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The ISTQB Certified Tester Foundation Level (CTFL) v4.0 course is your gateway to advancing your software testing career. This fully accredited programme provides a solid foundation in software testing principles, preparing you for the globally recognised ISTQB CTFL certification. Tailored for professionals in the UK and beyond, it covers best practices aligned with modern methodologies, including Waterfall, Agile, DevOps, and Continuous Delivery.
Globally recognised qualification: Achieve the ISTQB CTFL certification, a benchmark in software testing excellence.
Career Advancement: Enhance your prospects in the UK and international markets.
Comprehensive Curriculum: Gain in-depth knowledge of software testing concepts and terminology.
Versatile Application: Apply learned skills across multiple software development approaches.
Course Highlights
Duration: 3-day intensive training.
Format: Available in Virtual, Classroom and E-learning
Content: Covers the latest ISTQB syllabus, exam preparation, and revision.
Accreditation: Fully accredited by UKITB on behalf of ISTQB
SFIAplus Level: Rated at level 3 by the BCS.
Important note regarding pre-course
There is mandatory online pre-course work that must be undertaken prior to attending this course. It is expected that it will take approximately four to five hours to complete. You will be sent full instructions with a link to the online pre course three weeks prior to course commencement.
Provide internationally acknowledged professional qualifications
Enable software companies to hire and train certified testers
Facilitate global understanding and comparison of testing skills
Learn more about the NEW ISTQB Certified Tester Foundation Level
This video will give you an insight in to the new ISTQB Foundation Syllabus, the reasoning behind the syllabus change and the merging of 2 syllabi into one.
Invest in Your Future with ISTQB Certification
Enhance your software testing skills and career prospects with our ISTQB Software Testing Foundation course. Join over a million certified testers worldwide and open doors to exciting opportunities in the field of software quality assurance.
There is mandatory online pre-course work that must be undertaken prior to attending this course. It is expected that it will take approximately four to five hours to complete. You will be sent full instructions with a link to the online pre course three weeks prior to course commencement.
On arrival at the course candidates should have read the provided Syllabus in preparation for the course. The course is intensive and those delegates who have prepared achieve a higher exam success rate.
CTFL Exam
To qualify as an internationally recognised Certified Foundation Level Tester and be issued with an ISTQB® Foundation Level Certificate, delegates must successfully pass the exam:
The examination consists of a one-hour exam with 40 multiple choice questions.
It will be a ‘closed book’ examination i.e. no notes or books will be allowed into the examination room.
Duration of 60 minutes (or 75 minutes for candidates taking examinations that are not in their native language)
The pass mark is 65% (26 out of 40).
Learning Objectives
The Business Outcomes expected of a candidate who has achieved the new Foundation Level certification are as follows:
Understand what testing is and why it is beneficial
Understand fundamental concepts of software testing
Identify the test approach and activities to be implemented depending on the context of testing
Assess and improve the quality of documentation
Increase the effectiveness and efficiency of testing
Align the test process with the software development lifecycle
Understand test management principles
Write and communicate clear and understandable defect reports
Understand the factors that influence the priorities and efforts related to testing
Work as part of a cross-functional team
Know risks and benefits related to test automation
Identify essential skills required for testing
Understand the impact of risk on testing
Effectively report on test progress and quality
ISTQB Foundation Level Syllabus
Fundamentals of Testing
Testing Throughout the Software Development Lifecycle
Static Testing
Test Analysis and Design
Managing the Test Activities
Test Tools
E-Learning – Key Points
Fundamentals of testing
Test activites, testware and roles
Essential skills and good practices
Testing in context of software development lifecycles
Test levels, test types and maintenance testing
Static testing basics
Feedback and review process
Test techniques overview
Black box testing
White box testing
Experienced based testing
Collaboration-based test approaches
Test planning
Risk Management
Test monitoring, control and completion
Configuration and defect management
Test tools
Exam hints and tips
Next steps/Follow on courses
The Certified Tester Foundation Level certification is the prerequisite to the other modules within the Certified Tester Scheme.
