Accelerate your professional software testing career with the ISTQB Certified Tester Foundation Level (CTFL) certification, the core building block for the International Software Testing Qualifications Board (ISTQB) Certified Tester Scheme – the recognised career path for testing professionals.
iSQI will help make your first step towards ISTQB certification with free resources available to download on our website. The ISTQB CTFL syllabus and mock exams can help you to prepare for your ISTQB CTFL certification exam. You can also choose to take an accredited software testing training course with an ISTQB accredited training provider (classroom, virtual live on-line, and e-learning). The ISTQB Foundation exam booking process is easy with iSQI and we offer you multiple options to take your CTFL test. CTFL certification is currently based on the 2018 Foundation Level syllabus.
The ISTQB CTFL foundation level qualification is suitable for anyone who would like to demonstrate practical knowledge of the fundamental concepts of software testing, such as:
It is also suitable for anyone who wants a basic understanding of software testing including project managers, quality managers, software development managers, business analysts, IT directors, and management consultants.
The ISTQB Foundation Level certification is relevant across software delivery practices including Waterfall, Agile, DevOps, and Continuous Delivery.
The ISTQB CTFL certification is included in the “Core” ISTQB stream and it is a prerequisite for all other ISTQB Foundation Level and Advanced Level certifications in all Core, Agile, and Specialist streams (see the ISTQB Roadmap later in this blog).
We are often asked whether the current 2018 syllabus is the only accepted prerequisite; any ISTQB CTFL qualification can be submitted as a valid prerequisite currently (including the 2011 syllabus and any “grandfathered” Foundation Level certifications such as the ISEB BCS Software Testing Foundation Syllabus V2.0).
You can also take an exam with iSQI if you hold a Foundation level certification issued by another exam provider or any local ISTQB Member Board.
Note: for ISTQB Advanced Level Agile Technical Tester the ISTQB Foundation Level Agile Tester is also a prerequisite.
The ISTQB CTFL syllabus has been developed by an ISTQB working group according to the general guidelines on syllabus development. The syllabus was developed in English and then localised into other languages (English, Spanish and Germaabout K Levels in the exam latern are available at https://isqi.org/en/14-istqb-certified-tester-foundation-level.html).
The ISTQB CTFL syllabus includes:
The ISTQB CTFL exam covers 3 different K-levels (K1 to K3):
We have given more information about K Levels in the exam later.
Note: All keywords (as below) in each chapter of the syllabus are examinable for their definition (K1) – these are listed just below the Chapter headings in the syllabus.
Keywords: coverage, debugging, defect, error, failure, quality, quality assurance, root cause, test analysis, test basis, test case, test completion, test condition, test control, test data, test design, test execution, test implementation, test monitoring, test object, test objective, test oracle, test planning, test procedure, test process, test suite, testing, testware, traceability, validation, verification
Keywords: acceptance testing, alpha testing, beta testing, change-related testing, commercial off-the-shelf (COTS), component integration testing, component testing, confirmation testing, contractual acceptance testing, functional testing, impact analysis, integration testing, maintenance testing, non-functional testing, operational acceptance testing, regression testing, regulatory acceptance testing, sequential development model, system integration testing, system testing, test basis, test case, test environment, test level, test object, test objective, test type, user acceptance testing, white-box testing
Keywords: ad hoc review, checklist-based review, dynamic testing, formal review, informal review, inspection, perspective-based reading, review, role-based review, scenario-based review, static analysis, static testing, technical review, walkthrough
Keywords: black-box test technique, boundary value analysis, checklist-based testing, coverage, decision coverage, decision table testing, error guessing, equivalence partitioning, experience-based test technique, exploratory testing, state transition testing, statement coverage, test technique, use case testing, whitebox test technique
Keywords: configuration management, defect management, defect report, entry criteria, exit criteria, product risk, project risk, risk, risk level, risk-based testing, test approach, test control, test estimation, test manager, test monitoring, test plan, test planning, test progress report, test strategy, test summary report, tester
Keywords: data-driven testing, keyword-driven testing, test automation, test execution tool, test management tool
Hint: There are standards referenced in the Foundation Syllabus (e.g., (IEEE, ISO, etc.). The purpose of these references is to provide a framework (as in the references to ISO 25010 regarding quality characteristics) or to provide a source of additional information if desired by the reader. The syllabus is using the standard documents as references. The standards documents are not intended for examination.
