CTFL stands for ISTQB Certified Tester Foundation Level

ISTQB CTFL, also commonly called ISTQB Foundation Level, is the first step in ISTQB software testing certification. ISTQB CTFL is a prerequisite for all other ISTQB certifications, meaning that you must have passed the ISTQB Foundation Level exam before you may take any other ISTQB certification exam.

For software testers, ISTQB CTFL is valuable because it establishes a base knowledge of software testing vocabulary and principles.

For companies, ISTQB CTFL is valuable because it helps to improve communication and efficiency throughout and across their testing teams, both in-house and outsourced.

As a service to the software testing community, ASTQB makes available free resources. These are particularly useful for those preparing for the ISTQB CTFL exam. These including a syllabus (body of knowledge), sample exam questions and answers, and a glossary of software testing terms. If you’re nervous about taking the exam, see “Is the ISTQB Foundation Level exam hard?

See our tips for how to pass the ISTQB CTFL exam. Then learn more about ISTQB CTFL and get the free ISTQB CTFL study materials.