The “Core” stream modules are valid for any technology/ methodology/ application domain and build on the Foundation Level:
Advanced Test Manager
Advanced Test Analyst
Advanced Technical Test Analyst
The “Agile” stream focuses on testing practices specifically for the Agile methodology:
Advanced Agile Technical Tester
The “Specialist” stream provides a deep dive into areas which may be based on quality characteristics, specific test approaches and test activities, or which cluster testing know-how for certain industry domains:
Acceptance Testing
AI Testing
Mobile Application Testing
Model-Based Tester
Security Tester
Test Automation Engineer
FAQ’s
What is the Certified Tester Foundation Level (CTFL) course?
The Certified Tester Foundation Level (CTFL) course is a foundational certification program designed for individuals seeking to advance their knowledge and skills in software testing. It covers the fundamentals of software testing, including test design, management, and understanding the software lifecycle.
Who should consider enrolling in the Certified Tester Foundation Level course?
The course is ideal for professionals who are new to the software testing field, including test analysts, test engineers, test consultants, test managers, user acceptance testers, and software developers. It is also beneficial for individuals seeking a career change into software testing.
What are the prerequisites for the Certified Tester Foundation Level course?
There are no formal prerequisites for the CTFL course. However, a basic understanding of IT and software development concepts is recommended to grasp the course content effectively.
Important note regarding pre-course
There is mandatory online pre-course work that must be undertaken prior to attending this course. It is expected that it will take approximately four to five hours to complete. You will be sent full instructions with a link to the online pre course three weeks prior to course commencement.
How long does the course take to complete?
The duration of the Certified Tester Level Foundation course can vary depending on the training provider. Typically, it involves approximately 3 days of instructor-led training, which can be conducted in-person or online.
What topics are covered in the Certified Tester Level Foundation (CTFL) course?
The course covers a wide range of topics, including:
Fundamentals of testing
Testing throughout the software development lifecycle
Static testing
Test design techniques
Test management
Tool support for testing
How is the Certified Tester Level Foundation certification exam structured?
The Certified Tester Level Foundation certification exam consists of 40 multiple-choice questions. Candidates have 60 minutes to complete the exam (or 75 minutes for non-native English speakers in some countries), and a score of 65% or higher is required to pass.
What are the benefits of obtaining the Certified Tester Level Foundation certification?
Obtaining the Certified Tester Level Foundation certification demonstrates a foundational understanding of software testing principles and practices. It can enhance an individual's credibility and marketability in the software testing job market, leading to potential career advancement opportunities.
Can I take the Certified Tester Level Foundation course without taking the exam?
Yes, individuals can attend the Certified Tester Level Foundation course for personal or professional development without taking the certification exam. However, taking and passing the exam will result in obtaining the CTFL certification, which can be beneficial for career progression.
How can I register for the Certified Tester Level Foundation course and exam?
Decide on the Delivery Method: Begin by selecting your preferred mode of learning. You have the option to choose between virtual (online) courses or traditional, in-person classroom courses. Consider your learning preferences, schedule, and location to make the best decision for your needs.
Select the Exam Format: After deciding on your course delivery method, choose the format of the exam you wish to take. The CTFL exam is typically available in both online and paper-based formats. Your choice might depend on the availability, convenience, or your comfort with test-taking environments.
Complete the Payment: Once you have made your selections, proceed to payment. You can pay for the course and the examination fee using various methods, including credit card, bank transfer, or a purchase order. Ensure that you have all the necessary information and authorisation if using a purchase order or bank transfer.
What is the cost of the Certified Tester Level Foundation (CTFL) course and the certification exam?
The cost of the ISTQB Foundation Level Certification (ISTQB CTFL) is from £1195 +VAT
What are the follow-on courses after passing my CTFL exam?
The Certified Tester Foundation Level certification is the prerequisite to the other modules within the Certified Tester Scheme.
The “Core” stream modules are valid for any technology/ methodology/ application domain and build on the Foundation Level:
Advanced Test Manager
Advanced Test Analyst
Advanced Technical Test Analyst
The “Agile” stream focuses on testing practices specifically for the Agile methodology:
Advanced Agile Technical Tester
The “Specialist” stream provides a deep dive into areas which may be based on quality characteristics, specific test approaches and test activities, or which cluster testing know-how for certain industry domains:
Acceptance Testing
AI Testing • Mobile Application Testing
Model-Based Tester
Security Tester
Test Automation Engineer
587 reviews for ISTQB Certified Tester Foundation Level (CTFL) v4.0
Rated 5 out of 5
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.
Rated 5 out of 5
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.
The course was amazing the three days flew by, John was a great instructor
Rated 5 out of 5
David Alexander Wells| Test Analyst| Computacenter (UK) Ltd –
The training officer kept us on track, was punctual, and presented the details to a professional standard.
No query regarding the syllabus was overlooked and all questions and input from attendees was positively approached and used to progress the coverage of the material under review.
Some anomalies in the material provided came to light, each was immediately attended to avoid any impact to our instruction and to avoid future courses from having the same issues.
My recommendation to your program would be to ensure you retain his services, as his training approach enhances TSG’s reputation.
Trainer had made sure that we have attention on what he is covering
Course coverage is good and exercises are very nice and the explanation to reach to the answers is very helpful, Thank you very much
John was great – really knowledgeable. We went through all of the content at the right pace, and had breaks at the appropriate times. The content when thrown at you can be a bit dry, but the practical applications, John’s writing throughout, and the mix of lecture to test questions made the course enjoyable. It would be nice to get other people’s details who are taking the course to learn from one another as well.
Rated 4 out of 5
Yukimi Nishiguchi| Functional Test Analysis| Ocado –
I found three full days over zoom, primarily focussed on following a 260+ slide deck, very difficult to remain focussed and engaged. Half days of slides with more interaction would be my preference if I have to do a similar course online. The most valuable parts of the course were the recaps at the beginning of the day, the exercises, homework and sharing real world examples. I would have preferred more exam style questions and discussions throughout.
I also wanted to take this opportunity to address a very uncomfortable part of the course on day 2 when one candidate was quite persistent with his point regarding an answer to one of the questions. I found the candidate to be rude and disrespectful to the tutor and the group. It made me feel uncomfortable and very anxious listening to this (through my headset for at least ten minutes) that I had to walk away from my laptop and take a break from the course. This was extremely frustrating and had this been a face-to-face tutorial, I suspect it may have been handled differently. I want to thank the tutor for his composure and getting the course back on track. I just wanted to point this out to tsg as it may go unnoticed to the tutors, especially while the course remains virtual, how these sort of events can impact other peoples experience and their wellbeing on a course. Given the nature of the issue, I certainly didn’t feel comfortable raising this at the time.
Rated 5 out of 5
dominic.cooper –
Very well lead course, John was very clear, and created a positive learning environment. Well structured course with good walkthroughs of in class examples and debriefing of sample exam questions.
Rated 5 out of 5
jaxkershaw –
A brilliantly executed course by a man who really knows his stuff but thee is so much information to take in!
Rated 5 out of 5
becky.sullivan –
Very informative, knowledgeable, friendly and helpful. John explained everything with his notes and annotations
Rated 5 out of 5
daniel.chiviliev –
Fantastic work by John. Very detailed and meaningful explanations.
Rated 5 out of 5
khushboo.srivastava2 –
Awesome course material
Rated 5 out of 5
thomas.gascoyne –
Intense but very useful
Rated 5 out of 5
rhys.mogford –
John was useful, well rounded at explaining and had many examples up his sleeve to use to explain concepts and examples.
He took time to listen to why we as a group answered some questions incorrectly, and was friendly and jovial throughout what is quite literally a very material intensive 3 days cram course!
Rated 5 out of 5
rachel.thomas –
John was really excellent, one of the best trainers I have done a course with. He is extremely knowledgeable and enthusiastic even after several days of the course.
Online Exams The remote web proctor solution allows you to take your exams online, using a webcam, microphone and a stable internet connection. You can schedule your exam in advance, at a date and time of your choice. At the agreed time you will connect with a proctor who will invigilate your exam live. View More info here https://tinyurl.com/mr22kry9
A Pearson VUE exam voucher A pearson VUE exam voucher enables you to book and sit your exam at your local Pearson VUE testing centre at a time and date convenient to you. Pearson VUE centres are worldwide, and you will be able to choose the closest testing centre to you. View More info here https://tinyurl.com/2mhn5ust
E-learning is s training, learning, or education delivered online through a computer or any other digital device, where you can work through the course at your own pace.
If you are attending a classroom course, then this will be taken at our many training centres within the UK. Our London location is Minories London EC3N 1BJ
Virtual classroom is like being in a classroom where students gather, except you will be in your home, office, or other place of your choice.
Pass Protect, offered by TSG Training, is a valuable option for those concerned about the possibility of not passing their exam on the first attempt. It acts like an insurance policy, allowing you to resit your exam at a significantly reduced rate. Pass Protect covers one resit per exam purchased, so you don’t have to worry about the cost of an additional attempt if you don’t pass initially.
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.
Tiffany Hines| Graduate Software Tester| Proctor + Stevenson –
The course was amazing the three days flew by, John was a great instructor
David Alexander Wells| Test Analyst| Computacenter (UK) Ltd –
The training officer kept us on track, was punctual, and presented the details to a professional standard.
No query regarding the syllabus was overlooked and all questions and input from attendees was positively approached and used to progress the coverage of the material under review.
Some anomalies in the material provided came to light, each was immediately attended to avoid any impact to our instruction and to avoid future courses from having the same issues.
My recommendation to your program would be to ensure you retain his services, as his training approach enhances TSG’s reputation.
Anusha Sundari| Senior Tester| Wunderman thompson –
Trainer had made sure that we have attention on what he is covering
Course coverage is good and exercises are very nice and the explanation to reach to the answers is very helpful, Thank you very much
Margo Bowes| Product Delivery Manager| Tracsis plc –
Absolutely brilliant – really enjoyed the course and John Young was excellent
Ashwini Nayak| Quality Engineer| American Express –
Overall course was good
Stephanie Lee| Test Analyst| Computacenter –
it has been a good experience, John as been very thorough when explaining.
Nicole Jeffery| Quality Assurance Specialist| Smartbox Assistive Technology –
John was great – really knowledgeable. We went through all of the content at the right pace, and had breaks at the appropriate times. The content when thrown at you can be a bit dry, but the practical applications, John’s writing throughout, and the mix of lecture to test questions made the course enjoyable. It would be nice to get other people’s details who are taking the course to learn from one another as well.
Yukimi Nishiguchi| Functional Test Analysis| Ocado –
Very good course and easy to understand.
Christine Milne| Actuarial Modelling Quality Analyst| Hymans Robertson –
I found three full days over zoom, primarily focussed on following a 260+ slide deck, very difficult to remain focussed and engaged. Half days of slides with more interaction would be my preference if I have to do a similar course online. The most valuable parts of the course were the recaps at the beginning of the day, the exercises, homework and sharing real world examples. I would have preferred more exam style questions and discussions throughout.
I also wanted to take this opportunity to address a very uncomfortable part of the course on day 2 when one candidate was quite persistent with his point regarding an answer to one of the questions. I found the candidate to be rude and disrespectful to the tutor and the group. It made me feel uncomfortable and very anxious listening to this (through my headset for at least ten minutes) that I had to walk away from my laptop and take a break from the course. This was extremely frustrating and had this been a face-to-face tutorial, I suspect it may have been handled differently. I want to thank the tutor for his composure and getting the course back on track. I just wanted to point this out to tsg as it may go unnoticed to the tutors, especially while the course remains virtual, how these sort of events can impact other peoples experience and their wellbeing on a course. Given the nature of the issue, I certainly didn’t feel comfortable raising this at the time.
dominic.cooper –
Very well lead course, John was very clear, and created a positive learning environment. Well structured course with good walkthroughs of in class examples and debriefing of sample exam questions.
jaxkershaw –
A brilliantly executed course by a man who really knows his stuff but thee is so much information to take in!
becky.sullivan –
Very informative, knowledgeable, friendly and helpful. John explained everything with his notes and annotations
daniel.chiviliev –
Fantastic work by John. Very detailed and meaningful explanations.
khushboo.srivastava2 –
Awesome course material
thomas.gascoyne –
Intense but very useful
rhys.mogford –
John was useful, well rounded at explaining and had many examples up his sleeve to use to explain concepts and examples.
He took time to listen to why we as a group answered some questions incorrectly, and was friendly and jovial throughout what is quite literally a very material intensive 3 days cram course!
rachel.thomas –
John was really excellent, one of the best trainers I have done a course with. He is extremely knowledgeable and enthusiastic even after several days of the course.
theo.rudman –
Very friendly and professional trainer