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ISTQB® (International Software Testing Qualifications Board) is the world's leading certification organisation for software testing competencies thanks to its successful ISTQB® Certified Tester scheme. As of June 2024, ISTQB® has administered more than 1.4 million ISTQB exams and issued over 995,000 certifications in over 130 countries.
The ISTQB® Certified Tester scheme is based on a set of knowledge and examination rules that are consistently applied worldwide, with exams and supporting materials available in various languages.
The goal of ISTQB ® is to continually improve and advance the software testing profession by defining knowledge, connecting the international community, and fostering research.
ISTQB Certification Levels
Level |
Certification Name |
Exam Structure |
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) |
|
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) |
ISTQB Certification Eligibility
Listed below is the certification eligibility for different ISTQB certifications -
Certification Name |
Who should take this course?/Eligibility |
Certified Tester Foundation Level (CTFL) v4.0 |
|
Certified Tester Foundation Level (CTFL) v3.1 |
|
Certified Tester Advanced Level Test Automation Engineering (CTAL-TAE) v2.0 |
|
Certified Tester Test Automation Strategy (CT-TAS) |
|
Certified Tester AI Testing (CT-AI) |
|
Certified Tester Advanced Level Test Analyst (CTAL-TA) |
|
Certified Tester Foundation Level Agile Tester (CTFL-AT) |
|
Certified Tester Advanced Level Agile Technical Tester (CTAL-ATT) |
Mandatory requirements
OR
|
Certified Tester Expert Level Assessing Test Processes (CTEL-ITP-ATP) |
Mandatory requirements:
|
Certified Tester Expert Level Implementing Test Process Improvement (CTEL-ITP-ITPI) |
|
Certified Tester Expert Level Test Management Strategic Test Management (CTEL-TM-SM) |
|
Certified Tester Expert Level Test Management Operational Test Management (CTEL-TM-OTM) |
Syllabus for ISTB Certification Exams
To help you understand which topics to study for ISTQB certification exams, we have listed the syllabus for respective exams separately.
Core Foundation
Certified Tester Foundation Level (CTFL) v4.0
Topic |
Description |
Testing Fundamentals |
Basics of testing, objectives, and principles |
Test Process |
Testing activities, roles, and workflows |
Testing Throughout the SDLC |
Integration of testing in different development models |
Test Techniques |
Black-box, white-box, and experience-based techniques |
Test Management |
Test planning, monitoring, and control |
Tools |
Overview of testing tools and their applications |
Certified Tester Foundation Level (CTFL) v3.1
Topic |
Description |
Similar to v4.0 |
Covers similar topics as v4.0 with minor differences |
Core Advanced
Certified Tester Advanced Level Test Analyst (CTAL-TA)
Topic |
Description |
Testing Techniques |
Advanced black-box techniques and functional testing |
Test Process Improvement |
Defining and optimizing test processes |
Testing Documentation |
Creating test plans, designs, and specifications |
Non-functional Testing |
Usability testing, performance testing, and security testing |
Defect Management |
Identifying and tracking defects |
Certified Tester Advanced Level Test Automation Engineering (CTAL-TAE) v2.0
Topic |
Description |
Automation Concepts |
Basics of test automation |
Test Automation Architecture |
Designing maintainable automation frameworks |
Tools and Techniques |
Selection and implementation of automation tools |
Process Integration |
Integrating automation into test workflows |
Specialist Certifications
Certified Tester Test Automation Strategy (CT-TAS)
Topic |
Description |
Automation Planning |
Strategic test automation planning |
ROI and Metrics |
Measuring the success of automation |
Tool Selection |
Evaluating and selecting appropriate tools |
Certified Tester AI Testing (CT-AI)
Topic |
Description |
AI Basics |
Introduction to AI concepts and machine learning |
Testing AI Systems |
Strategies for validating AI-driven applications |
Ethical Concerns |
Ethics and bias in AI testing |
Agile Certifications
Certified Tester Foundation Level Agile Tester (CTFL-AT)
Topic |
Description |
Agile Principles |
Core concepts of Agile methodologies |
Testing in Agile |
Adapting testing practices for Agile environments |
Test Automation |
Role of Automation in Agile |
Certified Tester Advanced Level Agile Technical Tester (CTAL-ATT)
Topic |
Description |
Advanced Agile Testing |
Techniques for technical testing in Agile |
Automation in Agile |
Continuous integration and delivery testing |
Test-Driven Development |
TDD, BDD, and ATDD concepts |
Expert Level
Improving the Test Process
Topic |
Description |
Assessing Test Processes |
Evaluation and benchmarking |
Process Optimization |
Strategies for improvement |
Test Management
Topic |
Description |
Strategic Test Management |
Long-term planning and decision-making |
Operational Test Management |
Day-to-day test management and execution |
Tips for Preparing for ISTQB Certification
We have listed some practical tips to help you prepare well and succeed in your next ISTQB Certification:
1. Plan Your Preparation
- Be ready for demanding preparation, combining study and practice.
- Use reliable study materials such as "Software Testing Fundamentals" and other ISTQB-recommended resources.
- Review the syllabus and glossary according to your certification level (Foundation, Advanced, or Expert).
- Familiarize yourself with standards like IEEE 829, IEEE 610, ISO 250, ISO/IEC 29119, ISO/IEC 9126.7, etc.
2. Gain Some Testing Experience
- Use open-source testing tools like Selenium, JUnit, or Appium to practice hands-on testing.
- Work on sample projects available on platforms like GitHub to simulate real-world scenarios.
3. Use Mock Exams
- Practice mock exams to get used to the exam format and question types.
- Mock exams help identify weak areas and improve time management.
4. Consider Training Courses
- Enroll in an ISTQB-accredited preparation course for structured guidance.
- Enroll in online courses on testing fundamentals.
- Benefit from trainers who can clarify concepts, share practical examples, and answer questions.
5. Understand the Exam Format
- The ISTQB exam is multiple-choice, with 40 questions in 60 minutes.
- Each question has four options, and only one is correct.
- Aim for a minimum of 65% correct answers (26 correct answers) to pass.
- Don't aim to simply memorize information, but strive to understand the concepts thoroughly to apply them.
6. Practice Exam Strategies
- Start with easier questions or the ones you are confident in to save time.
- Save the majority of your time for more challenging questions.
- Ensure you answer all 40 questions, as there are no negative marks for wrong answers.
7. Time Management During the Exam
- Try not to spend more than 1.5 minutes per question.
- Keep an eye on the clock to leave time for review and marking.
8. Stay Confident and Focused
- Trust your preparation and instincts.
- Avoid overthinking questions, and stay calm even if some questions seem tricky.
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Updated on Jan 24, 2025