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
Stacey Hampson| Tech Trainer|Caramels & Ransford –
Coming from a background with no testing experience I found this course to be a bit more advanced than the foundation level it was stated. I thought we would be being taught on how to create test scripts/suites and how to run tests.
Alan Hillard| Senior Software Tester|MASS –
Aspects of the course are at odds with my 25+ years of testing (naming conventions etc). As an introduction to testing this would be good. I would use the analogy of a long time driver sitting a driving test lol.
Daniel Smith| Junior Test Engineer|UCAS –
I enjoyed the course – felt very intensive as the syllabus is very full. Trainer gave great insights and personal stories from her time as a tester. Slides felt overly busy though, hard to consume all the information fully when there are a hundred and one things being shown at one time. So a simplified slide deck would be personally preferred.
Homework and End of Exercise activities were also good – only problem is that the questions in the mock papers are dubbed ‘harder’ than the actual exam. This isnt necessarily bad thing as it prepares you fully for the worst case scenario – however having a fairer mix of questions set would be an improvement.
Melissa Arneau| Test Analyst|Miller Insurance Services LLP –
The course was good, interesting to build upon existing knowledge; however it can be lacking in crucial information for absolute beginners who have never worked in testing or even in IT altogether.
There should also be additional entry information about test automation.
Yelyzaveta Kitchenko| QA Engineer|Causeway –
The course, led by Richard, was informative and well-structured, offering a thorough understanding of software testing principles. Richard’s expertise made complex topics accessible. I’d appreciate more focus on ISTQB exam preparation, including some exam strategies. This addition would make the course more comprehensive for those aiming to get certified.
emma brown| Test Lead|Energia –
a lot of content to cover within the time and confusing language in the test samples
Alice Helm| Foundation Business System Analyst|Allianz Insurance Plc –
Richard was very clear in his explanations, and always took the time to answer questions. The course packs a lot of information into a short space of time, so I feel could do with being one day longer, with more opportunity to go through sample questions with the trainer, as I found that most often it was the wording of the question rather than the content that was tripping people up.
Alexandra Laczo| Test Analyst|Hotel Chocolat –
Really enjoyed the course, it’s been very useful. Richard was a great trainer, very knowledgeable and helpful.
I think there was a bit too much material for the 3 days, we had to really move with the course to finish on time.
Alastair Pott| QA Engineer|Capital on Tap –
Excellent, well paced and structured. Richard delivered what could easily have been quite dry topics with enthusiasm and a clear deep understanding of the subject matter that kept me engaged throughout.
Hamzah Mahmood| Software Test Analyst|Capgemini –
We worked through the material at a good pace and were offered clarity (by our kind trainer) on any areas of confusion.
Liam Scott| Software Test and Automation Engineer|Naim Audio –
The course was delivered in a very professional manner and Richard’s explanations were very easy to understand.
Subhan Rehman| Test Analyst|Capgemini –
Helpful, informative and in depth. Great teacher.
Ishita Chauhan| Scrum Master|McLaren –
All good
Thomas Skaife| QA tester|Capital on Tap –
Great course explained well
Arun Singh Kanwar| Test Analyst|Sogeti –
Amazing course with an amazing instructor who guides you through all the material and clarifies any doubts.
marian.marusic –
John is an amazing trainer. He goes extra mile to explain the topic not just verbally but also visually, which really helps to better understand it.
Anna Ward –
John was extremely knowledgeable. He had a huge amount of information to cover and ensure that we understood, he delivered it in a way that was easy to follow and explained everything very well. I have learnt an awful lot of new theory/information that will not only help me (hopefully) pass the exam but will give me extra tools to progress in my role.
Kirsten Reynolds –
Really thorough information from John, really good at explaining complex processes and it really helped my learning! Definitely recommend if you’re doing the ISTQB foundation software testing exam
Oliver Hansen –
Fantastically led course and I gained a lot of information out of it. It’s all down to me now to process the information and pass the course.
Arnaud Ramgoolam –
This was an intensive but rather informative course. _x000D_
John was knowledgeable and gave much vital information._x000D_
Moreover, he was always keen to answer all the questions we had._x000D_
In summary, I recommend this course to any professional interesting into getting testing.