There are 62 Learning Objectives in the 2018 CTFL syllabus as follows:
1.1 What is Testing?
LO-1.1.1 Identify typical objectives of testing (K1)
LO-1.1.2 Differentiate testing from debugging (K2)
1.2 Why is Testing Necessary?
LO-1.2.1 Give examples of why testing is necessary (K2)
LO-1.2.2 Describe the relationship between testing and quality assurance and give examples of how testing contributes to higher quality (K2)
LO-1.2.3 Distinguish between error, defect, and failure (K2)
LO-1.2.4 Distinguish between the root cause of a defect and its effects (K2)
1.3 Seven Testing Principles (K2)
LO-1.3.1 Explain the seven principles of testing (K2)
1.4 Test Process
LO-1.4.1 Explain the impact of context on the test process (K2)
LO-1.4.2 Describe the test activities and respective tasks within the test process (K2)
LO-1.4.3 Differentiate the work products that support the test process (K2)
LO-1.4.4 Explain the value of maintaining traceability between the test basis and the test work products (K2)
1.5 The Psychology of Testing (K2)
LO-1.5.1 Identify the psychological factors that influence the success of testing (K1)
LO-1.5.2 Explain the difference between the mindset required for test activities and the mindset required for development activities (K2)
2.1. Software Development Lifecycle Models
LO-2.1.1 Explain the relationships between software development activities and test activities in the software development lifecycle (K2)
LO-2.1.2 Identify reasons why software development lifecycle models must be adapted to the context of project and product characteristics (K1)
LO-2.1.3 Recall characteristics of good testing that are applicable to any life cycle model (K1)
2.2 Test Levels (K2)
LO-2.2.1 Compare the different test levels from the perspective of objectives, test basis, test objects, typical defects and failures, and approaches and responsibilities (K2)
2.3 Test Types (K2)
LO-2.3.1 Compare functional, non-functional and white-box testing (K2)
LO-2.3.2 Recognize that functional and structural tests occur at any test level (K1)
LO-2.3.3 Recognize that functional, non-functional and white-box tests occur at any test level (K1)
LO-2.3.4 Compare the purposes of confirmation testing and regression testing (K2)
2.4 Maintenance Testing (K2)
LO-2.4.1 Summarize triggers for maintenance testing (K2)
LO-2.4.2 Describe the role of impact analysis in maintenance testing (K2)
LO-2.4.3 Describe the role of impact analysis in maintenance testing (K2)
3.1 Static Testing Basics
LO-3.1.1 Recognize types of software work product that can be examined by the different static testing techniques (K1)
LO-3.1.2 Use examples to describe the value of static testing (K2)
LO-3.1.3 Explain the difference between static and dynamic techniques, considering objectives, types of defects to be identified, and the role of these techniques within the software lifecycle (K2)
3.2 Review Process
LO-3.2.1 Summarize the activities of the work product review process (K2)
LO-3.2.2 Recognize the different roles and responsibilities in a formal review (K1)
LO-3.2.3 Explain the differences between different review types: informal review, walkthrough, technical review and inspection (K2)
LO-3.2.4 Apply a review technique to a work product to find defects (K3)
LO-3.2.5 Explain the factors that contribute to a successful review (K2)
4.1 Categories of Test Techniques
LO-4.1.1 Explain the characteristics, commonalities, and differences between black-box test techniques, white-box test techniques and experience-based test techniques (K2)
4.2 Black-box Test Techniques
LO-4.2.1 Apply equivalence partitioning to derive test cases from given requirements (K3)
LO-4.2.2 Apply boundary value analysis to derive test cases from given requirements (K3)
LO-4.2.3 Apply decision table testing to derive test cases from given requirements (K3)
LO-4.2.4 Apply state transition testing to derive test cases from given requirements (K3)
LO-4.2.5 Explain how to derive test cases from a use case (K2)
4.3 White-box Test Techniques
LO-4.3.1 Explain statement coverage (K2)
LO-4.3.2 Explain decision coverage (K2)
LO-4.3.3 Explain the value of statement and decision coverage (K2)
4.4 Experience-based Test Techniques
LO-4.4.1 Explain error guessing (K2)
LO-4.4.2 Explain exploratory testing (K2)
LO-4.4.3 Explain checklist-based testing (K2)
5.1 Test Organization
LO-5.1.1 Explain the benefits and drawbacks of independent testing (K2)
LO-5.1.2 Identify the tasks of a test manager and tester (K1)
