Your certification guide · Specialist Level
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.
Each question carries one point; 26 correct answers are required to pass. Candidates taking the exam in a non-native language may receive 25% additional time. Confirm eligibility and the exact duration with your exam provider.
Testers, performance test engineers, developers, architects, and professionals assessing software performance and planning performance testing.
The ISTQB Certified Tester Foundation Level (CTFL) certificate is required. Prepare through self-study using the official syllabus and sample exams, or through accredited training.
The syllabus at a glance
A concise guide to the certification content in syllabus v1.0.
Introduces performance testing principles and types, static and dynamic testing, and load generation. Explains common performance efficiency failures and their underlying causes.
Key topicsPerformance test types · Load generation · Failure modes
Explains why performance metrics are needed and how to collect, select, and aggregate them. Covers key measurement sources and the typical results produced by performance tests.
Key topicsMetrics · Measurement sources · Aggregation · Test results
Covers principal performance testing activities and risks associated with different architectures. Explains how performance risks and test activities evolve across the software development lifecycle.
Key topicsArchitecture risks · Lifecycle risks · Performance test activities
Explains planning, objectives, stakeholder communication, and performance test design. Covers protocols, transactions, operational and load profiles, throughput, concurrency, scripts, execution preparation, and analyzing and reporting results.
Key topicsLoad profiles · Throughput and concurrency · Scripts · Execution · Analysis
Explores tool support for performance testing and factors that affect tool suitability. Covers selecting tools in relation to the testing objectives and technical context.
Key topicsTool support · Tool suitability · Selection considerations
Training times are syllabus allocations for accredited courses, not exam section durations or personal study recommendations. Total syllabus allocation: 875 minutes (14 hours 35 minutes).
Study from the source
Check the certification page for exam information, study the syllabus, and use official sample questions and answers to practise.
Official sample answers ↗ · All official downloads ↗
Independent study guide based on the ISTQB CT-PT syllabus v1.0. Syllabus source and copyright: International Software Testing Qualifications Board (ISTQB®) and its authors. This page is not affiliated with or endorsed by ISTQB. Links checked on 7 October 2026.
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