ISTQB® CTFL

There are two options:

• Attend the 3-day accredited training course (unchanged length from CTFL v3.1). Accredited training providers will be listed here.
• Self-study using the syllabus and the official sample exams available here. Also, refer to the ISTQB Official Glossary.

No, it’s much more! The CTFL 4.0 is a complete rewrite, from scratch. We’ve carefully evaluated and revamped existing learning objectives and business outcomes from both syllabi and extended these with additional ones to be aligned with the latest industry practices.

The previous localized versions of the ISTQB® Certified Tester Foundation Level syllabus, related documents (such as exam questions and glossary terms), and the official exams must be retired within 18 months of the release of the v4.0 syllabus (this will include any exam re-takes and also accredited training courses). The local ISTQB® Member Board is responsible for the localization of the syllabus and related documents – please contact them for further information. Accredited training providers are responsible for the localization of their training materials.

Of course! Like all ISTQB® certificates, it has lifelong validity.

However, if you desire a certificate that shows that you’re up-to-date with the latest testing processes and techniques, we suggest you consider studying the syllabus for the CTFL v4.0 certification and taking the certification exam.

Organizations are increasingly focussed on the “whole team approach” to quality. The Foundation Level certification:

• Helps all team members understand the role of quality
• Standardizes testing language and terminology to support better communication and collaboration
• Teaches specific agile techniques related to testing, but used for development (e.g. TDD, ATDD)
• Emphasizes teamwork (whole-team approach)

There is no prior knowledge required to be eligible to take the ISTQB® CTFL 4.0 certification exam. However, before taking the exam, we strongly recommend participating in an ISTQB® accredited training course. Another option is to study for the exam with the help of the syllabus, the ISTQB® Glossary, and the official mock exam(s).

This depends on your specific situation. It may be beneficial to take the CTFL 4.0 certification as it is more contemporary with an additional agile context and this may be more supportive of your goals. If you wish to gain the CTFL 4.0 certification you will need to take the CTFL 4.0 certification exam (there is no other way to receive the CTFL 4.0 certificate). You can prepare for the exam by attending an accredited training course or by self-studying using the syllabus, sample exam, and ISTQB® Glossary. You can find providers of the certification exam here.

Yes. Importantly, CTFL4.0 should provide the necessary knowledge, independent of the software development lifecycle for anyone involved in testing. Any testing terms, techniques, and methodologies specific to an SDLC, such as agile, are further elaborated.

Yes, this is very important and necessary if you wish to deliver the CTFL 4.0 course and also if you wish to retain your accredited training provider status after the sunset dates for the 3.1 version. The CTFL 4.0 syllabus has been re-written from scratch, it has a significant amount of fresh learning objectives and thus requires a full re-accreditation. For accreditation of materials: please contact your local Member Board.

To deliver ISTQB® CTFL 4.0 accredited training, the trainer should have at least the CTFL 4.0 certificate, OR hold an ISTQB® CTFL certificate prior to 4.0 AND the ISTQB® CTFL-AT (“Agile Tester”) certificate. The local Member Board may also have additional requirements (e.g. x years of experience in testing, x years of experience as a trainer).

CTFL-AT has not been retired as a result of the launch of the CTFL 4.0.