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
Stijn Marynissen| Software Tester| Naim Audio –
Bill was very engaging and had useful real-world anecdotes. The level of interactivity was just right.
Campbell Forsyth| Test Automation Consultant| Agenor Technology –
Good pace with a lot to absorb. Exercises help to learn the course topics.
Yvonne Tang| Automation Test Engineer| New Look –
Overall very happy with the content of the course and format. Very informative course with plenty of real-life examples provided by our trainer. Good balance of exercises to do and also practice questions to help prep for the exam.
Mandy Leonard| Test Analyst| Oxford University –
I found Bill very knowledgeable and had a great amount of experience! I have really enjoyed the course and felt Bill delivered it very well. Although I know this is not TSG – but it would be great if ISTQB would allow this course to be run over more days, especially taking into consideration those with disabilities who may find 3 days of talking a lot to take in.
Azhar | | Metropolitan Police –
Bill did a great job given the amount of material we had to cover. Real life examples were really interesting.
Anonymous –
Bill is a fantastic trainer with a wide depth of knowledge and memorable examples. I am aware that the course must be completed within 3 days and a lot of it is simply learning definitions and processes but the inclusion of some more interactive activities such as kahoots quizzes would have been great. Bill did a great job handling some pretty dry material with his anecdotes and examples. The teaching for module 4 was impeccable with great engagement from the class. 10/10 for Bill!!
Ciara Naughton Boyle| IT Test Administrator| The Office for Nuclear Regulation –
Bill is a fantastic trainer with a wide depth of knowledge and memorable examples. I am aware that the course must be completed within 3 days and a lot of it is simply learning definitions and processes but the inclusion of some more interactive activities such as kahoots quizzes would have been great. Bill did a great job handling some pretty dry material with his anecdotes and examples. The teaching for module 4 was impeccable with great engagement from the class. 10/10 for Bill!!
Anonymous –
Training was detailed and help with any queries
Anonymous –
Very interesting course and well thought by Angelina
Marley Ebejer| System Administrator| Bank of Valletta plc –
Training was detailed and help with any queries
Tristen Agius| IT Operator| Bank Of Valletta –
Very interesting course and well thought by Angelina
Anonymous –
The course material is too large for the duration of the course for somebody with little technical knowledge. Luckily there were not too many students in the class and Angelina took time to slow down when someone needed it and explain more thoroughly concepts that were difficult to grasp
Anonymous –
It was good, a lot of information to go over in a short period of time. I especially enjoyed doing questions together instead of going over the information in the slides
Alexandra Prejban-Tantos| Test Analyst| Flogas –
The course material is too large for the duration of the course for somebody with little technical knowledge. Luckily there were not too many students in the class and Angelina took time to slow down when someone needed it and explain more thoroughly concepts that were difficult to grasp
Kevin Philbin| Senior SW Test Engineer| Domino Printing Sciences –
It was good, a lot of information to go over in a short period of time. I especially enjoyed doing questions together instead of going over the information in the slides
Anonymous –
Bill was highly knowledgeable, thorough, and informative. I highly rate this course and will recommend it to future team members as part of the on-boarding process.
Anonymous –
Great course. Very dense but Bill’s knowledge is outstanding. Would highly recommend.
Anonymous –
The course and especially John was a joy to take, I felt immersed in every section we went through. It was very information and heavy and a lot to take on board over the three days but i expected that. The way the course was broken down made it a lot more digestible. John was brilliant from the first moment until last, he has such a wealth of experience that allows him to draw on a lot of different experiences. The way he applies these to the work makes the learning a lot easier and more enjoyable.
James McKeon| Software Developer| Revenue (Irish Government body) –
Bill was highly knowledgeable, thorough, and informative. I highly rate this course and will recommend it to future team members as part of the on-boarding process.
Gareth Parry| Redundant Engineer| Formerly Hewlett Packard –
Great course. Very dense but Bill’s knowledge is outstanding. Would highly recommend.