication to understand any challenges they face. Use this feedback to make adjustments, improving the process where necessary.
- Review and Improve: Periodically review how well the testing standards are working for your projects. Assess if they continue to meet your needs and expectations. Be prepared to make further changes or adopt new standards as your projects and technologies evolve.
By following these steps, you can effectively apply software testing standards, ensuring that your testing efforts are consistent, quality-driven, and aligned with industry best practices.
Conclusion
Software Testing Standards: As technology advances, so does the need for rigorous software testing standards. At present, there are a variety of international software testing standards that help to ensure quality and consistency in the field.
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