Independent study resources
Choose a certification to review its exam format, entry requirements where applicable, syllabus chapter summaries, and links to official ISTQB resources. These guides are independently prepared and are not endorsed by ISTQB.
CTFL · v4.0.1
Build a foundation in software testing: understand why testing matters, how it fits into software development, and how to design tests, manage testing activities, and use tools effectively. CTFL provides shared terminology and techniques applicable across sequential, Agile, and DevOps environments.
Read the CTFL study guideCTAL-TM · v3.0
Develop the skills to manage testing across the software development lifecycle. Learn to define test strategies, prioritize risks, plan resources, assess progress, manage defects, and lead teams while communicating the business value of testing.
Read the CTAL-TM study guideCTAL-TAE · v2.0
Learn to design, implement, deploy, and maintain test automation solutions. Explore architecture, testability, CI/CD integration, reporting, verification, and continuous improvement to build sustainable automation that supports testing goals.
Read the CTAL-TAE study guideCTAL-TTA · v4.0
Deepen your technical testing skills in risk-based testing, white-box techniques, static and dynamic analysis, non-functional quality characteristics, reviews, and automation. Learn to select technical tests and tools that address risks in software code and architecture.
Read the CTAL-TTA study guideCTAL-TA · v4.0
Advance your skills in test analysis and design, risk-based testing, quality characteristics, and defect prevention. Learn to select effective techniques, develop useful testware, and help teams detect and prevent defects throughout development.
Read the CTAL-TA study guideCTAL-AT · v2.0
Strengthen your testing practice in Agile teams. Learn to shape test strategies, collaborate across disciplines, improve testing processes, move testing earlier, and apply exploratory and assisted testing alongside automation.
Read the CTAL-AT study guideCT-AI · v2.0
Develop the skills to test AI-based systems, including machine learning and generative AI. Explore AI-specific quality characteristics, data and model risks, and test approaches for systems whose behavior is probabilistic and depends on training data.
Read the CT-AI study guideCT-GenAI · v1.1
Learn how to apply generative AI and large language models throughout software testing. Build effective prompts, assess generated results, manage AI-related risks, and understand the infrastructure and organizational changes needed to adopt GenAI in testing.
Read the CT-GenAI study guideCT-PT · v1.0
Build a structured approach to performance testing, from identifying risks and defining objectives to designing workloads, executing tests, and interpreting results. Explore performance metrics, realistic load models, and tool selection.
Read the CT-PT study guideCT-AcT · v1.0
Learn to align acceptance testing with business goals and user needs. Explore collaboration between testers, business analysts, and product owners, from defining acceptance criteria and modeling processes to evaluating quality and reporting outcomes.
Read the CT-AcT study guide