Announcement
CTAL-TA v4.0 is the latest released version of the ISTQB® Certified Tester Advanced Level – Test Analyst certification. Anyone who has been studying for CTAL-TA v3.1 can find information here until the sunset dates (the 16th of May 2026 for English, 16th of November 2026 for non-English).
Certified Tester Advanced Level Test Analyst (CTAL-TA) v4.0 [NEW!]
Overview
The Advanced Level Test Analyst certification provides the skills needed to perform structured and thorough software testing across the software development life cycle. It details the test analyst’s role and responsibilities at every step of a standard test process and expands on important test techniques. It mainly focuses on functional testing but also discusses user-focused, non-functional testing.
Audience
The Advanced Level Test Analyst certification is aimed at people who wish to further develop their expertise in test analysis and test design techniques.
The test analyst is understood as a role which:
- focuses more on the business needs of the customer than on technical aspects of testing
- performs mainly functional testing but also contributes to user-focused, non-functional testing, such as usability, adaptability, installability, or interoperability testing
- uses black-box test techniques and experience-based testing rather than white-box test techniques
- improves the effectiveness of testing using defect prevention techniques
To gain this certification, candidates must hold the Certified Tester Foundation Level in version v4.0 (preferred) or a previous version and have sufficient practical experience. Please contact an ISTQB® Member Board or Exam Provider to determine the specific practical experience criteria.
Content
ISTQB® Certified Tester Advanced Level – Test Analyst (CTAL-TA) v4.0
The Tasks of the Test Analyst in the Test Process
Testing in the Software Development Lifecycle
Involvement in Test Activities
Tasks Related to Work Products
The Tasks of the Test Analyst in Risk-Based Testing
Risk Analysis
Risk Control
Test Analysis and Test Design
Data-Based Test Techniques
Behavior-Based Test Techniques
Rule-Based Test Techniques
Experience-based Testing
Applying the Most Appropriate Test Techniques
Test Quality Characteristics
Functional Testing
Usability Testing
Flexibility Testing
Compatibility Testing
Software Defect Prevention
Defect Prevention Practices
Supporting Phase Containment
Mitigating the Recurrence of Defects
Exam Structure
- No. of Questions: 45
- Passing Score: 51
- Total Points: 78
- Exam Length (mins): 120(+25% Non-Native Language)
Business Outcomes
A candidate who has achieved the Advanced Level Test Analyst certification should be able to:
- Support and perform appropriate testing based on the software development lifecycle followed
- Apply the principles of risk-based testing
- Select and apply appropriate test techniques to support the achievement of test objectives
- Provide documentation with appropriate levels of detail and quality
- Determine the appropriate types of functional testing to be performed
- Contribute to non-functional testing
- Contribute to defect prevention
- Improve the efficiency of the test process with the use of tools
- Specify the requirements for test environments and test data
More Information
Training is available from Accredited Training Providers (classroom, virtual, and e-learning). We highly recommend attending accredited training as it ensures that an ISTQB® Member Board has assessed the materials for relevance and consistency against the syllabus.
Self-study, using the syllabus and recommended reading material, is also an option when preparing for the exam.
Holders of this certification may also be interested in the other Core Advanced Level certifications (Technical Test Analyst, Test Management and Test Automation Engineer) and, thereafter, Expert Level (Test Management or Improving the Test Process). Anyone seeking to develop skills in testing practices in an Agile environment area could consider the Agile Technical Tester or Agile Test Leadership at Scale certifications. In addition, specialist streams offer certifications focusing on specific test technologies and approaches, specific quality characteristics and test levels, or testing within particular industry domains.
