Just recently(July 2015) I passed successfully the exam and want to share with you my approach for preparation.
I have 4.5h experience in testing and used different testing techniques at work. So I was not much worried about practical part of the exam. I was worried about theory and how my knowledge are structured. During preparation I realized I used not all of the techniques and not always I can clearly state which Quality Sub-characteristic is correspond to which Quality Characteristic.
For theoretical part of the exam I prepared thoroughly and it helped to get high scores.
It stated that the main goal of ISTQB Advanced Test Analyst exam is to check practical knowledge of examinee. From my experience, solid theoretical knowledge will help too:)
For exam I made some Mind Maps to be able to repeat and remember the data most efficiency.
They really helped me to keep in mind all important theory in structured manner.
For creation of mind maps were used next resources:
- Advanced Level Syllabus Test Analyst (link)
- Sample Questions 2012 Advanced Level Syllabus Test Analyst (link)
- The Software Test Engineer's Handbook: A Study Guide for the ISTQB® Test Analyst and Technical Analyst Advanced Level Certificates(see on amazon)
- A Practitioner's Guide to Software Test Design(see on amazon)
Mind Maps created for syllabus topics:
Chapter 1:
Testing Process
Chapter 2: Test Management: Responsibilities for the Test Analyst (Mind map: TBD)
Chapter 3: Test Techniques (Mind map: TBD)
Chapter 4:
Testing Software Quality Characteristics
Chapter 5:
Reviews
Chapter 6:
Defect Management & Chapter 7: Test Tools
I hope they will be useful for you for preperation.
Online Resources:
