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Brussels, February 3, 2025 – The International Software Testing Qualifications Board (ISTQB®) has launched the Certified Tester Security Test Engineer (CT-STE) certification. This new certification equips professionals with essential skills to tackle evolving security testing challenges, including asset protection according to specific security levels, audits, adjusting security testing to organizational contexts, integrating information security management systems and standards, and best practices.

As cyberattacks grow in frequency and sophistication, a robust engineering-focused approach to testing security is more critical than ever. Without security testing aligned to an IT system’s specific risk levels, vulnerabilities may be exploited—potentially during production—with devastating consequences. The CT-STE certification aims to bridge this gap, ensuring professionals can proactively create maximum transparency about effective security risk exposure to secure systems against emerging threats.

The CT-STE certification features a comprehensive syllabus, designed to support professionals in planning, designing, and executing security tests. It also provides key insights into adapting security testing to organizational contexts and software development lifecycles as well as choosing the right tool sets.

Dr. Frank Simon, Chair of the Security Test Engineer Task Force, stated: “As the digital landscape becomes increasingly complex, security testing has never been more critical. The Certified Tester Security Test Engineer certification is a landmark to ISTQB’s commitment to equipping professionals with the expertise needed to effectively test systems and data for security in this rapidly evolving environment.”

ISTQB President, Klaudia Dussa-Zieger added: “The launch of the Certified Tester Security Test Engineer certification is a milestone in ISTQB’s mission to advance the profession of software testing. This new certification ensures security testing professionals are prepared to address today’s critical challenges and deliver robust solutions.”

ISTQB® has confirmed that no grandfathering will be applied for holders of the previously released ISTQB® Certified Tester Security Tester version 2016 (CT-SEC). All candidates must pass the corresponding examination to earn the CT-STE certification.

The syllabus, sample exam, and accreditation guidelines for the ISTQB® Certified Tester Security Test Engineer (CT-STE) certification are now available for download here.

About ISTQB
The International Software Testing Qualifications Board (ISTQB®) is a global, not-for-profit organization dedicated to advancing software testing education and certification. With over 1.4 million exams administered worldwide, ISTQB® is recognized as a leader in fostering excellence in software quality assurance.

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