The ISTQB Foundation Level exam is not hard, but it is fair, and it is a good test of basic software testing knowledge. Looking for information about the difficulty of other ISTQB exams? See “Is the ISTQB exam hard?” Keep in mind that the ISTQB Foundation Level certification is the entry-level certification in the ISTQB certification structure, and is required before you can take any other ISTQB exam. This exam’s name describes the exam well because the exam is focused on foundational software QA knowledge. You will be tested on software testing terminology, concepts, and principles. Note that the ISTQB Foundation Level is also sometimes referred to by its acronym: ISTQB CTFL. The full form of CTFL is “Certified Tester Foundation Level”. To describe the ISTQB Foundation Level exam as easy is probably an overstatement. Even if you have experience in software testing, passing the ISTQB Foundation Level exam will require real studying on your part. Fortunately, ASTQB makes it easy to study with free materials that will help you prepare for the ISTQB Foundation Level exam. This includes the ISTQB glossary, ISTQB Foundation Level syllabus (body of knowledge), and ISTQB Foundation Level sample exams. ASTQB (ISTQB in the U.S.) has compiled several helpful tips for how to pass the ISTQB Foundation Level exam. If you follow these tips, the ISTQB Foundation Level exam should not be hard, but these tips do require that you study and prepare well for the exam. There is no easy way to pass CTFL if you have not prepared, but it is a fair exam that is focused on basic software testing information. Important: When you register for your ISTQB Foundation Level exam, register only through ASTQB and their 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™. 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. See all of the extra, free benefits you get by registering for ISTQB with AT*SQA and ASTQB. 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 because you are on both the U.S. and ISTQB lists.
