Frequently asked questions regarding ASTQB and ISTQB  

ASTQB Headquarters is located at:
American Software Testing Qualifications Board, Inc.
Lois Kostroski
Executive Director
13153 N Dale Mabry Hwy, Suite 105
Tampa, FL 33618 USA
Phone (813) 319-0890
Fax (813) 968-3597
info@astqb.org
www.astqb.org

2008 ASTQB Board of Directors and Technical Advisory Group

What is ASTQB?
ASTQB was founded in 2003 as the American Testing Board. In April 2005, the name was changed to the American Software Testing Qualifications Board.

Through the involvement of the world's foremost experts in software testing, the program was developed for software professionals who want to prepare today's professionals by anticipating tomorrow's software testing demands.

The British Information Systems Examination Board (ISEB) of the British Computer Society (BCS), in cooperation with the International Software Testing Qualifications Board (ISTQB), organized by ASQF and International Software Quality Institute (ISQI), introduced a truly international standard for software testers. At both the Foundation Level and the Advanced Level the programs supporting the ISTQB Certified Tester bridge the gap between research, standard training and industry practice.

The ASTQB is a group of highly experienced experts in software testing who volunteer their time to the development, maintenance, and promotion of the ISTQB Certified Tester program in the U.S. They also represent U.S. interests internationally as the national board for the U.S. within the ISTQB. The ASTQB is a non-profit organization. Exam and accreditation fees are charged to cover the cost connected with the administration of exams, applications for accreditation, the maintenance of a physical office, exhibits at leading software testing conventions, and the employment of administrative staff.

How did ISTQB certification start?
In Europe, industry demand pushed the development of this certification program. The program has been introduced in the U.S. to truly internationalize it and to satisfy industry demand for in internationally recognized certification, which now is an industry standard in many other countries already. The success of the program can certainly be attributed to its transparent structure, volunteer and non-profit character, and the representation of national interests through national boards.

What is ISTQB?
ISTQB is the International Software Testing Qualifications Board.  It is composed of representatives from each existing national board, such as the ASTQB. The ISTQB decides on the standards for certification and accreditation as an ISTQB accredited training provider. Working parties within ISTQB are responsible for developing and maintaining the Foundation and Advanced Level syllabi and exams. As with ASTQB, all members are volunteers.

What is the ISTQB Certified Tester program?
The ISTQB Certified Tester program provides certification for software testers internationally. There are currently two levels of certification: The Foundation Level and the Advanced Level certificates. For both levels, international working parties develop and maintain internationally uniform curricula and exams. One of the core principles of the program is a strict separation between the administration of exams and the training to those who would like to prepare for the exam in ISTQB compliant courses.

What does an ISTQB certificate tell me about the skills of a software tester?
The Foundation Level exam tests for knowledge, not skill. It provides information about the certificate holder's level of familiarity with the most common concepts of software testing and the associated terminology. It does not require work experience. The Foundation Level exam is a stepping stone toward the Advanced Level, which is more in-depth and much more practice-oriented. Foundation Level: Knowledge. Advanced Level: Skill.

How many ISTQB certified testers are there?
Over 110,000 software testers currently hold ISTQB compliant certificates.

ASTQB Media Contacts

Let us know how we can help you with your stories regarding software testing and software tester certification.  Our media resource team will be happy to assist with providing contacts for information or interviews.

Dave Stevens, Stevens & Stevens LLC
(317) 726-0788
dstevens@stevens-stevens.com

Lois Kostroski, ASTQB
(813) 319-0890
info@astqb.org

Frequently Asked Questions Regarding the Exam 

What is the exam format?

The Foundation Level exam consists of 40 multiple choice questions designed to evaluate a candidate's knowledge and understanding of the entire Foundation syllabus. A grade of 65% must be attained in order to pass. The exam is a closed book exam. You have 60 minutes to finish.

The Advanced Level exam is composed of three sections of 180 minutes each. They correspond to the three different subject areas: 'Technical Test Analyst,' 'Test Analyst,' and 'Test Manager.' All three areas must be passed with more than 65% of the possible points in order to receive the full Advanced Level certificate. However, single sections of the exam can be taken, and the certificate identifies which sections have been completed.  You may sit for only one Advanced Level Exam at a time. The general format of each section corresponds to the Foundation Level exam.

Does everybody take the exact same exam?

No. The questions come from an international pool of questions and are being combined differently so that the exam itself changes constantly while the level of difficulty remains comparable. New questions are constantly being developed by the members of all national boards and the various working parties.

Where can I take the exam?

You have three options for taking the exam:

1) You may take the exam at any of the locations published on the calendar page.  The exam is offered at the conclusion of ISTQB-compliant courses provided by ISTQB-accredited training companies.

2) You may take the exam online at one of hundreds of test centers around the world.  See the online exam page for a list of locations and registration information.

3) If your company has four or more testers, you can contact the ASTQB to administer the exam on site at your company.  See the exam registration page for more information.

Can I take the exam online?

Yes, at select test centers. Click here for the list of test centers, and for the link to register for an online exam.

How much does the exam cost?

The Foundation Level exam is US $250.
Each of the Advanced Level exams is US $200, with a one-time US $100 qualification fee.

When is payment of the exam fee due?

Upon registration.