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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED UNIT STANDARD THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Manage the software testing process 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
386054  Manage the software testing process 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Information Systems and Technology 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 10 - Physical, Mathematical, Computer and Life Sciences Information Technology and Computer Sciences 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 5  NQF Level 05  7 
REGISTRATION STATUS REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE SAQA DECISION NUMBER
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 2018-07-01  2023-06-30  SAQA 06120/18 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2026-06-30   2029-06-30  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This unit standard does not replace any other unit standard and is not replaced by any other unit standard. 

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
The person credited with this unit standard is able to meet the challenges of the testing processes in terms of other stakeholders, timelines, deliverables, technology and resources. The learner will be able to ensure proper validation of the system-under-test while being flexible enough to align with the changing schedules, technologies and software development models. Learners will also be able to work through the planning-design-execution and reporting processes and review ways to improve testing activities.

The qualifying learner is capable of:
  • Demonstrating an understanding of the test organisation.
  • Conducting test planning and estimation.
  • Monitoring and controlling test progress.
  • Applying risk and testing processes.
  • Reporting on software testing. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
  • Communication at NQF Level 4 or equivalent.
  • Mathematical Literacy at NQF Level 4 or equivalent.
  • Computer Literacy at NQF Level 3. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    N/A 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Demonstrate an understanding of the test environment. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    An explanation is given of the importance of independent testing. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The benefits and drawbacks of independent testing are explained with examples. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Team members are identified in terms of skill level. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The tasks of a test leader and a tester are listed to differentiate between the roles. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Conduct test planning and estimation. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The purpose and content of the test plan are summarised according to the standard for software testing documentation. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Test approaches are differentiated between in order to plan successfully. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    A test execution schedule is developed for a given set of test cases. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Preparation and execution activities are identified, and explained for a test case. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Typical factors that may influence the test effort are listed and explained with examples. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Adequate test entry and exit criteria are described for specific test levels and groups of test cases. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Levels may include but are not limited to: Component testing, Integration testing, Acceptance testing and System testing.
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Monitor and control test progress. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Common metrics are described and compared for use for monitoring test preparation and execution. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Common metrics may include but are not limited percentage of work done in test case preparation, percentage of work done in test environment preparation, test case execution, defect information, test coverage of requirements, subjective confidence of testers in the product, dates of test milestones and testing costs.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The purpose and content of the test summary report are explained according to test requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The testing process is controlled according to the test plan. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Monitoring and control mechanisms are applied in terms of meeting the requirements of the test plan. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    An explanation is given of how configuration management supports testing. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Apply risk and testing processes. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Risks as possible problems are described in accordance with project objectives. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The level of risk is determined in terms of their likelihood and impact on the testing process. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Potential solutions to risks are identified to serve as a back-up plan. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Report on software testing. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Types of reports are explained with examples of when each is used. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The content of a report is described according to organisational requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Types may include but are not limited to light reporting and comprehensive reporting.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Issues for improving the testing process are explained in terms of the test process. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Issues for improving the testing process may include but are not limited to data, measures, metrics, knowledge and improvement loop.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    An incident report is written covering the observation of the testing. 


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • An individual wishing to be assessed (including through Recognition of Prior Learning) against this unit standard may apply to an assessment agency, assessor or provider institution accredited by the relevant ETQA or an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding in place with the relevant ETQA.
  • Anyone assessing a learner against this unit standard must be registered as an assessor with the relevant ETQA or an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding in place with the relevant ETQA.
  • Any institution offering learning that will enable achievement of this unit standard or assessing this unit standard must be accredited as a provider with the relevant ETQA or an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding in place with the relevant ETQA.
  • Moderation of assessment will be conducted by the relevant ETQA at its discretion. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Identify and solve problems related to the successful implementation of the software testing process. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Work effectively with others in terms of ensuring all stakeholders work together to complete the testing process. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise oneself and one's activities to have alternative options available to ensure the testing process is successful. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information which may impact on the success of the testing process. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively so that the testing process will be successfully implemented. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use science and technology to monitor and control the testing process. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems where poor management of the testing process can have a negative impact on both the product and project. 

    UNIT STANDARD ASSESSOR CRITERIA 
    N/A 

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this unit standard was Reregistered in 2012; 2015. 

    UNIT STANDARD NOTES 
    N/A 

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  83026   National Certificate: Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Software Testing  Level 5  NQF Level 05  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  MICTS 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    1. DC Academy (PTY)LTD 
    2. Epitome Villa (Pty)Ltd 
    3. Eshybrand Pty Ltd 
    4. FACULTY TRAINING INSTITUTE PTY LTD 
    5. Sisekelo Sustainability Institute 
    6. SIYAFUNDA COMMUNITY TECHNOLOGY CENTRE NPC 
    7. SUPREME ICT CONSULTANTS 
    8. Terry Computer Services cc 
    9. Visionary Skill Academy 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.