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
Gary Hull| Senior Developer|Capgemini –
Good course and content. I did find it little hard to concentrate for the longish periods with lots of new material a pace. That’s the nature of a 3 day course I though I suppose. If I was primarily a tester I expect this would be much easier. Still goood though
Ina Toni-Uebari| Software Engineer|Capgemini UK –
The course was well paced and the instructor had clear explanations. I found the exercises and additional resources very helpful.
Makhan Grewal| Software Engineer|Capgemini –
The trainer was knowledgeable and answered questions. The pace of the course was also good.
I liked the fact that when other topics were covered, the trainer gave context.
Tamao Cameron| Test Analyst|Capgemini –
The course was very thorough but easy to follow along with. Richard made sure that everyone understood what was being conveyed before progressing and was knowledgeable too. It feels like a basic understanding of testing was important to the course as terminology used was implied as standard.
Luke Jones| Software Engineer|Capgemini –
Content was well presented with clear and concise explanations of the topics. Past papers and home exercises were provided for revision. Trainer adept and answering questions + giving detailed breakdowns of past paper example where requested.
Lewis Hay| Software engineer|Capgemini –
The course was delivered well, the short exercises and test exam papers were particularly helpful in cementing the knowledge. Thanks.
Fayez Khan| Software Engineer Lead|Capgemini –
Lots of useful content with worked examples I found very helpful.
Ryan Taylor-Glossop| Software Developer|CapGemini –
Trainer was great, however I struggle to learn from lectures and generally learn better with a more hands on/exercise based approach.
Yumi Bagge| Senior SDET|Diffblue –
The course was useful in that it gave me confidence that what I have been doing is correct. Also, it helped to categorize (or put a name to) the practices I’m doing. There are many useful testing tips for the exams.
I found mock exams quite difficult and tricky (very wordy). I can see the effort to incorporate traditional and modern SDLCs, and there are many things in common but I’ve been practicing agile for many years, so I would appreciate if the foundation was also available for agile.
Richard Ellis-Jones| Test Manager|Red Bee Media –
I found the course interesting, entertaining and above all informative. The course had 6 people attending which was a great size. Karen knew her subject and was able to explain complicated idea’s and answered all our questions. She kept it light and I enjoyed every day on the course. I learnt loads.
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.