How to further expand knowledge in Software QA?

manpreet Best Answer 2 years ago

I recently passed the ISTQB Foundation Level exam and even though I did pretty well in the exam I have the feeling that I haven’t learned much at all except maybe some basic concepts and a few strategies on how to pass a multiple choice exam. Therefore, I would like to expand my knowledge on the topics covered in the ISTQB Foundation Level Syllabus. I would be very grateful if anyone can suggest some good books on software testing, and also some “must read” books on the topic.

I just read the syllabus when preparing for the exam, but I also came across a few times on the book “Foundations of Software Testing” by Rex Black, Erik van Veenendaal and Dorothy Graham. I’ve heard some people recommend this book. It covers the 2011 Foundation Level Syllabus. Would it be useful to read it, since I wrote the 2018 Version of the exam? Or is the book “out-of-date” so to speak?

One more thing - is there any way to practice using a software testing tool at home? I would like to have an understanding on how to use some of the well-known tools for testing before I apply for a job. (Studying for the ISTQB exam is plain theory)

I would like to hear your thoughts on it.