ISTQB Reviews on Courses, Pricing, Features & Career Impact
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Last updated on 1 Dec '24
- About ISTQB
- Why Should You Take Up ISTQB Certification?
- ISTQB Certification Fee
- ISTQB College comparison
- ISTQB Certification Eligibility
- ISTQB Student Reviews
- ISTQB FAQs Related To ISTQB
About ISTQB
ISTQB® is a widely recognized certification body in the software testing domain. It has conducted over 1.3 million exams and issued over 957,000 certifications across 130 countries. ISTQB® operates through a network of accredited training providers, member boards, and exam providers, making it a significant and well-established vendor-neutral certification scheme globally.
The terminology established by ISTQB® is widely accepted in the industry and serves as a common language for software testing professionals worldwide.
ISTQB Certification Levels
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Level |
Certification Name |
Exam Structure |
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Core Foundation |
Certified Tester Foundation Level (CTFL) v4.0 |
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Certified Tester Foundation Level (CTFL) v3.1 |
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Core Advanced |
Certified Tester Advanced Level Test Analyst (CTAL-TA) |
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Certified Tester Advanced Level Test Automation Engineering (CTAL-TAE) v2.0 |
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Specialist |
Certified Tester Test Automation Strategy (CT-TAS) |
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Certified Tester AI Testing (CT-AI) |
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Agile |
Certified Tester Foundation Level Agile Tester (CTFL-AT) |
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Certified Tester Advanced Level Agile Technical Tester (CTAL-ATT) |
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Expert Level Improving the Test Process |
Certified Tester Expert Level Assessing Test Processes (CTEL-ITP-ATP) |
CTEL-ITP certification comprises 2 parts -
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Certified Tester Expert Level Implementing Test Process Improvement (CTEL-ITP-ITPI) |
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Expert Level Test Management |
Certified Tester Expert Level Test Management Strategic Test Management (CTEL-TM-SM) |
CTEL-TM certification comprises 3 parts -
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Certified Tester Expert Level Test Management Operational Test Management (CTEL-TM-OTM) |
Commonly asked questions On Highlights
Q: What is ISTQB? Why should I consider taking its courses?
The full form of ISTQB is International Software Testing Qualifications Board. It is a global organisation that awards certification for software testing professionals. The ISTQB certification becomes valuable since it represents a standardized measure of expertise and knowledge about software testing practices. Earning an ISTQB qualification demonstrates, primarily to your employer and your clients, that you have at least a specified level of competence in testing practices, best practices, and the prevailing standards in your industry. This gives access to jobs and higher salary levels, among other benefits. ISTQB certifications are also considered professional credentials widely respected by the industry and contribute to having a common framework to evaluate the relative testing skills across different organizations and geographical locations.
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Q: How long does it take to complete an ISTQB course?
It depends on the level, as well as the mode, of training. Training can take as little as 2 to 3 days for the Foundation Level, depending on the provider and the course depth. The Advanced Level courses generally require 3 to 5 days of training per module, depending on their complexity and uniqueness. Expert-level courses take more weeks because they are special study topics, which usually require higher preparation and study. Secondly, if you take an e-learning or self-paced course, you are flexible in terms of time commitment to accommodate your learning pace.
Upvote Q: What are the exam formats and languages covered in ISTQB certifications?
Exam Formats:
Foundation and Advanced: Multiple-choice
Expert: Essays. The questions differ in complexity and involve higher-level scenario-based questions for the Expert level to test practical knowledge.
Delivery: Online, through a proctored system or at authorized centers, tests can be taken by candidates anywhere in the world.
Languages: The certifications are offered in multiple languages, such as English, Spanish, French, German, and Mandarin, to ensure global accessibility.
Upvote Why Should You Take Up ISTQB Certification?
Here are some of the ways how ISTQB Certification can advance your career as a software tester:
Benefits from ISTQB Certification on the Individual Level
International Acceptability
The most observable benefit of an ISTQB certification is its international acceptability. ISTQB certifications are recognized worldwide and display your presentation as a competent expert in software testing. This may unlock opportunities in your career as you seek a new job or promotion in an existing company.
Career Development
An ISTQB certification is an assurance of commitment to professional growth. It allows you to acquire more information and the latest industrial standards. Moreover, one will get an ISTQB certification with a specified expiration date, thus forcing you to remain updated on industry trends much after the certification has been completed.
Boosts Confidence
Preparing and passing the ISTQB exams would be complex, but overcoming them will boost your self-confidence and abilities as a software testing professional. It will reassure you that you have undergone thorough testing, bringing adequacy or self-confidence to work.
Brings Credibility
An ISTQB certificate adds credibility to your professional profile. The certification is a tangible proof of your skills and knowledge in software testing, which employers and colleagues notice. This can help ensure the trust of your coworkers and clients when it comes to critical projects.
Better Career Opportunities
An ISTQB certification is a great ticket to open your doors to new career prospects. Many companies actively recruit certified professionals who may take critical positions in the software testing team. If you're searching for an entry-level position or have what it takes to climb the corporate ladder, an ISTQB certification can be perfect for your profile.
Higher Income Potential
There has been a rising demand for certified software testing professionals, and they have been offered higher salaries. ISTQB-certificate holders receive better pay than their non-certified counterparts. Moreover, holding an ISTQB certification opens an avenue for negotiating a higher salary during new employment or seeking a raise at one's workplace.
Career Flexibility
Software testing is an applied discipline cutting across all walks of life, from healthcare to banking and entertainment. ISTQB certification is a transferable skill across any sector, so you can adapt and explore sectors you are passionate about.
