Obtaining an ISTQB certification is a significant achievement for professionals in the software testing industry. It validates their knowledge, skills, and expertise in the field, enhancing their credibility and opening doors to various career opportunities. However, with the rapidly evolving nature of technology and industry practices, it becomes imperative for certification exams to undergo regular updates to ensure their relevance and effectiveness.
This blog will explore the importance of staying updated with ISTQB certification exam content and the recent updates that have been implemented. We will discuss why these updates are necessary, the benefits they bring to certified professionals, and provide tips on how to stay informed and adequately prepare for the exams. By understanding the significance of exam updates and embracing continuous learning, aspiring and existing software testing professionals can enhance their capabilities and stay at the forefront of the industry.
Recent ISTQB Certification – December 2024 Exam Updates
The ISTQB certification exams have undergone significant updates in recent years to keep pace with the evolving industry landscape and the advancements in software testing practices. These updates ensure that the certifications remain relevant, reflect the current industry standards, and equip professionals with the necessary knowledge and skills. Here are some notable updates:
1. Addition of New Exams Version:
– Certified Tester Test Automation Strategy (CT-TAS) [NEW!]
The Certified Tester Test Automation Strategy Specialist certification is designed for professionals involved in software testing and test automation. The syllabus outlines various factors to consider when planning test automation in an organization. It goes beyond the technical aspects of tool implementation and integration, focusing on the strategic needs of test automation. This strategic approach ensures that test automation is implemented consistently across projects, providing long-term value to the organization.
– Certified Tester Advanced Level Test Automation Engineering (CTAL-TAE) v2.0 [NEW!]
CTAL-TAE v2.0 is the newest version of the ISTQB® Certified Tester Advanced Level – Test Automation Engineering certification. For those who have been preparing for the CT-TAE 2016 version, relevant information will be available until its expiration dates: June 12, 2025, for the English version and December 12, 2025, for non-English versions. The Certified Tester Advanced Level Test Automation Engineering (CTAL-TAE) certification targets individuals involved in software testing and test automation. This includes roles such as testers, test analysts, test automation engineers, test consultants, test architects, test managers, and software developers. Additionally, this certification is suitable for those seeking a foundational understanding of test automation, including project managers, quality managers, software development managers, business analysts, IT directors, and management consultants.
– Certified Tester Advanced Level Test Management (CTAL-TM) v3.0 [NEW!]
CTAL-TM v3.0 is the newest version of the ISTQB® Certified Tester Advanced Level – Test Management certification. For those preparing for the CTAL-TM 2012 version, information will be available until its expiration dates: May 30, 2025, for the English version, and November 30, 2025, for non-English versions. The ISTQB® Advanced Level Test Management (CTAL-TM) certification equips individuals with the knowledge and skills to oversee all testing activities throughout the software development lifecycle. It covers everything from designing an appropriate test approach based on the organizational test strategy to building a test team and developing testing competencies to complete the required testing.
2. Exam Retiring
– Certified Tester Advanced Level Test Manager (CTAL-TM) 2012 [Retiring]
Training and exams (including retakes) based on the CTAL-TM (2012) syllabus in ENGLISH will be unavailable after May 30, 2025. Please refer to CTAL-TM v3.0 for future certification. For other languages (non-English), training and exams (including retakes) based on the CTAL-TM (2012) syllabus will only be available until November 30, 2025. For More: Check Here
– Certified Tester Test Automation Engineer (CT-TAE) 2016 [Retiring]
Training and exams (including retakes) based on the CT-TAE v2016 syllabus in English will no longer be available after June 12, 2025. Please refer to CTAL-TAE v2.0 for future certification. For other languages (non-English), training and exams (including retakes) based on the CT-TAE v2016 syllabus will only be available until December 12, 2025. For More: Check Here
Overview of ISTQB Certification
The ISTQB Certification is a globally recognized qualification designed to standardize and improve the quality of software testing professionals. Its purpose is to validate the knowledge and skills of individuals in various levels of software testing, from Foundation to Advanced and Expert. The certification provides several benefits:
- Enhanced credibility: ISTQB certification demonstrates a professional’s competence and expertise in software testing, increasing their credibility among employers, colleagues, and clients.
- Career advancement: Certification opens up new career opportunities and possibilities for promotion, as many organizations prefer certified professionals for critical testing roles.
- Industry recognition: ISTQB certification is recognized and respected worldwide, giving professionals a competitive edge and recognition in the global job market.
- Common language and understanding: The certification establishes a common set of terminology, principles, and practices, enabling effective communication and collaboration among testing professionals.
List of Active ISTQB Certification Exam
As technology and industry practices evolve, it is crucial for professionals to stay updated with the latest exam content. The ISTQB certification exams are periodically revised to incorporate emerging testing techniques, industry best practices, and advancements in technology. Staying current ensures that certified professionals possess the necessary skills and knowledge to tackle modern testing challenges and meet the demands of the industry.
