ISTQB exam FAQ

About ISTQB

What is ISTQB?

ISTQB is a not-for-profit association based in Brussels, Belgium. It defines, manages and maintains the Certified Tester scheme, which is a set of software testing certifications recognized worldwide. Read the beginner guide.

Is istqb.com the official ISTQB website?

No. istqb.com is an independent guide. It is not affiliated with ISTQB, its member boards or any exam provider, and it does not sell training or exams. The official site is istqb.org. Read our independence notice.

What is a member board?

A member board represents ISTQB in a country or region. It runs exams or authorizes exam providers, and it accredits training providers. Find the board for your country.

Is ISTQB certification worth it?

It gives you a shared testing vocabulary that employers recognize. It works best combined with hands-on experience you can talk about in an interview. Read the honest answer on whether it is worth it.

Choosing an exam

Which ISTQB exam should I take first?

Start with Foundation Level (CTFL v4.0). Every other ISTQB certification requires CTFL, so you cannot skip it. Read the CTFL guide.

Do I need experience to take CTFL?

No. CTFL has no formal prerequisite and needs no prior knowledge. Most Advanced exams also require sufficient practical experience under local board/provider criteria. CTAL-AT requires CTFL, with Agile experience recommended rather than mandatory. See who CTFL suits.

What should I take after CTFL?

It depends on your work. Test analysts usually compare CTAL-TA, technical testers CTAL-TTA, managers CTAL-TM and automation engineers CTAL-TAE. Use the decision guide by role.

How many ISTQB certifications are there?

The certification directory lists every current certification with its level, version and exam facts. It also shows the versions that are retiring. Browse the certification directory.

Cost and booking

How much does an ISTQB exam cost?

There is no single worldwide price. Member boards and exam providers set the fees, so the cost depends on your country, provider and delivery method. Compare exam costs and fees.

Where do I book an ISTQB exam?

You book with your member board or with an exam provider it licenses. ISTQB itself does not sell exams. Follow the booking guide.

Can I take the exam online from home?

Usually yes. Most providers offer remote-proctored exams as well as test centers. Each provider has its own equipment and room rules, so read them before you buy. Check the exam day guide.

My country has no member board. Can I still take an exam?

In most cases, yes. Exam providers can be licensed to offer exams internationally. Confirm that the provider accepts candidates in your location and offers your exam and language. Compare exam providers.

The exam itself

What is the CTFL exam format?

CTFL v4.0 has 40 multiple-choice questions worth one point each. You have 60 minutes and need 26 points to pass. See the full CTFL exam facts.

What is the pass mark for ISTQB exams?

You need at least 65 percent of the available points, rounded up to a whole point. Advanced and Specialist questions can carry more than one point, so count points, not correct answers. See the pass mark for each exam.

Can I get extra time if English is not my first language?

ISTQB rules allow 25 percent additional time when the exam is not in your native language. For CTFL, that means 75 minutes. Ask your provider how to request it before exam day. Read about extra time and adjustments.

What is the ISTQB 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. Read the CTFL guide.

Preparation

Should I self-study or take a course?

Both are valid. ISTQB lists self-study with the syllabus as an option and recommends accredited training. The right choice depends on how you learn and how much support you need. Compare self-study and courses.

Where do I find the official syllabus and sample exams?

They are free on istqb.org. Our study materials page links the current files for each exam and shows their versions. Open study materials.

How should I plan my CTFL study?

Work through the syllabus by learning objective, then use an official sample exam to find your weak areas. Our study plan gives a structure you can adapt. See the CTFL study plan.

After the exam

How soon do I get my result?

It depends on the provider and the delivery method. Your provider tells you when and how results and certificates arrive. Read about results and certificates.

What happens if I fail?

You can book another attempt. Your provider sets the retake fee, any waiting period and any package conditions. Read the retake guide.

Does an ISTQB certificate expire?

Foundation, Advanced and Specialist certificates are valid for life. Expert Level certificates are valid for seven years. Read about certificates.

How can an employer check my certificate?

ISTQB runs a Successful Candidate Register that employers can search by name or certificate number. Listing is voluntary, so the issuer of your certificate can also confirm it. Learn how verification works.

I lost my certificate. Can ISTQB send me a copy?

No. ISTQB cannot issue copies. Contact the member board or provider that issued your certificate. A fee may apply. Find who issued your certificate.

Syllabus changes

What happens when a syllabus retires?

Exams on the old version, including retakes, stop after a published sunset date, which can differ by language. Your provider may close bookings earlier, so ask for its last available slot. See current retirement dates.

Is my certificate still valid after a new version comes out?

For the recent transitions, including CTAL-TA, CT-AI and the Agile certificates, ISTQB has stated that existing certificates remain valid. The new version is a separate exam if you want it. Learn how to read a transition notice.