Your certification guide · Foundation Level
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.
Candidates taking the exam in a non-native language may receive 25% additional time (75 minutes total). Confirm eligibility and arrangements with your exam provider.
Testers, test analysts, test engineers, developers, and anyone involved in software quality, including business analysts and project managers. Preparation can be through self-study or accredited training.
Remembering (K1), understanding (K2), and applying (K3) testing concepts. Prepare to recognize terminology, explain principles, and apply selected techniques to practical examples.
The syllabus at a glance
A concise guide to the certification content in syllabus v4.0.1.
Introduces test objectives, the value of testing, and the seven testing principles. Explains the relationship between errors, defects, and failures, the main test activities and testware, and how traceability, team skills, and independence support effective testing.
Key topicsTesting vs. debugging · Testing and QA · Test process · Test roles · Whole team approach
Explains how testing adapts to different development lifecycles, including test-first approaches, DevOps, and shift left. Distinguishes test levels and test types, confirmation and regression testing, and the triggers and scope of maintenance testing.
Key topicsSDLC and testing · Test levels and types · Retrospectives · Maintenance testing
Covers evaluating work products without executing software and how static testing complements dynamic testing. Explains early stakeholder feedback, review activities, review roles and types, and the factors that make reviews successful.
Key topicsStatic analysis · Review process · Informal reviews · Walkthroughs · Technical reviews · Inspections
Shows how to derive tests using equivalence partitioning, boundary value analysis, decision tables, and state transitions. Explains statement and branch coverage, experience-based techniques, and collaboration through user stories, acceptance criteria, and acceptance test-driven development.
Key topicsBlack-box techniques · White-box coverage · Exploratory testing · Error guessing · ATDD
Covers test planning, effort estimation, prioritization, and entry and exit criteria. Explains how product and project risks affect testing, how to monitor and control progress, and how configuration management and clear defect reports support testing.
Key topicsTest plans · Test pyramid and quadrants · Risk management · Test reporting · Defect management
Introduces categories of tools that support testing activities and the potential benefits and risks of test automation. Highlights gains such as repeatability and faster feedback alongside maintenance effort, unrealistic expectations, and over-reliance on tools.
Key topicsTool support for testing · Automation benefits · Automation risks
Training times are the syllabus allocations for accredited courses, not exam section durations or recommended personal study times. Total: 18 hours 55 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 CTFL syllabus v4.0.1. Syllabus source and copyright: International Software Testing Qualifications Board (ISTQB®) and its authors. This page is not affiliated with or endorsed by ISTQB.
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