5.2 Test Planning and Estimation
LO-5.2.1 Summarize the purpose and content of a test plan (K2)
LO-5.2.2 Differentiate between various test approaches (K2)
LO-5.2.3 Give examples of potential entry and exit criteria (K2)
LO-5.2.4 Apply knowledge of prioritization, and technical and logical dependencies, to schedule test execution for a given set of test cases (K3)
LO-5.2.5 Identify factors that influence the effort related to testing (K1)
LO-5.2.6 Explain the difference between two estimation techniques: the metrics-based technique and the expert-based technique (K2)
5.3 Test Monitoring and Control
LO-5.3.1 Recall metrics used for testing (K1)
LO-5.3.2 Summarize the purposes, contents, and audiences for test reports (K2)
5.4 Configuration Management
LO-5.4.1 Summarize how configuration management supports testing (K2)
5.5 Risks and Testing
LO-5.5.1 Define risk level by using likelihood and impact (K1)
LO-5.5.2 Distinguish between project and product risks (K2)
LO-5.5.3 Describe, by using examples, how product risk analysis may influence thoroughness and scope of testing (K2)
5.6 Defect Management
LO-5.6.1 Write a defect report, covering defects found during testing (K3)
6.1 Test tool considerations
LO-6.1.1 Classify test tools according to their purpose and the test activities they support (K2)
LO-6.1.2 Identify benefits and risks of test automation (K1)
LO-6.1.3 Remember special considerations for test execution and test management tools (K1)
6.2 Test Planning and Estimation (K3)
LO-6.2.1 Identify the main principles for selecting a tool (K1)
LO-6.2.2 Recall the objectives for using pilot projects to introduce tools (K1)
LO-6.2.3 Identify the success factors for evaluation, implementation, deployment and on-going support of test tools in an organization (K1)
There are 12 Business Outcomes in the 2018 CTFL syllabus
You can take an ISTQB Certified Tester Foundation Level accredited training course with one of iSQI’s accredited training provider partners around the world. Our training provider partners offer accredited ISTQB CTFL classroom-based courses, ISTQB CTFL online/virtual courses, or ISTQB CTFL e-learning. You can find more information about our ISTQB accredited training providers by contacting exam@isqi.org.
You can choose to self-study and take the exam when it suits you. We have the ISTQB CTFL syllabus and ISTQB CTFL mock exams available to download as PDF on our website.
There are 3 ISTQB CTFL mock exams and answer keys available to download in the attachments tab on the ISTQB Certified Tester Foundation Level product page on our website.
You can download the ISTQB Glossary in English here and in German here.
Your training provider will arrange for your exam either on-site after training with an iSQI invigilator, offer you a Pearson VUE voucher so that you can take your exam at a test center near you, or a FLEX (remote proctor) exam to take online. You can arrange this with your Training Provider.
You can take your exam at any Pearson VUE test center around the world, at a public exam session offered by iSQI or online with our FLEX (remote proctor) exam option. You can purchase your exam in our shop and select the exam method to suit you.
No, you don’t have to take a training course as you can use the ISTQB CTFL syllabus, ISTQB CTFL sample exams, and ISTQB glossary to self-study. We do, however, recommend attending accredited training (training that is accredited means that the materials have been checked by an ISTQB Member Board for relevance and consistency against the syllabus).
Many people find training courses very helpful – meeting other people during training can be useful and motivating. Training can offer a faster track to learning, as accredited ISTQB training providers will provide you with full syllabus coverage during the course and prepare you for the exam. Training with an experienced instructor can also help with useful real-world examples to reinforce learning.
For accredited training courses, the syllabus requires a minimum of 16.75 hours of instruction, distributed across the six chapters of the CTFL syllabus as follows:
Typically, ISTQB Foundation Level training offered by an accredited Training Provider usually has a duration of 3 days but most importantly, training must cover the 16.75 hours prescribed by ISTQB in the CTFL syllabus (some accredited training providers may be able to cover this in a more modular approach). Contact us for information on iSQI accredited training providers.
