Make the right booking
How to book an ISTQB exam
A four-step checklist for choosing the exam, confirming the offer and preparing for the appointment.
In this guide
How to book: check your entry requirements first
Use the individual certification guide to check required certificates and practical experience. Ask your chosen provider what evidence it needs before you book.
1. Choose the qualification and version
Write down the full certification name and syllabus version before comparing offers. If you are taking your first ISTQB exam, review CTFL. For a later qualification, use the directory to check the scope and entry requirements.
If you are following older course materials, check the retirement guide. Ask which version the appointment actually assesses. A familiar acronym alone is not enough.
2. Find an official booking route
Use the ISTQB exam-provider directory and member-board directory as starting points. Then confirm the chosen organization offers your exact exam, language and delivery method.
A training provider and an exam provider have different roles. A course may include an exam voucher, but check the package rather than assuming it does. ISTQB.com is an independent guide and does not accept exam bookings.
3. Confirm the offer before paying
- Exam: qualification, syllabus version and language.
- Eligibility: certificate evidence, experience criteria and any other prerequisite.
- Price: currency, taxes, delivery charges and whether a retake is included.
- Voucher: expiry, restrictions and whether the exam must be taken before a deadline.
- Delivery: remote or test center, location and system requirements.
- Changes: cancellation, rescheduling and no-show terms for this route.
- Adjustments: the process and deadline for language extensions or accessibility arrangements.
Store the provider’s confirmation with your receipt. If a term is unclear, ask before buying rather than relying on a summary on another site.
See the current local routes in our country guides.
4. Confirm an appointment, not just a purchase
Buying a voucher and scheduling an appointment can be separate steps. Check that you have an appointment confirmation showing the date, time zone, exam, language and delivery method. Set a reminder for the last date when you can change it.
For remote exams, complete the provider’s readiness checks with the computer, connection and room you plan to use. For a test center, check the address, travel time and arrival instructions.
Keep this booking record
Provider • exam and version • language • delivery • appointment and time zone • receipt/voucher • approved adjustments • ID instructions • support contact.
Continue to the exam day checklist →
Sources and how we checked
Official sources checked on October 4, 2026. Study schedules and readiness advice are our editorial guidance. They are not ISTQB requirements.