By obtaining ISTQB certification at various levels and staying up-to-date with the evolving exam content, professionals can demonstrate their expertise, advance their careers, and contribute effectively to the field of software testing.
| Certification | Code | Level | Course Outline |
| Certified Tester Foundation Level (CTFL) v4.0 | CTFL v4.0 | Core Foundation | • Chapter 1: Fundamentals of Testing (180 minutes) • Chapter 2: Testing Throughout the Software Development Lifecycle (130 minutes) • Chapter 3: Static Testing (80 minutes) • Chapter 4: Test Analysis and Design (390 minutes) • Chapter 5: Managing the Test Activities (335 minutes) • Chapter 6: Test Tools (20 minutes) |
| Certified Tester Foundation Level (CTFL) v3.1 (Retiring: The exam base on current version of syllabus will be valid till 9th of May 2024 (for English exams) and 9th of November 2024 (for all other languages).) | CTFL v3.1 | Core Foundation | • Chapter 1: 175 minutes Fundamentals of Testing • Chapter 2: 100 minutes Testing Throughout the Software Development Lifecycle • Chapter 3: 135 minutes Static Testing • Chapter 4: 330 minutes Test Techniques • Chapter 5: 225 minutes Test Management • Chapter 6: 40 minutes Tool Support for Testing |
| Certified Tester Advanced Level Test Analyst | CTAL-TA | Core Advanced | • Chapter 1: The Test Analyst’s Tasks in the Test Process (150 minutes) • Chapter 2: The Test Analyst’s Tasks in Risk-Based Testing (60 minutes) • Chapter 3: Test Techniques (630 minutes) • Chapter 4: Testing Software Quality Characteristics (180 minutes) • Chapter 5: Reviews (120 minutes) • Chapter 6: Test Tools and Automation (90 minutes) |
| Certified Tester Advanced Level Test Manager | CTAL-TM | Core Advanced | Testing Process – 420 mins Test Management – 750 mins. Reviews – 180 mins. Defect Management – 150 mins Improving the Testing Process – 135 mins. Test Tools and Automation – 135 min People Skills – Team Composition – 210 mins. |
| Certified Tester Advanced Level Technical Test Analyst | CTAL-TTA | Core Advanced | • Chapter 1: The Technical Test Analyst’s Tasks in Risk-Based Testing (30 minutes) • Chapter 2: White-Box Test Techniques (300 minutes) • Chapter 3: Static and Dynamic Analysis (180 minutes) • Chapter 4: Quality Characteristics for Technical Testing (345 minutes) • Chapter 5: Reviews (165 minutes) • Chapter 6: Test Tools and Automation (180 minutes) |
| Certified Tester AI Testing | CT-AI | Specialist | • Chapter 1: 105 minutes Introduction to AI • Chapter 2: 105 minutes Quality Characteristics for AI-Based Systems • Chapter 3: 145 minutes Machine Learning (ML) – Overview • Chapter 4: 230 minutes ML – Data • Chapter 5: 120 minutes ML Functional Performance Metrics • Chapter 6: 65 minutes ML – Neural Networks and Testing • Chapter 7: 115 minutes Testing AI-Based Systems Overview • Chapter 8: 150 minutes Testing AI-Specific Quality Characteristics • Chapter 9: 245 minutes Methods and Techniques for the Testing of AI-Based Systems • Chapter 10: 30 minutes Test Environments for AI-Based Systems • Chapter 11: 195 minutes Using AI for Testing |
| Certified Tester Game Testing | CT-GaMe | Specialist | ● Chapter 1: 75 minutes Specificity of Game Testing ● Chapter 2: 180 minutes Testing Game Mechanics ● Chapter 3: 165 minutes Graphics Testing ● Chapter 4: 190 minutes Sound Testing ● Chapter 5: 65 minutes Game Level Testing ● Chapter 6: 95 minutes Game Controllers Testing ● Chapter 7: 155 minutes Localization Testing |
| Certified Tester Test Automation Engineer | CT-TAE | Specialist | Introduction and Objectives for Test Automation – 30 mins. Preparing for Test Automation – 165 mins. The Generic Test Automation Architecture – 270 mins. Deployment Risks and Contingencies – 150 mins. Test Automation Reporting and Metrics – 165 mins. Transitioning Manual Testing to an Automated Environment – 120 mins. Verifying the TAS – 120 mins. Continuous Improvement – 150 mins. |
| Certified Tester Performance Testing | CT-PT | Specialist | Basic Concepts – 60 mins. Performance Measurement Fundamentals – 55 mins. Performance Testing in the Software Lifecycle – 195 mins. Performance Testing Tasks– 475 mins. Tools – 90 mins. |
| Certified Tester Automotive Software Tester | CT-AuT | Specialist | Introduction (K2) [30 Min]Standards for the testing of E/E systems (K3) [300 Min]Testing in a virtual environment (K3) [160 Min]Automotive-specific static and dynamic test techniques [230 Min] |
| Certified Tester Usability Testing | CT-UT | Specialist | Basic Concepts – 200 mins Risks in Usability, User Experience and Accessibility – 80 mins Usability and Accessibility Standards – 105 mins. Usability Reviews – 90 mins. Usability Testing – 270 mins. User Surveys – 30 mins. Selecting Appropriate Methods – 40 mins. Summary of Roles and Responsibilities – 30 mins. |
