Glossary of testing terms

The TMMi Foundation recognises that the ISTQB has published a good, standard test terminology. It makes sense for everyone to follow a common terminology wherever possible, so all the terms used in the TMMi framework and in this course are related to the ISTQB glossary. There is no need to re-invent a new terminology for TMMi-related work.

Organisations being assessed may not be using ISTQB definitions – and it is perfectly acceptable for organisations to stay with the terminology they already have. What they do, and how they do it, will still be as valid no matter what they call it. However, if they wish to discuss testing with another organisation (such as contractors or external service providers) they should seriously consider using the ISTQB terminology to ensure consistency of understanding.

Like the crew in an aircraft cockpit, they can speak any language to each other, but the standard, universal language used to communicate with air traffic control is English. Test terminology should follow the same principle.

When conducting TMMi assessments, do not use your own terminology, use the same terminology as the organisation being assessed.

Some concepts to keep in mind

As in everyday life, during this course it is useful to establish some rules to follow.

• There is no such thing as a stupid question! You may be learning a concept or idea that you do not fully understand. You may feel that you do not want to ask for clarification because you fear showing yourself to be unknowledgeable. Do not worry, others taking this course may be thinking the same thing! If you do not understand, ask for clarification. We have a support e-mail (training@experimentus.com) where you can raise questions at any time and an experienced TMMi lead assessor will respond as soon as possible – usually the same business day.
  
  
• Never assume anything! We all tend to make assumptions, in life and in training courses. This is usually because we do not have enough accurate, reliable information on which to base a decision. Most people do not validate these assumptions (for example by looking for accurate, reliable information to be able to state if it is a valid assumption or not). But with assumptions, we are basing future decisions on incomplete information. If you make an assumption, take the first opportunity to find out whether it is correct or not.
  
  
• Record everything thoroughly. At the end of this course, you may think you know everything because it is fresh in your mind. After two or three days, how much do you think you will be able to recall? Make notes to assist your memory retention and act as a personal quick reference. Of course, you have this material to look back on, but there is nothing like writing (or typing) to help with remembering.

If you do not understand, it is not your fault. The responsibility for learning is with the trainer or the author of the training material, not with the student. If you do not understand something, tell the tutor immediately by e-mailing learning@experimentus.com. The tutor then:

• knows the message has not got across and
  
  
• will try to present the material to you in a different way.

Bloom’s Taxonomy

All topics in this course have learning objectives, which are given “K” levels to indicate the level of knowledge required. These are based on Bloom’s taxonomy of knowledge in the cognitive domain (ref Taxonomy of Educational Objectives, Handbook 1 – The Cognitive Domain, Bloom et al., New York 1956), illustrated below:

It is important to understand what you should take away from this course. Here, the learning objectives are restricted to K1 and K2 as the model training for the TMMi Professional exam is limited to a theoretical understanding.

Remember (K1)

You must recognise, remember and recall a term or concept.

Understand (K2)

You are able to select the reasons, or explanations for, statements related to the topic and can summarise, compare, classify and give examples for the concept.

For this course, the overall learning objectives are:

• To ensure that the terminology used to describe the model and its components is understood and can be recalled and used appropriately.
• To understand the rationale of the hierarchical structure of the TMMi Model.
• To be able to explain the concepts, approach and content for all Levels of the model structure and to be able to apply them in the context of an organisation’s test processes

Watch the video to learn more about our TMMi assessment and certification offerings and complete the lesson.

Watch the video to learn more about our test measurement offering and complete the lesson.

Watch the video to learn more about our test environment management offering and complete the lesson.