This will vary depending on your pace of learning. Please refer to the learning hours per syllabus chapter as detailed above. A training course offers concentrated learning so you may need to allow extra time for self-study especially if you want to refer to any of the recommended reading found at the end of the syllabus. We strongly recommend that you also dedicate some time to practicing with the CTFL mock exams and understanding the K Levels.
Some training providers have listed their training in the iSQI shop at www.isqi.org but please do contact us as not all may be listed.
The Foundation Level exam is 60 minutes (1 hour) ‘closed book’ and consists of 40 multiple-choice questions (MCQ). Each question is worth 1 mark. Participants who take the exam, not in their spoken language, will receive an additional 25% time, extending the time to 75 minutes.
The ISTQB CTFL exam consists of questions that are based on the ISTQB CTFL syllabus Learning Objectives (as given above).
There are exam rules that define the level of coverage and distribution of questions in the exam based on these Learning Objectives, their K-Levels, and their level of importance as evaluated by the ISTQB. You can find the exam rules for the ISTQB CTFL 2018 syllabus here.
You can see below the number of questions in the exam by K Level. The table also shows how long it is expected that a candidate will take to answer a question, depending on the K-Level (Question Timing).
The exam point value per chapter is as follows:
If you refer to the exam rules you will be able to see details of the question distribution across the Learning Objectives.
These include the question (the stem), a single correct answer and 3 distractors
Here is an example from the CTFL 2018 Sample Exam A v1.5 (we recommend that you check these out as the answer keys also include the rationales)
Question #1
Which one of the following answers describes a test condition?
a) A distinguishing characteristic of a component or system
b) A testable aspect of a component or system identified as a basis for testing
c) The degree to which a software product provides functions which meet stated and implied needs when the software is used under specified conditions
d) Test cases designed to execute combinations of conditions and actions resulting from them
Select ONE option.
Answer
b is the correct answer. a, c and d are the distractors.
Rationale:
a) Is not correct. Definition of feature according to glossary
b) Is correct. From glossary
c) Is not correct. Definition of functionality suitability according to glossary
d) Is not correct. Like Definition of Decision table testing according to
glossary
These questions include a word, sentence or phrase in one list that corresponds to a word, sentence or phrase in a second list.
Here is an example from the CTFL 2018 Sample Exam B v1.3
Question #6
Given the following test activities and tasks:
A. Test design
B. Test implementation
C. Test execution
D. Test completion
1. Entering change requests for open defect reports
2. Identifying test data to support the test cases
3. Prioritizing test procedures and creating test data
4. Analyzing discrepancies to determine their cause
Which of the following BEST matches the activities with the tasks?
a) A-2, B-3, C-4, D-1
b) A-2, B-1, C-3, D-4
c) A-3, B-2, C-4, D-1
d) A-3, B-2, C-1, D-4
Select ONE option.
Answer
a is the correct answer. b,c and d are the distractors
Rationale:
The correct pairing of test activities and tasks is:
A. Test design – (2) Identifying test data to support the test cases
B. Test implementation – (3) Prioritizing test procedures and creating test data
C. Test execution – (4) Analyzing discrepancies to determine their cause
D. Test completion – (1) Entering change requests for open
defect reports
This type of question includes a list of 5 options from which two options are the correct answer.
Here is an example from the CTFL 2018 Sample Exam A v1.5
Question #17
Which of the following statements about static testing are MOST true?
a) Static testing is a cheap way to detect and remove defects
b) Static testing makes dynamic testing less challenging
c) Static testing allows early validation of user requirements
d) Static testing makes it possible to find run-time problems early in the life cycle
e) When testing safety-critical system, static testing has less value because dynamic testing
finds the defects better
Select TWO options.
Answer
a and c are correct. b, d and e are the distractors
Rationale:
a) Is correct. Defects found early are often much cheaper to remove than
defects detected later in the life cycle
b) Is not correct. Dynamic testing still has its challenging, because they
find other types of defects
c) Is correct. Preventing defects in design or coding by uncovering
omissions, inaccuracies, inconsistencies, ambiguities, and
redundancies in requirements
d) Is not correct. This is dynamic testing
e) Is not correct. Static testing is important for safety-critical computer systems
All you need to do is visit www.isqi.org and create an account.
