Your certification guide · Advanced Level
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.
Questions carry different point values; the passing score is measured in points, not correct answers. Candidates taking the exam in a non-native language may receive 25% additional time. Confirm eligibility and the exact duration with your exam provider.
Test managers, test leads, quality managers, and professionals responsible for test strategy, planning, teams, and delivery oversight.
The ISTQB Certified Tester Foundation Level (CTFL) certificate and sufficient practical experience are required. Confirm experience criteria with your Member Board or exam provider. Prepare through self-study or accredited training.
The syllabus at a glance
A concise guide to the certification content in syllabus v3.0.
Covers planning, monitoring, control, and completion of testing in different project contexts. Explains defining project test strategies, applying risk-based testing, improving processes through retrospectives, and evaluating tool benefits, costs, and risks.
Key topicsTest strategy · Project context · Risk-based testing · Process improvement · Tools
Explains monitoring progress and product quality with metrics and reporting. Covers estimating test effort and managing defect workflows that fit sequential, Agile, and hybrid development approaches.
Key topicsTest metrics · Progress reporting · Estimation · Defect management
Covers identifying required team skills, developing and managing test teams, and applying the whole team approach. Explains building a business case that communicates the costs and benefits of testing activities.
Key topicsTeam skills · Team development · Whole team approach · Business case
Training times are syllabus allocations for accredited courses, not exam section durations or personal study recommendations. Total: 22 hours 45 minutes. References and appendices follow the core chapters.
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 CTAL-TM syllabus v3.0. 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.
Ready to apply what you’ve learned?