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
Anonymous –
Informative and understandable.
Some of the slides could be broken down further and are context dependent but were explained very well by John.
Anonymous –
Very good with a very good instructor and also the tools he used especially for test questions. He was very prepared on the subject.
Alex Borg| Senior System Administrator| BOV –
Very good with a very good instructor and also the tools he used especially for test questions. He was very prepared on the subject.
Anonymous –
Very good, covered lots
Anonymous –
Both very knowledgable instructors. Some of the exercises could be a bit better, plus some inconsistencies with the slides given and the slides shown but overall alot of great explanations and work very helpful in awnsering questions.
Anonymous –
Richard was very detailed and clear in his explanations of the syllabus as well as the slides presented to us throughout the course duration. He also presented the information in a way that was easy to understand for newcomers to the industry, which made the information all-the-more digestible.
The course itself was great at explaining the details of the ISTQB syllabus that were otherwise only briefly covered within the syllabus itself. I would gladly take another course again from TSG.
Anonymous –
Course was informative and gives a foundation. Disruptive changing trainer, although appreciate it couldn’t be helped. Additional breaks given when requested helped (trainer responsive to trainees needs). Breakout rooms were not helpful. Preference would be to go through the question with trainer, rather than going down the wrong path with other trainees.
Anonymous –
Both John & Richard were excellent trainers. Both had an obvious natural enthusiasm to the content they were teaching, and I really enjoyed a lot of the content. Some of the more technical content will require further independent revision to get right, but the training was structured very well and everything was absolutely explained in the best possible way. Thank you.
Zoe Rosina Nicholas| Product Analyst| Trace Solutions –
Very good, covered lots
Henry Low| | Hoptroff LTD –
Both very knowledgable instructors. Some of the exercises could be a bit better, plus some inconsistencies with the slides given and the slides shown but overall alot of great explanations and work very helpful in awnsering questions.
Dan Baird| Associate QA Consultant| tiQtoQ –
Richard was very detailed and clear in his explanations of the syllabus as well as the slides presented to us throughout the course duration. He also presented the information in a way that was easy to understand for newcomers to the industry, which made the information all-the-more digestible.
The course itself was great at explaining the details of the ISTQB syllabus that were otherwise only briefly covered within the syllabus itself. I would gladly take another course again from TSG.
Blair McManus| QVT Technical Leader| Almacgroup –
Course was informative and gives a foundation. Disruptive changing trainer, although appreciate it couldn’t be helped. Additional breaks given when requested helped (trainer responsive to trainees needs). Breakout rooms were not helpful. Preference would be to go through the question with trainer, rather than going down the wrong path with other trainees.
Niall Coyle| Senior Systems Analyst| Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust –
Both John & Richard were excellent trainers. Both had an obvious natural enthusiasm to the content they were teaching, and I really enjoyed a lot of the content. Some of the more technical content will require further independent revision to get right, but the training was structured very well and everything was absolutely explained in the best possible way. Thank you.
Anonymous –
Angelina did a great job maintaining engagement and adapting the course based on the participants.
Anonymous –
Angelina was brilliant. Made a very long detailed course enjoyable. I loved the interaction and the break up of the learning with challenging the knowledge of the group on what is being taught. The breakout rooms were great way of learning and it was nice to talk to people on the course.
Albin Nilsson| Consultant| Nexer Enterprise Applications –
Angelina did a great job maintaining engagement and adapting the course based on the participants.
Mandy Leonard| Test Analyst| Oxford University –
Angelina was brilliant. Made a very long detailed course enjoyable. I loved the interaction and the break up of the learning with challenging the knowledge of the group on what is being taught. The breakout rooms were great way of learning and it was nice to talk to people on the course.
Anonymous –
It was strictly my own company, I would have preferred other companies to attend. Also, I feel the trainer should have reviewed material before the course as there mistakes found during delivery. Otherwise, very knowledgable and enthusiastic. Thank you.
Lubna Khan| Tester| BAE –
It was strictly my own company, I would have preferred other companies to attend. Also, I feel the trainer should have reviewed material before the course as there mistakes found during delivery. Otherwise, very knowledgable and enthusiastic. Thank you.
Anonymous –
5/5 – The trainer clearly was experienced and knowledgable, not everyone likes being on camera – I would encourage people to try and get on camera to help keep the course positive.