ISTQB Logo for ISTQB Foundation Level

ISTQB Foundation Level certification (CTFL) is your easy first step toward better software testing, software testing jobs, and promotions.

Companies want to hire QA testers with ISTQB Foundation Level from ASTQB & AT*SQA because they are better at reducing software defects, delays, risks, and costs – and they have demonstrated their American English abilities.

Below are the 5 easy steps to prepare for your ISTQB Foundation Level exam – plus tips on how to pass ISTQB Foundation Level.

Register now for your ISTQB Foundation Level Exam through our official ISTQB exam provider AT*SQA


Why should you take the ISTQB Foundation Level exam?

ISTQB Foundation Level (CTFL) is required for everyone who tests software full-time or part-time, including software testers, QA analysts, product owners, developers, and automation engineers. ISTQB Foundation Level is requested by employers more than any other software testing certification.

Our official ISTQB exam provider AT*SQA makes it easy to get ISTQB Foundation Level certified: Purchase your ISTQB Foundation Level exam voucher then select either the 3.1 or the 4.0 version when you schedule your exam.

The ISTQB Certified Tester Foundation Level (CTFL) has 5 major benefits for you and your organization. But you must take your CTFL exam through our official global ISTQB exam provider AT*SQA to get all five benefits:

  1. ISTQB Foundation Level (CTFL) gives your entire software team common testing principles and terms. This improves communication and efficiency so your company can top 99% in defect removal efficiency, lower costs, and speed development.
  2. ISTQB CTFL also creates a professional testing skills path for advanced testing jobs. Managers: See how this helps you retain software testers.
  3. ISTQB Foundation Level is the standard for software testing services RFPs and software tester job postings.
  4. ISTQB Foundation Level is a prerequisite for all other ISTQB certifications including ISTQB Agile. This starts a software testing career path that leads to promotions.
  5. When you pass, you can appear on both the ISTQB successful candidate register plus the Official U.S. List of Certified Software Testers™. If you are between jobs at any point in your career, you can appear in the AT*Work™ list of software testers for hire.

    Important: To appear on all of these lists and increase your Testing Tiers™ software tester level, you must register for your ISTQB exam through AT*SQA.

What if I have no experience in software testing? Can ISTQB certification help me get a software testing job? Yes! ISTQB Foundation Level and ISTQB Agile testing certifications from ASTQB (ISTQB in the U.S.) can be as valuable as experience. For example, the United States job posting below accepts ISTQB certification from ASTQB in place of experience:

Requirements: “At least 1 year of progressive experience in the validation of software systems. Foundation Level with Agile Tester ISTQB certification can substitute for this experience.

Official US List of Certified Testers including ISTQB Foundation Level Certification

Important: American employers check if you are on the Official U.S. List of Certified Software Testers™. To appear on that official U.S. list and get points toward your Testing Tiers® software tester level, you must register through our official global ISTQB exam provider AT*SQA. Of course, we will also add you to the ISTQB successful candidate register. Are you between jobs or looking for your first software testing job? Then you can also appear in the AT*Work™ list of software testers for hire!

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How to prepare for the ISTQB CTFL exam in 5 easy steps:

  1. Watch our free tips for how to pass the ISTQB Foundation Level (CTFL). Also learn the answer to this question: “Is the ISTQB Foundation Level Exam Easy or Hard?
  2. Download our free ISTQB CTFL study materials for either CTFL version 4.0 or CTFL version 3.1 below.
  3. Study the ISTQB CTFL syllabus, sample exams, glossary, and related information in books or websites. Or prepare with the easier, faster route of taking an accredited software testing training course.
  4. Register for your ISTQB Foundation (CTFL) exam through our official ISTQB exam provider AT*SQA. Only AT*SQA can add you to the Official U.S. List of Certified Software Testers™ and the ISTQB successful candidate register – plus increase your Testing Tiers® software tester ranking level. And if you need a job, you can appear in the AT*Work™ list of testers available for hire.
  5. Pass your exam! You can add yourself to the Official U.S. List of Certified Software Testers™ and the ISTQB Successful Candidate Register through your AT*SQA account. Plus you’ll move up in your Testing Tiers® software tester ranking! And if you need a job, you can appear in the AT*Work™ list of testers available for hire through your AT*SQA account.

“My career has definitely improved a lot after taking the CTFL certification. I often get appreciation from my peers and manager when they see the CTFL certification in my office cube.”

ISTQB Foundation (CTFL) Preparation Resources

Below are the syllabi and sample exams for ISTQB Foundation Level 4.0 and ISTQB Foundation Level 3.1. Purchase your ISTQB Foundation Level exam at our official ISTQB exam provider AT*SQA and you can choose either version when you schedule your exam!

  • Syllabus: ISTQB Foundation Level 3.1
  • ISTQB Foundation Level Certification Syllabus v3.1.1
    The ISTQB Foundation Level 3.1 exam is available through May 9th, 2024. Register for your ISTQB Foundation Level exam at our official ISTQB exam provider AT*SQA. Your purchase lets you take either the 3.1 or 4.0 version – it is your choice.
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  • Sample Exams: ISTQB Foundation Level 3.1
  • ISTQB Foundation Level Sample Exam 1
    Specially created for the ISTQB exam given by ASTQB & AT*SQA
  • ISTQB Foundation Level Sample Exam 2
    Specially created for the ISTQB exam given by ASTQB & AT*SQA
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  • Glossary
  • Glossary of Software Testing Terms
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  • Exam Format
  • 40 questions | 60 minutes (75 minutes if English is not your primary language)
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ISTQB Foundation Level certification is an easy first step.

ASTQB makes ISTQB CTFL easier by giving you free resources that help you prepare for the CTFL exam (see above).

NOTE: You must register for your ISTQB exam through our official ISTQB exam provider AT*SQA to appear on the Official U.S. List of Certified Testers™ and earn Testing Tiers® ranking level points. Employers check with us, ASTQB and AT*SQA, to see if you are ISTQB certified. U.S. managers tell us they want you to take the ASTQB/AT*SQA version of the ISTQB exam because it shows your commitment to communicating with the rest of their American English-speaking team. We will also add you to the ISTQB successful candidate register (SCR), of course. If you are seeking a job, you can also appear in the AT*Work™ list of testers available for hire!

If you want to make it even easier to prepare, take an accredited ISTQB testing training course. Choose a course that qualifies for ASTQB Proficiency Distinction™ and you’ll get extra recognition and Testing Tiers® points that make you stand out for promotions and jobs.

“I believe that going through the certification process helped me grow tremendously as a software tester, which led to my current position as a Product Manager. Thank you for all that you do!”

Why should you get the career booster of ISTQB CTFL software testing certification through ASTQB and AT*SQA?

  • It shows employers you have practical software testing knowledge.
  • It makes your company’s testing more efficient because everyone uses the same terms and principles.
  • It shows your commitment and puts you on a career path to promotion.
  • It adds you to the Official U.S. List of Certified Software Testers™ that is advertised to companies millions of times yearly.
  • If you need a job, you can appear in the AT*Work™ list of testers available for hire.

Get started today on ISTQB certification. Be sure to register for your ISTQB exam through ASTQB and our official ISTQB exam provider AT*SQA so you can get the extra, free benefits!

Managers: See 10 reasons your company needs testers with ISTQB certification from ASTQB.