Course overview
The ISTQB Certified Tester Foundation Level (CTFL) is the most widely recognised entry-level certification in software testing, trusted by employers and professionals around the world. This accredited course provides you with a comprehensive introduction to the principles, processes, and practices of testing, ensuring you gain the essential skills needed to begin or advance a career in quality assurance.
During the training, you will follow the official ISTQB Foundation Level syllabus, covering core testing concepts such as the purpose of testing, the role of testing within the software development lifecycle, and how testing adds value to both projects and organisations. You will also explore test design techniques, static testing, reviews, defect management, and the fundamentals of test management, providing you with a broad and practical understanding of the discipline.
The ISTQB Foundation course is suitable for anyone looking to formalise their knowledge of software testing or preparing to sit the Foundation Level exam. It is particularly valuable for new or junior testers, developers, business analysts, and IT professionals who need to understand how testing works and how it contributes to software quality. No prior testing experience is required, making this course an accessible first step into the testing profession. On completion of the course, you will be fully prepared to take the ISTQB Foundation certification exam (CTFL). Passing the exam will award you the internationally recognised ISTQB Foundation Level certification, opening the door to further qualifications such as the ISTQB Advanced and Specialist levels. With experienced trainers, accredited materials, and a focus on practical learning, this course equips you with both the knowledge and the confidence to succeed in your exam and apply your skills in real-world testing projects. By achieving the ISTQB Foundation Level certification, you demonstrate your commitment to quality and lay the foundations for a successful career in software testing. The CTFL 4.0 certification is designed for professionals who want to validate their practical understanding of the core principles of software testing. It is especially relevant for individuals in the following roles: The ISTQB® Certified Tester Scheme supports testing professionals at every stage of their careers, providing both breadth and depth of knowledge. It also offers clear progression opportunities through advanced qualifications, including the Core Advanced, Specialist, and Expert Levels. Earning this certification opens the pathway to the next stage of the Core stream, including Advanced Level options such as Test Analyst, Technical Test Analyst, or Test Manager. Alternatively, candidates can pursue the Agile or Specialist streams to build expertise in specific areas of software testing. The Certified Tester Foundation Level v4.0 Uncovered” webinar. Tailored for both aspiring ISTQB candidates and seasoned testers, the session dove into the updated CTFL v4.0 exam syllabus, highlighting key revisions and enhancements. Attendees gained insight into what’s new, what’s changed, and crucially why these updates matter in modern testing environments. Click here to view the webinar ISTQB® (International Software Testing Qualifications Board) established the globally-recognised certified tester scheme to: Course highlights
Why you should attend
Who should attend
Next steps in your testing career
Watch our latest webinar
About ISTQB and the certified tester scheme
Majd Kassawat | Test Lead |OMRON –
Very clear and straightforward explanation.
The presentation is interactive enough.
Workload is well balanced between home and class.
Rebecca Sloane | Test Analyst |NHS –
Very helpful and clearly presented. Going through examples was really useful for heavy course material. Worked well despite being at home and online.
Stephen Bruce | QA Engineer |Fuel3D –
John was a very good teacher, explained everything well and set us up perfectly for the exam
Robert Macdonald | Software Test Engineer |IBM –
We completed a 2 day online introduction to test course, where we listen to a presentation and took part in multiple exercises.
Philippa Hodge | Automation Tester |WTC –
Very good at keeping people’s attention – much harder online so she did a grand job of that.
Philippa Hodge | Automation Tester |WTC –
Very good at keeping people’s attention – much harder online so she did a grand job of that.
Patrick Wilson | Test Analyst |IBM –
Very Informative, a good pace to the course and really good explanations and links to how it will be used in the “Real world”. My only “Even better if”, is if a little more writing on the slides could be done just to explain the slides a little more.
Patrick Wilson|Test Analyst|IBM –
Very Informative, a good pace to the course and really good explanations and links to how it will be used in the “Real world”. My only “Even better if”, is if a little more writing on the slides could be done just to explain the slides a little more.
Sheila Brogden|Tester|Civil Service –
Rosie is clearly very knowledgeable about the subject and was able to use lots of real life examples to demonstrate her explanations.
Victoria Blake-Dobell|Software Tester|DNV –
My trainer was thorough and friendly, and the course provided me with a lot of incredibly useful information and insights.
Adam Compton|Test & Config Analyst|ERS –
Solid instruction, decent support materials. Impacted slightly (albeit completely understandably) by having it performed remotely, but the trainer did very well considering.
Tony Thomas|Product Delivery Test Analyst|LV Insurance –
Rosie Sheldon was absolutely fantastic at explaining, making sure you understood if you raised any questions, clear, approachable. It was a pleasure!
Austen Fletcher|Software Tester Trainee|Reallymoving Ltd –
I felt that Rosie dealt very well with the volume of content, in particular during the first day (which she kindly warned us about).
I also found it useful that she gave us guidance on the sorts of areas we ought to prioritise learning.
I found her teaching style engaging, and appreciated the way she brought in personal anecdotes to help us associate the course content with more relatable scenarios, as well as the way she brought up past content to help reinforce it.
Ivaylo Leonkev| Technology Consultant Graduate Trainee| KPMG UK –
Course was very well structured and presented. The pacing was good and the breaks were scheduled just at the right times.
Priya Uka|Functional Tester|RCI Financial Services –
There was a lot of content to learn but I feel John went through it very well and willingly slowed down and went over content until everyone confirmed they understood.
Breaks were given at good intervals which helped everyone come back ready to absorb more content
Chad Bradshaw|Test Analyst|Elecosoft –
Very good – was able to stay focused and information was explained in a simple and clear way.
John Smith|Software tester|Apteco Ltd –
High intensity, a lot of info being delivered. Excellent verbal presentation by tutor.
Sample questions convoluted and poorly written – not a reflection of TSG or Rosie!
Very pleased I had someone walking me through the material.
Rosies ability to explain answers not initially understood didn’t quite hit the mark for me. I was looking for a ‘recipe’ of how to approach the question and quickly decipher it’s meaning. Personally that wasn’t always what I received, and I felt one or two explanations for others failed to offer a different way of saying what was said originally. If there was an area to improve on, then that is the only one I could identify.
Julia Steinberg –
I really enjoyed the course – the material was presented excellently and was very thouroughly explained. It was engaging and I felt like it has helped me tremendously in understanding the basics of testing and how to adhere to best practices.
Thank you very much, John, for the great experience!
George SPEDDING|SENIOR TEST MANAGER|MOD –
INTENSIVE COURSE BUT WELL PRESENTED
Chris Webber|Test Analyst|LV Insurance –
John really was an excellent tutor. Patient, knowledgeable, kind, able to simplify and demonstrate complex subjects with ease. I really think he made all the difference and I feel lucky that he was our tutor. The course itself was very well structured & I felt like I learnt a lot in a short space of time.