CTFL v4.0: your Foundation Level guide

A starting point for testing knowledge

CTFL is a useful first step if you want a shared language for discussing software quality, test design and testing work. You can study it while starting a testing role or use it to organize experience you already have.

New to ISTQB? Our beginner’s guide explains what ISTQB certification is, who runs the exams and how booking works.

The certification covers testing across different development approaches. Treat it as a foundation for judgment and practice: it will not, on its own, teach you a particular automation framework or demonstrate that you can deliver a testing project.

CTFL v4.0 exam facts

The standard exam has 40 questions worth one point each. You need 26 points, or 65%, to pass. The standard duration is 60 minutes. Candidates taking an exam in a non-native language can apply for 25% extra time. For CTFL that is 75 minutes in total. Confirm approval with your provider before exam day.

Also known as: Certified Tester Foundation Level, Foundation Level, CTFL and CTFL 4.0.

The qualification is named CTFL v4.0. The current English syllabus download is revision 4.0.1. These are different labels for the exam version and its maintained syllabus document.

Source: official CTFL page and syllabus v4.0.1, checked October 4, 2026.

How the exam is weighted

ISTQB publishes the question split per chapter in its exam structure tables. Here it is next to the training time the syllabus sets for accredited courses.

Syllabus chapter	Exam questions	Course training time
1. Fundamentals of testing	8	180 min
2. Testing throughout the software development lifecycle	6	130 min
3. Static testing	4	80 min
4. Test analysis and design	11	390 min
5. Managing the test activities	9	335 min
6. Test tools	2	20 min
Total	40	1,135 min (18 hours 55 minutes)

What the numbers tell you: chapter 5 is the one people underestimate. It carries 9 questions, almost as many as chapter 4, and covers planning, risk, estimation, monitoring, defect management and configuration management.

The exam has 8 K1 questions (remember), 24 K2 questions (understand) and 8 K3 questions (apply). Most K3 questions come from the test techniques in chapter 4 and from planning and estimation in chapter 5.

Source: ISTQB Exam Structures & Rules Tables v1.19 and the CTFL v4.0.1 syllabus.

What the syllabus covers

The syllabus defines 14 business outcomes across six chapters. Our syllabus guide walks through each chapter with practice prompts. In short:

• Chapter 2 names five test levels (component, component integration, system, system integration and acceptance) and four test types (functional, non-functional, black-box and white-box).
• Chapter 4 covers black-box techniques (equivalence partitioning, boundary value analysis, decision tables and state transitions), white-box techniques (statement and branch testing) and experience-based techniques (error guessing, exploratory and checklist-based testing).
• Chapter 6 is short, at 20 minutes of training and 2 questions, but still examinable.

Build your preparation around evidence

Official study materials

Use the CTFL syllabus v4.0.1 (PDF) and all four official sample sets. Download the matching question and answer files, and keep at least one set fresh for a timed attempt.

• Set A v1.7: Questions (PDF) · Answers (PDF)
• Set B v1.7: Questions (PDF) · Answers (PDF)
• Set C v1.6: Questions (PDF) · Answers (PDF)
• Set D v1.5: Questions (PDF) · Answers (PDF)

Sample document versions differ by set; they all support CTFL v4.0. Links checked October 10, 2026 against the official CTFL downloads. See how to use the sample exams for timing and answer-review guidance.

Mistakes that cost candidates points

• Skipping chapter 5. It carries 9 questions.
• Memorizing techniques instead of applying them. Boundary values, decision tables and state transitions need worked examples.
• Missing qualifiers. Words like “best”, “most likely” and “NOT” change the right answer.
• Only practicing untimed. Do at least one fresh sample in 60 minutes, or in your approved extended time.
• Confusing statement and branch coverage. Work small code examples until the difference is automatic.

Before you book

• Check that your materials and appointment both say CTFL v4.0.
• Choose an exam language you can work in accurately under time pressure.
• Confirm any language extension or accessibility arrangement before paying or scheduling.
• Check the cancellation and rescheduling terms for the exact package you are buying.
• For a remote appointment, check that your equipment and room can meet the provider’s rules.

Local prices and provider terms are kept in our country guides.

Common questions

Do I need a course or testing experience for CTFL?

No. The official CTFL FAQ says no prior knowledge is required. You can prepare through self-study or accredited training. A course gives structure and feedback. Self-study works if you keep a routine and investigate your mistakes.

Is an older CTFL certificate still valid?

Yes. ISTQB confirms that an existing CTFL certificate remains valid after the v4.0 release. You do not need to retake CTFL because the syllabus changed.

How many questions are on the CTFL v4.0 exam, and what is the pass mark?

40 multiple-choice questions worth one point each. You need 26 points (65%) to pass in 60 minutes, or 75 minutes if you are approved for the 25% non-native language extension.

Which CTFL chapters carry the most questions?

Chapter 4, test analysis and design, has 11 questions. Chapter 5, managing the test activities, has 9, and chapter 1 has 8. Together they make up 28 of the 40 questions.

What is the difference between CTFL v4.0 and v4.0.1?

v4.0.1, released September 15, 2024, is an errata release of the v4.0 syllabus. The exam is still called CTFL v4.0. Use the v4.0.1 document as your study source.

Which test techniques does CTFL cover?

Black-box: equivalence partitioning, boundary value analysis, decision table testing and state transition testing. White-box: statement and branch testing. Experience-based: error guessing, exploratory testing and checklist-based testing.

Can I take the CTFL exam online?

Usually, yes. Most exam providers offer remote-proctored exams as well as test centers. Check your provider and language before you buy.

What is the CTFL pass rate?

We have not located a scheme-wide, comparable ISTQB pass-rate figure as of October 10, 2026. A named provider may publish statistics for its own candidates. Check the exam version, reporting period, sample size and whether the figure covers first attempts or retakes before using it to judge your chances.

Does the CTFL certificate expire?

No. Foundation Level certificates are valid for life.

Key takeaways

• CTFL v4.0 has 40 one-point questions, a 26-point pass mark and 60 minutes.
• There are no prerequisites. It is the entry requirement for every other ISTQB exam.
• Chapter 4 (11 questions) and chapter 5 (9 questions) carry half of the exam.
• The study document is the v4.0.1 errata release from September 15, 2024.
• The certificate does not expire.

Want every official file in one place? Our ISTQB study materials page lists the current syllabus, sample exams, glossary and exam rules, plus books that match CTFL v4.0.

Fees and booking

Use our exam fees overview to compare exam prices, taxes, retake charges and booking terms. Check the dated fee records in our country guides, or use the exam provider guides if your country has no listed route. Confirm the final amount and terms directly with your provider.