If you are an accredited ISTQB training provider or an organization looking for exams for your testing team you can order from www.isqi.org or contact exam@isqi.org.
Visit our shop at www.isqi.org – select your country, your currency, the CTFL exam from our software testing portfolio and the exam type (paper, test center, FLEX) to find your cost.
Accredited ISTQB training providers or organizations visit www.isqi.org or contact exam@isqi.org.
Our flexible solution for taking your ISTQB CTFL exam from home or another location of your choice, at a date and time that suits you. The exam is supervised online, with a remote proctor (invigilator) through the webcam and microphone of your computer. You can find more information on our ISTQB FLEX exam page.
The ISTQB CTFL exam can be taken at a Pearson Vue test center – there are over 5,200 Pearson VUE test centers in over 175 countries. You can choose your preferred location in your country and a date and time to suit you.
iSQI offers public exams in several countries – you will find these in our shop in the exam method dropdown listed as “Paper” (as described above).
For Pearson Vue, FLEX (remote proctor) – you will choose your own CTFL exam date.
If you are taking an accredited training course check with your training provider if the exam will take place at the end of the training or on a special exam day (they may provide Pearson Vue/remote proctor exam vouchers).
iSQI offers the ISTQB CTFL exam in English, Dutch, German, French, Russian, or Spanish. Remember that if you take the exam in a language that is not your native language, you can apply for 25% extra time (15 minutes extra time). You will need to approve extra time with iSQI before scheduling your exam.
Yes, you can. The Foundation level does not have any limits on attempts. Contact your accredited training provider if you took a training course and they should be able to guide you or you can purchase a retake from the iSQI shop.
You could consider iSQI 2TRY when you make your initial shop purchase.
If you have passed your ISTQB CTFL certification exam, iSQI will contact you to get your permission for your information to be included on the ISTQB Successful Candidate Register.
The ISTQB Successful Candidate Register is the official ISTQB register around globally and recognises the achievement of candidates who have passed an ISTQB certification exam.
You will be able to search for information about yourself, such as:
The Successful Candidate Register also provides a place of validation for employers or recruiters. They will be able to check the validity of certification by inputting the certificate number and matching it to the information provided by the certificate holder to make sure it is authentic.
Yes! A digital badge is an online standard for recognizing and verifying the achievement of certification. You can apply for a digital badge if you have an ISTQB CTFL certificate (or any other ISTQB certification) awarded by iSQI.
Our badges are secured by Blockchain which cryptographically seals a record of the credential when it’s created so that anyone seeking verification of your certificate can be absolutely certain that a record hasn’t been altered since being issued by iSQI.
You can add a digital badge to your order when you buy your ISTQB CTFL exam in the iSQI shop or you can apply for a digital badge if you are already a certificate holder here.
Once you have your CTFL certification, you can progress onto any other ISTQB Foundation Level certifications such as:
Or ISTQB Advanced Level certifications such as:
*Note: You must hold both the Foundation Level certification (CTFL) and the Foundation Level- Agile Tester (CTFL-AT) certification to be able to take the Advanced Level – Agile Technical Tester (CTAL-ATT) exam.
Other certifications to consider:
If you have passed your CTFL exam with iSQI, we will send you an e-certificate with your result email.
You can request a paper certificate to be posted to you for an additional fee. You can select this option in the iSQI shop when you purchase your exam.
If you have lost your e-certificate and you would like another one, or if you would like to request a paper certificate, please email iSQI at exam@isqi.org with your details.
No, Foundation Level and Advanced Level ISTQB® certificates, including the Specialist certifications, are valid indefinitely and they will not expire. Expert Level ISTQB certificates are valid for 5 years and may be renewed either by examination or by completing 200 Certification Extension Credits (CEC).
A software tester’s salary will depend on the company you work for, the country you live in, and the scope of your role.
Here are some examples of a software tester’s average salary per country (Data source: Glassdoor)
Watch out for some top tips from our Training Provider partners in the next blog!