ISTQB is not difficult to pass if you are well prepared. Here is advice on passing ISTQB from testers and instructors who have great knowledge of ISTQB. Also, see our extra tips on how to pass the ISTQB Foundation Level exam.
- Give yourself enough time to prepare for your ISTQB exam before you schedule your ISTQB test date. The ISTQB exams aren’t hard if you understand the material, but that doesn’t mean you don’t need to prepare.
- The free syllabi that are provided for the ISTQB exams are very important. The ISTQB exams are based on the topics covered in the syllabus for each exam.
- Important: ASTQB offers specially-created, extra ISTQB sample exams that closely match the style of the real ISTQB exam you take at AT*SQA. Look for the ISTQB practice exams with an “ASTQB” next to them and on the cover. Be sure to take your ISTQB exam through AT*SQA, as that is the only exam provider in the world that matches that style.
- See how many ISTQB exam questions and points are based on each chapter of its syllabus. This will help you focus your preparation.
- Use the resources on the internet to study for the ISTQB exam, but when choosing sample exams, be sure to focus on the extra, specially-created ISTQB practice exams from ASTQB. These are the only ISTQB sample exams designed to match the style of the ISTQB exam that you take through AT*SQA. Using these will build your confidence because the style of questions and answers on the real exam will look familiar.
- It is possible to study on your own for ISTQB and pass the exams. Taking a software testing training class for ISTQB is usually easier and faster. Taking a class is very helpful for the advanced level ISTQB exams because they require that you apply the concepts you learn in the syllabus.
- There are six levels of ISTQB exam questions across all exams including expert, and four levels of ISTQB questions in the foundation and advanced exams. The foundation exams focus more on the lower levels of remembering and understanding, while the advanced exams get more into applying and analyzing. This is why a software testing training course becomes more helpful for the advanced level ISTQB certifications.
- Register for your ISTQB exam early. ASTQB and their official ISTQB exam provider AT*SQA make it easy because your ISTQB exam voucher is good for 365 days. (See the free additional benefits you get when you register for ISTQB through AT*SQA and ASTQB.) You can schedule your exam anytime. Scheduling your ISTQB exam a week in advance is a good idea because that gives you more options for the time of day. See all of our ISTQB exam registration and preparation tips.
- See all of our ISTQB exam study and preparation tips.
- If you are taking the ISTQB exam online at home, download the exam software a few days before the ISTQB exam so you can make sure it works. If you need to reschedule your ISTQB exam, do so at least 72 hours in advance so you don’t incur a rescheduling charge.
- Additionally, if you are taking the ISTQB exam online at home, make sure the area where you are taking the exam is completely clear of anything else, and don’t let anyone walk into that area during the ISTQB exam. This will avoid delays and possible disqualification.
- Also see our ISTQB exam day tips.
- While taking the ISTQB exam, mark and skip any questions that are difficult, and move through to the other questions, and then come back to the most difficult questions. The passing grade required for an ISTQB exam is 65% so it’s important that you answer all of the questions.
Important: When you register for your ISTQB Foundation Level exam, register only through our official ISTQB Foundation Level exam provider AT*SQA. That is the only way you can appear on both the ISTQB successful candidate register plus the Official U.S. List of Certified Software Testers™. If you need a job, AT*SQA is the only ISTQB exam provider who can add you to the AT*Work™ List of Testers for Hire. In addition, only ASTQB and AT*SQA will give you points toward your Testing Tiers™ software tester ranking that increase your level in the Official U.S. List and AT*Work.
Bottom line: Be sure to take all of your ISTQB exams through ASTQB & AT*SQA. Your ISTQB certification from ASTQB & AT*SQA is valid worldwide, and you get the bonus of moving up in the software tester rankings and getting the attention of employers asking for ISTQB in their job postings because you are on both the U.S. and ISTQB lists.
