ISTQB certification
and exam guides
Your ISTQB exam guide: choose a certification, find official study materials and check exam rules, fees and booking options.
Independent guide. Not affiliated with ISTQB, its member boards, or exam providers. We don’t sell training or exams.
Start here: five steps
New to ISTQB? Follow these in order.
- Learn what ISTQB certification is
- See why CTFL comes first
- Check what the exam costs in your country
- Plan your preparation
- Book your exam
Already certified? Find your next certification by role.
Quick question? Read the ISTQB exam FAQ.
Browse 27 current certifications and modules. Retiring: CTAL-TA v3.1, CT-AI v1.0, CTFL-AT and CT-ATT. See the deadlines. Checked October 4, 2026.
Start where you are
Taking your first exam, choosing your next certification, or getting ready to book? Find the guidance that matches your next step. New to ISTQB? Start with what ISTQB certification is and how the exams work.
Your first ISTQB exam
Start with Foundation Level, then work through the syllabus, study plan and official sample exams.
Your next certification
Compare Advanced and Specialist qualifications by the work you want to do and their entry requirements.
Booking your exam
Check the provider, language, delivery method and booking terms before you pay.
- Start hereFoundation (CTFL v4.0)
No prerequisite. 40 questions, pass at 26 points. Every other certification needs it.
- AdvancedFive role exams
Test analyst, technical, management, automation and Agile. Each needs CTFL plus practical experience.
- SpecialistTopic exams
AI, performance, security, mobile, DevOps and industry domains. Each needs CTFL, and some add experience.
- ExpertExpert modules
Senior level. Needs CTAL-TM, five years of testing and two years in the topic. Valid for seven years.
Explore certifications
Start with Foundation Level or explore a certification focused on Agile testing, test analysis, or AI-based systems.
Foundation, CTFL v4.0
Foundation
Build your understanding of testing concepts, techniques, and the test process. Start here if you’re new to ISTQB.
Advanced, CTAL-AT v2.0
Agile Tester
Develop advanced Agile testing skills, including analysis, collaboration, test strategy, and continuous improvement.
Advanced, CTAL-TA v4.0
Test Analyst
Develop your skills in test analysis and design, choosing techniques, and evaluating software quality.
Specialist, CT-AI v2.0
AI Testing
Learn how to test AI-based systems, including machine learning models and generative AI systems.
Upcoming exam deadlines
November 16, 2026: Test Analyst v3.1
CTAL-TA v3.1 exams in languages other than English end on this date. English exams, including retakes, ended on May 16, 2026. CTAL-TA v4.0 is the current version.
Source: official ISTQB announcement, checked October 4, 2026.
April 21, 2027: AI Testing v1.0
English exams for CT-AI v1.0 end on this date. Other languages remain available until October 21, 2027. CT-AI v2.0 is the current version.
Source: official ISTQB announcement, checked October 4, 2026.
May 6, 2027: Agile transition
English CTFL-AT and CT-ATT exams end on this date. Other languages end on November 6, 2027. Existing certificates stay valid, and there is no automatic upgrade to CTAL-AT.
Source: official ISTQB announcement, checked October 4, 2026.
How exam booking works
Choose your exam, check the requirements and find a provider. Confirm the booking terms before you pay.
1. Select your exam
Confirm the qualification, syllabus version and exam language.
2. Check eligibility
Check the entry requirements and confirm any evidence your provider needs.
3. Find a provider
Compare available languages, delivery methods and booking terms in your country.
4. Prepare for exam day
Check your ID, appointment time and technical requirements before the exam.
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