| Certified Tester Acceptance Testing | CT-AcT | Specialist | Introduction and Foundations – 80 mins. Acceptance Criteria, Acceptance Tests and ExperienceBased Practices – 165 mins. Business Process and Business Rules Modeling – 150 mins. Acceptance Testing for Non-Functional Requirements – 95 mins. Collaborative Acceptance Testing – 110 mins. |
| Certified Tester Gambling Industry Tester | CT-GT | Specialist | Introduction to the Gambling Industry – 215 mins. The Gambling Industry Ecosystems – 90 mins. Testing in the Gambling Industry – 435 mins. |
| Certified Tester Mobile Application Testing | CT-MAT | Specialist | Mobile World – Business and Technology Drivers – 175 mins Mobile Application Test Types – 265 mins Common Test Types and Test Process for Mobile Applications – 200 mins Mobile Application Platforms, Tools and Environment – 80 mins 36 Automating the Test Execution – 55 mins |
| Certified Tester Security Tester | CT-SEC | Specialist | The Basis of Security Testing – 105 mins. Security Testing Purposes, Goals and Strategies – 130 mins Security Testing Processes – 140 mins Security Testing Throughout the Software Lifecycle – 225 mins.. Testing Security Mechanisms – 240 mins Human Factors in Security Testing – 105 mins Security Test Evaluation and Reporting – 70 mins Security Testing Tools – 55 mins Standards and Industry Trends – 40 mins. |
| Certified Tester Model-Based Tester | CT-MBT | Specialist | Introduction to Model-Based Testing – 90 mins. MBT Modeling – 250 mins. Selection Criteria for Test Case Generation – 205 mins. MBT Test Implementation and Execution – 120 mins. Evaluating and Deploying an MBT Approach – 60 mins. |
| Certified Tester Foundation Level Agile Tester | CTFL-AT | Agile | Agile Software Development – 150 mins. Fundamental Agile Testing Principles, Practices, and Processes – 105 mins. Agile Testing Methods, Techniques, and Tools – 480 mins. |
| Certified Tester Advanced Level Agile Test Leadership at Scale (MVP) | CTAL-ATLaS | Agile | • Chapter 1: 60 minutes, Quality Assistance • Chapter 2: 120 minutes, Improve Quality and Flow in a Value-Driven Organization • Chapter 3: 150 minutes, Continuous Improvement of Quality and Testing • Chapter 4: x minutes, Agile Test Strategy at Scale (draft title) • Chapter 5: x minutes, Agile Test Process at Scale (draft title) |
| Certified Tester Advanced Level Agile Technical Tester | CTAL-ATT | Agile | Chapter 1: 180 minutes Requirements Engineering Chapter 2: 540 minutes Testing in Agile Chapter 3: 135 minutes Test Automation Chapter 4: 105 minutes Deployment and Delivery |
| Certified Tester Expert Level Assessing Test Processes | CTEL-ITP-ATP | Expert Level Improving the Test Process | The Context of Improvement 285 mins. Model-based Improvement 570 mins. Analytical-based Improvement 555 mins. Selecting the Approach for Test Process Improvement 105 mins. Process for Improvement 900 mins. Organization, Roles and Skills 465 mins. Managing Change 285 mins. Critical Success Factors 300 mins. Adapting to Different Life Cycle Models 60 mins. |
| Certified Tester Expert Level Implementing Test Process Improvement | CTEL-ITP-ITPI | Expert Level Improving the Test Process | The Context of Improvement 285 mins. Model-based Improvement 570 mins. Analytical-based Improvement 555 mins. Selecting the Approach for Test Process Improvement 105 mins. Process for Improvement 900 mins. Organization, Roles and Skills 465 mins. Managing Change 285 mins. Critical Success Factors 300 mins. Adapting to Different Life Cycle Models 60 mins. |
| Certified Tester Expert Level Test Management Strategic Test Management | CTEL-TM-SM | Expert Level Test Management | Test Missions, Policies, Strategies and Goals 555 mins. Managing the Test Team 855 mins Managing External Relationships 330 mins Managing Across the Organization 780 mins. Project Management Essentials 615 mins. Test Project Evaluation and Reporting 510 mins. Testing Considerations for Domain and Project Factors 270 mins. Evaluating Effectiveness and Efficiency 195 mins. |
| Certified Tester Expert Level Test Management Operational Test Management | CTEL-TM-OTM | Expert Level Test Management | Test Missions, Policies, Strategies and Goals 555 mins. Managing the Test Team 855 mins Managing External Relationships 330 mins Managing Across the Organization 780 mins. Project Management Essentials 615 mins. Test Project Evaluation and Reporting 510 mins. Testing Considerations for Domain and Project Factors 270 mins. Evaluating Effectiveness and Efficiency 195 mins. |
| Certified Tester Expert Level Test Management Managing the Test Team | CTEL-TM-MTT | Expert Level Test Management | Test Missions, Policies, Strategies and Goals 555 mins. Managing the Test Team 855 mins Managing External Relationships 330 mins Managing Across the Organization 780 mins. Project Management Essentials 615 mins. Test Project Evaluation and Reporting 510 mins. Testing Considerations for Domain and Project Factors 270 mins. Evaluating Effectiveness and Efficiency 195 mins. |
Why Certification Exams Need Updates?
