Improving the Test Process Through Testing Maturity Models
(CSTP elective)
Thomas Staab
This tutorial counts as one day of training towards the Certified Software Test Professional requirements.

Overview

Using a testing maturity model can help an organization make significant improvements to their testing process. Once an organization makes the decision to use a testing maturity model, the question becomes which of the six models currently available is best for them. This tutorial makes the research process much easier. It discusses the advantages and disadvantages of each or the six model. It will also provide an unbiased comparison of the two most popular models, the Software Testing Maturity Model and the Test Process Improvement model. The tutorial is a must attend for any organization trying to decide which model is best for them.

Tutorial Outline

• Introduction
• What is a Testing Maturity Model?
• Why do i need to use a testing maturity model?
• Discussion of the advantages and disadvantages of the testing maturity models currently available
• Testability Maturity Model
• Software Testing Maturity Model (TMMSM)
• Test Process Improvement (TPI)
• Test Organization Maturity
• Testing Assessment Program
• Proposed Evaluation and Test SW-CMM Key Process Areas
• Discussion of the Software Testing Maturity Model (TMMSM)
• Objective of TMMSM
• The 5 maturity levels
• Compatibility with process improvement standards and certification requirements
• Discussion of the Test Process Improvement (TPI) model
• Objective of TPI
• The maturity levels
• Compatibility with process improvement standards and certification requirements
• Major differences between the two models

Learning Objectives

1. Explore the benefits a company will receive from using a testing maturity model
2. Discover the different Testing Maturity Models available
3. Gain knowledge about the Software Testing Maturity Model (TMMSM)
4. Learn about Test Process Improvement (TPI) model

Previous Use of Material

This tutorial will be presented for the first time at the International Software Test Professionals Week in San Antonio, TX , February 26, 2003.

References

• Test Process Improvement, Tim Koomen and Martin Pol, Addison-Wesley, 1999
• Practical Software Testing - A Process-Oriented Approach, Ilene Burnstein, Springer-Valeg, 2002

Pre-Requisites

None

Slides

The actual tutorial slides will be provided upon request.

Thomas C. Staab has over 35 years experience in the software field. Prior to opening his own consulting firm he worked for over 25 years in the quality assurance profession. He holds a Master of Science degree in Quality Systems. He is a recognized expert in the adoption and implementation of testing maturity models. Mr. Staab brings this practical experience into the classroom.

He is a dynamic motivational speaker and has received numerous compliments and accolades from his audiences. He has presented over 50 speeches at regional, national and world conferences. He has developed and taught numerous inspiring, thought provoking and informative training courses during his career.

Mr. Staab is listed in the International Who's Who of Informati