Software Testing Certification ISTQB ASTQB CTFL: ISTQB Software Tester Certification Exam Information

ISTQB Software Tester Certification Exam Information

Registration Options

Electronic Exams at Select
Test Centers

Scheduled Public Exams

Onsite Company Exams

Classroom Discount Program

Overview

Below are brief descriptions of the ISTQB Certified Tester, Foundation Level (CTFL) and ISTQB Certified Tester, Advanced Level (CTAL) certifications, as well as links to the four ways you can take an exam.

ISTQB Certified Tester, Foundation Level (CTFL)

The Foundation Level qualification is aimed at anyone involved in software testing. This includes people in roles such as testers, test analysts, test engineers, test consultants, test managers, user acceptance testers and software developers. This Foundation Level qualification is also appropriate for anyone who wants a basic understanding of software testing, such as project managers, quality managers, software development managers, business analysts, IT directors and management consultants. Holders of the Foundation Certificate will be able to go on to a higher level software testing qualification.

Understanding concepts for general types of applications
Experience Requirement: None
Certification Prerequisite: None
Fee: US $250. Re-examination fee, if needed, is the same

Goals

Ensure a broad understanding of fundamental and key concepts in software testing
Provide a foundation for professional growth
Ensure an understanding of key concepts in software testing by committed test professionals

Syllabus/body of knowledge covers

Fundamentals of testing, test management, testing tools, test planning approaches, and basic
performance testing
Syllabus-based training courses are typically 3-5 days

Examination

Written exam of 40 multiple-choice questions, each worth one point
Score of 65% or more is passing
One hour is allowed to take the exam
May be taken as a scheduled public exam, an electronic exam at select test centers, or onsite at one's company

Sample Foundation Exam

ASTQB is pleased to offer a sample CTFL exam for study purposes. To illustrate the knowledge levels tested, ISTQB has provided sample questions from the 3 types of K-values found on the exam.

Sample ISTQB CTFL Exam
Sample ISTQB CTFL Exam Answers

ISTQB Certified Tester, Advanced Level (CTAL)

The Advanced Level qualification is aimed at people who have achieved an advanced point in their careers in software testing. This includes people in roles such as testers, test analysts, test engineers, test consultants, test managers, user acceptance testers and software developers. This Advanced Level qualification is also appropriate for anyone who wants a deeper understanding of software testing, such as project managers, quality managers, software development managers, business analysts, IT directors and management consultants. To receive Advanced Level certification, candidates must hold the Foundation Certificate and satisfy the Exam Board which examines them that they have sufficient practical experience to be considered Advanced Level qualified.

Experience Requirement: 3 years of verifiable full-time experience in software or systems testing, development, quality assurance, engineering or a related field
Certification Prerequisite: ISTQB Certified Tester, Foundation Level (CTFL)
Fees: US $200.00 per exam, with a US $100.00 qualification fee

Types

Advanced Level Test Analyst
Advanced Level Test Manager
Advanced Level Technical Test Analyst

Goals

Ensure consistent understanding and execution of proven cutting-edge techniques by seasoned test professionals
Support on-going professional growth
Lead the software testing profession

Syllabus/body of knowledge covers

Advanced behavioral and structural test techniques for testers and programmers, sophisticated test management concepts, test process improvement, test automation, and advanced performance, usability, and other non-functional test types.
Syllabus-based training courses for all three exams are between 15-20 days.

Examination

Written exam of 65 multiple-choice questions, each worth one to two points depending upon difficulty
Score of 65% or more is passing at present
One hundred eighty minutes is allowed to take the exam
May be taken as a scheduled public exam at any time when a Foundation exam is given, or onsite at one's company

Application Process

Examinee is encouraged to apply ten days or more in advance of the projected exam date to allow time for the qualification to be processed. Examinee will submit an application, paying the US $100 qualification fee, and submitting proof of CTFL certification and a resume and/or employer verification of 3 years experience

Once qualification has been determined, the examinee will be informed of his/her acceptance and confirmed as to exam site and location if registered. If the examinee is taking training, the Training Provider will be notified.

Once qualified, the examinee's permanent record with ASTQB will reflect the approval, whether or not the examinee carries through with the examination at that time.

If the above process for qualification is not completed by the exam date, the examinee will be allowed to take the exam as long as the qualification fee and exam fee have been paid, or payment arranged through a Training Provider. No results, however, will be issued until the examinee has been determined to be qualified.

If the examinee is determined not to be qualified, no refund of the US $100 qualification fee will be issued. If, however, the examinee becomes qualified at a later date, the original fee will be credited to any future Advanced Level exams.

ISTQB software tester certification exams are available at convenient locations throughout the year. Choose from:

ASTQB Reasonable Accommodations Policy

In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, individuals with disabilities needing a reasonable accommodation to take the ISTQB Foundation or Advanced Level exam should provide written notice to Lois Kostroski, Executive Director, at American Software Testing Qualifications Board, 12000 N. Dale Mabry Hwy., Suite 110, Tampa, FL 33618 USA at least 14 days prior to the exam.

Individuals requesting a reasonable accommodation may be required to provide certification of their disability or need for reasonable accommodation so that ASTQB can determine what accommodation, if any, will be provided.