Certification exams serve as benchmarks of knowledge and skills in the software testing domain. By staying up-to-date with the latest advancements and incorporating them into the exams, certification bodies ensure that certified professionals possess the necessary expertise to address the current and future challenges of software testing.
- Evolving industry standards and practices: The field of software testing is dynamic and constantly evolving. New industry standards, methodologies, and practices emerge to address the changing landscape of software development and quality assurance. Certification exams need updates to reflect these advancements, ensuring that certified professionals are equipped with the latest knowledge and skills required in the industry.
- Technological advancements: Technology is advancing at a rapid pace, and software testing is no exception. New tools, frameworks, and technologies are introduced to improve the efficiency, effectiveness, and accuracy of testing processes. Certification exams need updates to cover these technological advancements, enabling professionals to stay current with the tools and techniques used in the industry.
- Feedback and suggestions from certified professionals: Certified professionals who have practical experience in the field provide valuable feedback and suggestions for improving certification exams. Their insights help identify areas that may need updates or revisions, ensuring that the exams align with real-world testing scenarios and challenges. Incorporating feedback from professionals enhances the relevance and effectiveness of the certification.
- Ensuring relevance and credibility of certification: Regular updates in certification exams ensure that the certifications remain relevant and credible in the industry. By incorporating the latest industry practices, emerging trends, and technological advancements, the exams maintain their value and reflect the evolving expectations and requirements of employers. Updating the exams also helps mitigate the risk of the certifications becoming outdated or irrelevant over time.
Tips for Successful Exam Preparation
Remember that successful exam preparation requires dedication, consistency, and a well-planned study schedule. Allocate regular study time, break down the syllabus into manageable sections, and ensure you have a balanced understanding of all the exam topics.
Understanding the exam syllabus and objectives:
- Thoroughly review the exam syllabus provided by the certification body.
- Understand the key topics, knowledge areas, and skills that the exam will assess.
- Identify any specific areas where you need to focus more attention and allocate study time accordingly.
Utilizing relevant study materials and resources:
- Use official textbooks, study guides, and practice papers provided by the certification body.
- Explore additional reference books and online resources to gain a comprehensive understanding of the exam topics.
- Take advantage of sample exams and mock tests to assess your knowledge and identify areas for improvement.
Practicing with sample exams and mock tests:
- Solve as many sample exams and mock tests as possible to familiarize yourself with the exam format, time constraints, and types of questions.
- Analyze your performance, identify weak areas, and focus on improving your understanding and skills in those areas.
- Pay attention to time management during practice sessions to ensure you can complete the exam within the allocated time.
Seeking guidance from experienced professionals:
- Connect with professionals who have already passed the exam or have relevant experience in the field.
- Seek their guidance and advice on exam preparation strategies, recommended study materials, and effective learning techniques.
- Join online forums, communities, or study groups dedicated to the certification to interact with fellow candidates and share insights.
Final Words
Staying updated with ISTQB certification exam content is crucial for software testing professionals who want to excel in their careers. The recent updates in ISTQB certification exams reflect the evolving industry standards, technological advancements, and emerging testing practices. By embracing these updates, professionals can ensure that their skills and knowledge align with the current demands of the field.
In this blog, we explored the importance of staying up-to-date with certification exams and discussed the recent updates that have been implemented. We highlighted the benefits of staying current, such as enhanced knowledge and skills, improved career prospects, and increased credibility.
Remember, ISTQB certification is not just a one-time achievement but a commitment to continuous learning and professional growth. Embrace the opportunity to stay updated with the latest industry trends, tools, and methodologies, and let your ISTQB certification serve as a testament to your expertise and dedication in the field of software testing.
