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location: accreditation / iseb / systems development
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ISEB Diploma in Systems Development

To gain the Diploma in Systems Development, candidates must pass four written examinations on a number of systems development topics, each of which leads to a certificate which has value in its own right. The examinations for the 'core' modules are of one-hour duration. To convert their set of certificates into the Diploma, candidates then attend an interview with two ISEB examiners to confirm their technical, business and interpersonal competencies.

Module Course Duration Fee
Core Systems Development Essentials
(formerly Business Systems Investigation)		 3 days £1195
Core Systems Modelling Techniques
(formerly Analysis & Design Techniques)		 3 days £1195
Core Systems Design and Implementation Techniques 3 days £1195
Specialist IT Architecture 4 days £1500
Specialist Software Testing Foundation 3 days £895
Specialist Business Analysis Essentials 3 days £1195
Specialist Integrating Off-the-shelf Software Solutions 3 days £1195

Core Modules

There are three core modules in the Diploma, which all candidates must attain. These modules (and, indeed, the optional modules) may be gained in any order.

  • Systems Development Essentials

    This module provides a solid grounding in the essential elements of the systems development process:

    • The role of the analyst and system designer
    • Systems architecture
    • Development lifecycles and approaches
    • Methodologies
    • Systems investigation
    • Design, implementation and maintenance
    • Quality assurance.

  • Systems Modelling Techniques

    This module provides a more detailed knowledge of the techniques used in modelling IT systems:

    • The benefits of standardised approaches
    • Views of an IT system (process, static data, event-driven, user-interface)
    • Construction of models from each viewpoint, using recognised techniques
    • Consistency checking between the views
    • Validation against business objectives.

  • Systems Design and Implementation Techniques

    This module focuses on the techniques used to design and implement the IT system:

    • Input/output design
    • Interface design
    • Data design and normalisation
    • Process design and specification
    • Controls and security
    • Physical design
    • Testing
    • Implementation methods, training and post-implementation issues.

Specialist Modules

Candidates must choose one of the following specialist modules to complete their set of certificates. Which they choose will depend on their own background and preferences (business versus technical, for example), what their organisation requires and the nature of their current roles. The available modules are:

  • IT Architecture

    This module is aimed at IT architects and other technical staff working in or moving into an IT architecture role:

    • The role of the architect and types of IT architecture
    • Elements of the systems development process - enterprise, system and infrastructure
    • Deliverables - business and system architecture, standards and legal requirements, governance issues
    • Techniques and tools - design techniques, approaches, tools and trends.

    This is a two-hour, closed book, multiple-choice examination.

  • Software Testing

    This module examines the key role of testing in the development of IT systems:

    • Principles of testing
    • Testing throughout the lifecycle
    • Dynamic testing techniques
    • Static testing
    • Test management
    • Tool support for testing.

    This is a one-hour, closed book, multiple-choice examination.

  • Business Analysis Essentials

    This module is most suited to candidates who need to combine their technical roles with working alongside business analysts or system users:

    • Strategic analysis tools (for example, PESTLE, MOST, SWOT)
    • Initial analysis of business problems, for instance using 'rich pictures'
    • Business perspectives
    • Business activity modelling
    • Gap analysis
    • Business case development.

    This is a one-hour, open book, scenario-based examination.

  • Integrating Off-the-shelf Software Solutions

    This module provides a framework for selecting, customizing and implementing off-the-shelf software packaging solutions:

    • The strategic issues of Commercial Off The Shelf (COTS) package approach
    • A framework for effective software package selection
    • Functional and non-functional requirements
    • Product and supplier requirements
    • Request For Proposals (RFP)
    • Potential COTS package solutions
    • The software package approach to systems development

    This is a one-hour, open book, scenario-based examination.

Oral Examination

The oral examination lasts for 45-50 minutes and the candidate is required to demonstrate that they can put the competencies gained in the written examinations into a coherent context. They must also show that they have the interpersonal skills required to function effectively as a systems developer.

Further information

Assist Knowledge Development offers courses leading to all certificates in the Systems Development Diploma and can provide detailed course outlines, prices and course dates. Please contact Martin Pearson, either by phone on 01844 211665 or by email at martin.pearson@assistkd.com.

More information on the Systems Development Diploma can be obtained at the ISEB website: www.iseb.org.uk