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
Jim McGrellis| QA & Test|Telefonica UK –
The course content and trainer were good, the course was very intensive and a lot to take in. _x000D_
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Due to covid it was delivered virtually, which is not my preferred method of learning, I would have preferred a classroom based course for something as intensive and involved as this course, but understand the reasoning behind this due to the current circumstances. Thanks
Zahra Jaffer| Junior Test Analyst|IRIS Software Group –
The course was quite complex but I felt that John explained everything in a very clear and concise manner so that it was understandable. I am very pleased with the training and the resources that have been given to me, I feel as though I have learnt a huge amount. A lot of this goes to the trainer as he took the time out to answer our questions and give us better examples and techniques for the exam.
Kumud Ranjan| Associate Manager|Accenture –
Great trainer. Explain the every bit with the example which really help to understand the concept and always happy to assist.
Wayne Francis| Test Analyst|MHRA –
Enjoyed the course and John helped me to understand the trickier parts. only wish I could take his brain whilst doing the exam.
Toby Brown| QA Engineer|Telefonica UK –
I found this online course much better than expected. Content was very thorough and well-presented. John Young gave great explanations to queries throughout. As a trainer he’s very patient and willing to get to the bottom of any questions that you have. He’s also easy to listen to and understand.
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. _x000D_
Breaks were given at good intervals which helped everyone come back ready to absorb more content
Kelly Robinson-McBride| QA Engineer|Iris Software Group –
Concise, a little overwhelming but great overall
Will Blakeney|Apprentice Software Tester|HMRC –
Appreciated having classroom, homework and mock exam exercises. Another mock exam booklet would also be useful to consolidate learning.
Thomas Gallagher|Data & Tech Analyst|KPMG –
John was very helpful in explaining everything I needed to learn for the ISTQB exam, he was also very friendly and approachable. I was initially a bit worried about the remote learning, but John made the change from classroom learning to remote learning very easy.
Sofia Penim|Test Manager|Siemens –
Very good course still felt very crammed but that is the nature of the course. Some the presentation slides could be presented more formally and concisely to take the key messages away. Trainer was very knowledge not only on content but also test conditions. Trainer also had good knowledge in how to tailor the course to our needs.
Satish Pai|Consultant|CTG UK –
Very informative, John was super helpful
Robert Gale|QA Manager|Deloitte LLP –
The instructor was amazing, cheerful and very relatable. Literally one of the best online courses.
Rita Gracio|Business Tester|Siemens –
I’m very pleased about the course. Instructor was excellent, he explained every bit very clearly. I have passed my ISTQB Foundation Level exam successfully.
Nuno Dias|Senior Business Tester|Siemens –
Overall, it was a very pleasant experience and I think John managed the course very well. He set a strong, consistent pace and explained all the content very well as well. I think the course content was a little heavier to understand towards the end of the first day and the first half of the second, especially as I have not had any experience in testing, which made it slightly harder to retain the theory.
Maria Antonia Pasculli|project manager| –
The course is very extensive with a lot of reading, but there are alot of classroom exercises that helps with the understanding of the material._x000D_
My trainer is very helpful and informative. Kept the whole class engaged.
Luis Correia|| –
Paul was so lovely and helpful. He went through the course with good pace and detail and was always willing to help and explain things in more detail
Lucy Briggs|Graduate Trainee|KPMG –
Hard to say since I have not yet taken the exam but I thought the course was very well delivered, the trainer was excellent and friendly.
Louisa Costa|Functional Test Analyst|RCI Financial Services –
I thought the course was well run and everything was explained thoroughly.
Kevin Ayres|Test Manager|Metropolitan Police Service –
The course was very interesting. However I believe that such trainings should be taught with physical presence. It was the first time I had online training, and I realize how much I missed the personal interaction with the trainer, and the communication during the lesson with my colleagues. I know this training was offered via internet due to the situation. I hope the level ISTQB level to be organised in a classroom. Rosie was of course there in order to solve our concerns and questions, but I feel it would be nice if she could see us shaking our head for a “yes” when she was asking questions. Regarding with the exams, personally I disagree with the fact that we were not allowed to have a paper. It was time consuming. Also, it would be better to have a 5-min practice in the exam environment, to see how it behaves. I had many times interruptions due to the demand to refresh the screen share. _x000D_
Extra comment: In homework sample questions, in page 41 the question 55 has a typo. Instead of answer “A”, it says “D”
Kelly Robinson-McBride|QA Engineer|Iris Software Group –
I was very pleased with the virtual delivery of this course. The course ran seamlessly and was very well structured. John clearly has high expertise in this area and is very experienced in teaching. His teaching style is great – very supportive and thorough in his explanation of theory and in answering follow up questions. The virtual classes are a good solution to the current restrictions on learning and I would recommend.