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
Julie Warwick| Test Analyst| RS Group –
This is a hard going course due to the about of learning required, however, Bill our trainer was excellent at not only explaining everything so well, but also keeping the course interesting.
Thomas Martin| Test Analyst| RS Group (Components) –
Very knowledgeable and could add real life examples to many scenarios to give great context
Laura Thorpe (Mason)| Finance Test Analyst| Diligenta –
Bill really made an extremely tough course more bearable. His approach to teaching is excellent. The content of the course is huge and 3 full days is too much in one go.
Anonymous –
Very well instructed, clear and concise.
Bill went above and beyond.
Anonymous –
Bill has excellent knowledge and experience. Its a real education to listen to this. Presentations are articulated really well and clearly. The information pack provided (example questions, syllabus etc) is excellent.
Anonymous –
Trainer was amazing, gave great examples and went into extra detail in subjects. Trainer also gave his personal details where we can reach out and ask extra questions leading up to the exam date was an amazing experience
Anonymous –
Very well delivered, Bill gave very in depth detail and was very clear and concise. Course itself has a lot of information but varied and interesting
Anonymous –
I’m very glad to have had Bill as an instructor. For a course as dense and theoretical as this one, he kept me engaged throughout and provided some very interesting anecdotal examples from his vast range of professional experiences as well as his general knowledge and wisdom. Despite a medical issue he had on the second day he still managed to deliver the entire course without any issues or delays. An intriguing and dedicated teacher, it’s been a pleasure learning from Bill.
Anonymous –
I enjoyed the way in which the content was presented. Bill made it engaging by noting lots of real world scenarios which made the content practical and is a great way to see how the content is applied.
Anonymous –
Bill has vast experience in the software development & test industry, however I found him to go down the rabbit hole on several areas of the subject causing the course to over run on several days. The course itself has a lot of information, examples and exercises. Which I would recommend, however it does feel more breaks are needed and an additional half day.
Anonymous –
Yah very well done, he was always up for clarifications on my questions, really cemented my current knowledge of the test material and beyond 🙂
Daniel Doran| Software Tester| Nikon –
Very well instructed, clear and concise.
Bill went above and beyond.
Matthew Benton| software engineer| Waters Corporation –
Bill has excellent knowledge and experience. Its a real education to listen to this. Presentations are articulated really well and clearly. The information pack provided (example questions, syllabus etc) is excellent.
Sharafat Ali| IT Support Analyst| Energy Industry –
Trainer was amazing, gave great examples and went into extra detail in subjects. Trainer also gave his personal details where we can reach out and ask extra questions leading up to the exam date was an amazing experience
Harry Ashwin| Test Manager| Diligenta –
Very well delivered, Bill gave very in depth detail and was very clear and concise. Course itself has a lot of information but varied and interesting
Emma Dunne| Associate software QA| Emilio Cortegoso –
I’m very glad to have had Bill as an instructor. For a course as dense and theoretical as this one, he kept me engaged throughout and provided some very interesting anecdotal examples from his vast range of professional experiences as well as his general knowledge and wisdom. Despite a medical issue he had on the second day he still managed to deliver the entire course without any issues or delays. An intriguing and dedicated teacher, it’s been a pleasure learning from Bill.
Jaco Karsten| QA Engineer| Xceptor –
I enjoyed the way in which the content was presented. Bill made it engaging by noting lots of real world scenarios which made the content practical and is a great way to see how the content is applied.
Nick Allibone| Test Manager| KPMG –
Bill has vast experience in the software development & test industry, however I found him to go down the rabbit hole on several areas of the subject causing the course to over run on several days. The course itself has a lot of information, examples and exercises. Which I would recommend, however it does feel more breaks are needed and an additional half day.
Shawn Bodily| Digital Twin Dev| ProjectBinder –
Yah very well done, he was always up for clarifications on my questions, really cemented my current knowledge of the test material and beyond 🙂
Anonymous –
Whist this course I felt is broad in nature, Richards delivery of the Course materials was as palatable as it could be. Audibly perfect and I felt thorough where neccessary