Benefits from ISTQB Certification for Businesses
Improved Quality of Software
A properly certified workforce of ISTQB-endowed personnel ensures that software testing is done proficiently and efficiently, leading to better software quality and reduced costs linked with post-implementation troubleshooting and repairs.
Minimized Costly Mistakes
Detecting errors in an early phase of the software development cycle would obviate the costly rework and project delays that might result. Companies that have employed ISTQB-certified professionals will be more proactive about early problem detection and prevention, conserving time and effort.
Compliances with Government Laws and Standards
Nowadays, many industries, such as pharmaceutical or aerospace companies, rely totally on rules and regulations. Compliance has also become one of the ISTQB concepts, whereby software testing professionals learn about relevant compliance standards and abide by all legal and quality requirements.
ISTQBPros and Cons of ISTQB
Commonly asked questions On Others
Q: How long does it take to complete an ISTQB course?
It depends on the level, as well as the mode, of training. Training can take as little as 2 to 3 days for the Foundation Level, depending on the provider and the course depth. The Advanced Level courses generally require 3 to 5 days of training per module, depending on their complexity and uniqueness. Expert-level courses take more weeks because they are special study topics, which usually require higher preparation and study. Secondly, if you take an e-learning or self-paced course, you are flexible in terms of time commitment to accommodate your learning pace.
Upvote Q: Are ISTQB courses available online?
Yes, ISTQB courses are offered by several training providers in an online format. These courses can be live, instructor-led sessions where you can interact with the instructor in real-time, or you can use self-paced e-learning modules which you can do at your discretion. There are numerous online courses that offer the possibility of combining both formats. Of course, it is also very important, though, to take into account that the course provider must be accredited by ISTQB.
Upvote Q: What are the prerequisites for taking an ISTQB Foundation Level course?
ISTQB Foundation Level does not require any pre-requisites. The purpose in developing this course was to bring this course to people without any background or experience in testing software. A comprehensive orientation to the field is the primary objective of the introduction course, making it suitable for beginners and anyone seeking to formalize their knowledge in the field. However, some basics of how software is developed can be helpful for better assimilation.
Upvote ISTQB Certification Fee
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ISTQB Exam Name |
Certification Fee |
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ISTQB Foundation Level exam |
$229 |
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ISTQB specialty exams -
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$199 |
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ISTQB advanced speciality exams -
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$249 |
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ISTQB core advanced level exams -
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$249 |
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ISTQB Expert Level exams |
$575 |
ISTQBCollege comparison
ISTQB Certification Eligibility
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Certification Name |
Who should take this course?/Eligibility |
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Certified Tester Foundation Level (CTFL) v4.0 |
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Certified Tester Foundation Level (CTFL) v3.1 |
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Certified Tester Advanced Level Test Automation Engineering (CTAL-TAE) v2.0 |
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Certified Tester Test Automation Strategy (CT-TAS) |
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Certified Tester AI Testing (CT-AI) |
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Certified Tester Advanced Level Test Analyst (CTAL-TA) |
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Certified Tester Foundation Level Agile Tester (CTFL-AT) |
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Certified Tester Advanced Level Agile Technical Tester (CTAL-ATT) |
Mandatory requirements
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Certified Tester Expert Level Assessing Test Processes (CTEL-ITP-ATP) |
Mandatory requirements:
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Commonly asked questions On Additional Details 1
Q: Do I need to have a background in software development to take an ISTQB course?
No, you do not need a software development background to take an ISTQB course, at least at the foundation level. A background in development may perhaps give added perspectives and make understanding some of the concepts more intuitive. However, the Foundation Level course is still designed to be accessible to candidates from various backgrounds, including those with little or no technical experience. A basic familiarity with software development and testing practices is useful for higher-level certifications but not strictly necessary.
Upvote Q: How do I prepare for ISTQB exam?
Preparing for the ISTQB exam involves several steps as follows:
- Practice Exams: Take practice exams or sample questions to get an idea of what format your questions will be in and, more importantly, what kinds of questions you are likely to face.
- Study Material: For ISTQB certification, use the recommended study guide and books, including "Foundations of Software Testing" by Black, van Veenendaal, and Graham.
- Training Courses: Join an accredited training company's preparation course to receive formally structured learning and guidance from the experts.
- Study Groups: Join any study groups or discussion forums in which you can raise questions from your peers, clear your queries, and share resources.
- Hands-on Practice: Applying theories learned during practice; this is practical application in real-life situations or projects to reinforce the learning.
Upvote ISTQBAdditional details 2
Commonly asked questions On Additional Details 2
Q: What is the format of ISTQB exams?
The ISTQB exam format is as follows -
- Question Type: Primarily multiple-choice questions.
- Foundation Level: ~40 questions; 60 minutes; 65% passing score.
- Advanced Level: ~40-60 questions; 90-180 minutes; 65% passing score.
- Expert Level: Includes multiple-choice and written assignments; duration varies.
- Language: Available in multiple languages.
- Scoring: No negative marks; each question typically worth one mark.
- Certification: Internationally recognised certificate upon passing.
Upvote 
ISTQB FAQs Related To ISTQB
Q: How do I choose the right ISTQB course for me?
Before choosing the right ISTQB course, consider your current level of experience, career goals, and areas of interest. And if you are new to the world of software testing, you should begin with a Foundation Level course, which will give you a broad understanding of fundamental testing principles and practices. If you are a more experienced professional looking to really change your career, the Advanced Level certifications are more sensible so you can specialize either in Test Management or Technical Testing. As an experienced professional, focused on particular technologies or methodologies, consider attaining Specialist Certifications to deepen you understanding even further. You also verify the material covered in the course and whether the training organisation is an ISTQB-accredited partner to award the certification you are seeking.
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Updated on Dec 1, 2024
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