As described earlier, test professionals must comply with high requirements. They are expected to possess knowledge and experience in:

• The discipline of testing
• Related disciplines
• IT generally
• Social and communication skills
• The domain.

Following courses is a requirement to ensure this. One important instrument for HRM is a training programme for test personnel. It can be used to determine the gap between the available and required knowledge of the test professional. We recommend ensuring that the test courses have a modular structure and are available as such. Depending on the position and the employee’s existing expertise, training can then be provided more or less individually per (sub-)subject. Subjects may be:

Discipline of testing:

• Test methods and techniques
• Test environment and test tools
• Test management and control
• Test process improvement
• Product risk analysis and estimating
• Test certification.

Related disciplines:

• Quality management
• Requirements Lifecycle Management
• Project management.

General IT knowledge:

• Methods and tools for system development
• Planning and progress monitoring tools
• System management and operation
• Technical infrastructure.

Social and communication skills:

• Reporting and documentation techniques
• Test attitude
• Social skills in speech, writing and personality
• Effective leadership.

Domain:

• Industry-specific domain and certification
• General domain and organisation knowledge.