What is the ISTQB certification exam?

An ISTQB certification exam is a measure of an individual’s knowledge of software testing. ISTQB certification is the most popular standard for software testing certification in both the United States and globally. ISTQB offers certifications ranging from the Foundation Level to Advanced Level and Expert Level, along with many exams for specialty testing such as performance testing or test automation. See the full list of ISTQB certification exams.


Can I take the ISTQB exam online?

Online ISTQB exams are available through ASTQB and their official ISTQB exam provider AT*SQA. You can take them online from home or your office. Register here for an ISTQB exam. You can also take your ISTQB through a testing center when you register through AT*SQA.


What are the fees for ISTQB certification?


How can I prepare for ISTQB?

Preparation for exams differs from person to person. Someone with experience in the software testing field might be able to self-study using our free ISTQB exam preparation materials and our free software testing knowledge base. Many people also find it helpful to take an exam through one of our Accredited Training Providers. See our suggestions for how to pass ISTQB Foundation Level.

Also, see:

ISTQB Training Resources   ISTQB Training Providers   Software Testing Knowledge Base


What is the International Software Testing Qualifications Board (ISTQB)? What are ISTQB country boards?

ISTQB is an international non-profit organization that creates the globally accepted software testing body of knowledge known as ISTQB Certification. ISTQB consists of official country boards that are responsible for creating the exams in the local language of their country.

For example, ASTQB is the American Software Testing Qualifications Board. It is the official ISTQB country board for the United States of America (U.S.) so it creates American English versions of the ISTQB software testing certification exams.


Is it worth getting ISTQB certification?

Yes, it’s worth getting ISTQB certification because it gives you the recognition you deserve as a software tester. Even if you test software only part-time, ISTQB certification gives you software quality skills and helps your career. See all of the benefits of ISTQB certification.


How does ISTQB certification help people get software testing jobs and promotions?

ISTQB certification helps you get jobs and earn promotions because it proves you have specific software testing knowledge. See all of the reasons to get your ISTQB certification. Also, see the reasons companies want to hire testers with ISTQB certification.


Is it worth getting ISTQB certification?

Yes, it’s worth getting ISTQB certification because it gives you the recognition you deserve as a software tester. Even if you test software only part-time, ISTQB certification gives you software quality skills and helps your career. See a list of just some of the companies requesting ISTQB certification in their job postings. It’s an impressive list!


What are the fees for ISTQB certification?

You can see the current fees for ISTQB certification exams on the AT*SQA site. AT*SQA is our official ISTQB exam provider, so if you are asking, “Where should I register for ISTQB exams?” the answer is at AT*SQA using this ISTQB exam registration form.


Is there negative marking in ISTQB exams?

No, there is no negative marking in the ISTQB exams. In other words, you do not lose points in an ISTQB exam for an incorrect answer.


Is the ISTQB exam hard?

The ISTQB exam is not hard if you prepare well. Many software testers successfully pass the exam through self-study of the ISTQB syllabus and sample exam questions & answers as well as reputable online and printed information about software testing. (Be sure to use the sample exam questions & answers on the ASTQB website, as they are of the highest quality and designed especially for the ASTQB exams that add you to the Official U.S. List of Software Testers.™) That said, taking a software testing course from a proven training company will make it much easier for you to prepare for the exam. See more information that answers the question “Is the ISTQB exam hard?


What does ISTQB stand for? (What is the full form of ISTQB?)

ISTQB stands for International Software Testing Qualifications Board. It consists of representatives from each existing national board, such as the ASTQB, the American Software Testing Qualifications Board. The ISTQB decides on the standards for certification. Working parties within ISTQB are responsible for developing and maintaining the various software testing syllabi and exams. Country boards such as ASTQB (ISTQB in the United States) then use those syllabi to create exams in the language that is most appropriate for that country. This is why American employers use the Official U.S. List of Certified Software Testers™ – American employers want to know you understand American English in a software testing environment and have taken the ASTQB American English version of the ISTQB exam. The ISTQB exam provider AT*SQA lets you take ISTQB certification exams from anywhere in the world online from home or at a testing center.


How do I retake the ISTQB Foundation Level exam?

To retake the ISTQB Foundation Level you will need to purchase a new ISTQB exam voucher. ASTQB does offer free retakes for ISTQB Advanced Exams if you have qualified by taking your ISTQB exam through ASTQB or AT*SQA after completing a training course from an ASTQB-accredited training provider.


What is CTFL?

CTFL is the acronym for Certified Tester Foundation Level, the first level of ISTQB certification.


How do beginners learn to test?

To learn how to do software testing, start by visiting our free ISTQB materials and software testing knowledge base.

ISTQB Resources   Software Testing Knowledge Base


Is software testing a good career?

Software testing is a fantastic career choice! Why? Software testing is constantly evolving and it has many different interesting areas. Technology is changing so quickly that software testers are essential for quality and performance. Learn more about why you should become a software tester.