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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
Sumit Kushwaha | SA | PwC –
Course content was quite informative
Rated 5 out of 5
Andy Freeman | Software Engineer | Cap Gemini –
Good course, well paced and a very knowledgable trainer.
Rated 5 out of 5
John Dupre | Systems Administrator | Decora Blinds –
Excellent course, very well delivered, a lot to cover in 3 days.
Rated 5 out of 5
John Dupre | Systems Administrator | Decora Blinds –
Excellent course with a lot packed into a short period. Some question examples a little difficult to understand but explanations were very clear.
Rated 5 out of 5
Paul Emmett | Software Tester (Analyst) | JBA Consulting –
Very informative, sometimes intense, but an enjoyable experience. John is a good, thorough trainer who takes great care to ensure trainees understand concepts fully and responds to any comments or issues raised.
Rated 5 out of 5
Arjun Limbu | Test engineer | Trakcel –
It was helpful to refine on test techniques and process which I have learned so far. Still working on progress with the documentation sections and this course helped.
Rated 4 out of 5
David Wong | Project Test Lead | Rare LTD –
I thought John was a very good teacher, always took time to explain things clearly and precisely, and was very patient when required. The actual course felt quite intensive but manageable.
Rated 4 out of 5
Kirandeep | Kaur | IBM –
Course content was difficult so having more interactivity instead of a trainer speaking 9 to 5 would be more beneficial.
Rated 5 out of 5
Samantha Clarke | Test Analyst | BLM –
I came to this course having already studied the syllabus and an additional book and knew where the gaps in my knowledge were. Rosie has helped to fill in those gaps and has explained things greatly and used examples to show this. She also spent time after day 2 giving me tips/advice which I greatly appreciated. Rosie is very patient with everyone’s different abilities and really knows her stuff. I appreciate the help she has given and would highly recommend her.
Rated 5 out of 5
Harry Dawes | QA Test Analyst | CaseWare UK –
It was very informative and even the parts that we were bogged down with theory were made easy to follow & understand.
Rated 5 out of 5
Adam Jones | Software Architect | Capgemini –
Trainer was good, well explained and friendly.
Course was presented well, but covered more than the scope of the testing course I signed up for. I don’t feel like the SDLC, Reviews, etc needed covering in this course and the section on actual test techniques was quite short.
Rated 5 out of 5
Sam Liu | Graduate Technology Consultant | KPMG –
The training was interactive and Angelina is really helpful and engaging.
Rated 5 out of 5
Joshua Smith | Senior validation engineer | Advanced Electronics –
Rosie did a fantastic job. she was very clear and very informative in the way she explained everything. The course isn’t simple, so explaining everything in detail was a great help. Thanks!
Rated 4 out of 5
James Thomas Isted | Level 4 Software Tester Apprentice | HMRC –
Overall the course was good, unfortunately I will have to revise more afterwards due to the way I take in information. For some reason a person reading it out to me just doesn’t stick in my brain. Other than that a great course.
Rated 4 out of 5
George Stephens | Software Test Apprentice | IBM –
Overall the course was good despite challenging content. Rosie was helpful, kind and friendly. She gave us frequent breaks and plenty of time to complete the excersises.
I think a smaller class would enable more interactive activities that would have benefited my learning more than the lecture style learning that had open questions.
Lovely guy and a great teacher but he asked if we were okay a little too much.
Rated 5 out of 5
Ian Cook | Tester | Precision –
In depth & well explained, made sure everyone understood properly before moving on
Rated 4 out of 5
Sam Reed | Lead Developer | Capgemini –
I found the course engaging and interesting, i would have preferred fewer words per slide and more breaks to digest. I also found that the length given for the questions during class time was not always proportionate to the effort required for the question. Angelina was a good host and i enjoyed chatting about real life examples.
Course, whilst being intensive, was informative and thorough.
John was patient and explained any items clearly.
Genreal frustration at some of the exam questions, which I am sure have been mentioned many times before.
Rated 4 out of 5
Jasvinder Marwaha | Test engineer | Capgemini –
Course was great, Lot of information to take in limited amount of time. I believe students will benifit if course trainig time could be increased from 3 to 4 days.
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.
Sumit Kushwaha | SA | PwC –
Course content was quite informative
Andy Freeman | Software Engineer | Cap Gemini –
Good course, well paced and a very knowledgable trainer.
John Dupre | Systems Administrator | Decora Blinds –
Excellent course, very well delivered, a lot to cover in 3 days.
John Dupre | Systems Administrator | Decora Blinds –
Excellent course with a lot packed into a short period. Some question examples a little difficult to understand but explanations were very clear.
Paul Emmett | Software Tester (Analyst) | JBA Consulting –
Very informative, sometimes intense, but an enjoyable experience. John is a good, thorough trainer who takes great care to ensure trainees understand concepts fully and responds to any comments or issues raised.
Arjun Limbu | Test engineer | Trakcel –
It was helpful to refine on test techniques and process which I have learned so far. Still working on progress with the documentation sections and this course helped.
David Wong | Project Test Lead | Rare LTD –
I thought John was a very good teacher, always took time to explain things clearly and precisely, and was very patient when required. The actual course felt quite intensive but manageable.
Kirandeep | Kaur | IBM –
Course content was difficult so having more interactivity instead of a trainer speaking 9 to 5 would be more beneficial.
Samantha Clarke | Test Analyst | BLM –
I came to this course having already studied the syllabus and an additional book and knew where the gaps in my knowledge were. Rosie has helped to fill in those gaps and has explained things greatly and used examples to show this. She also spent time after day 2 giving me tips/advice which I greatly appreciated. Rosie is very patient with everyone’s different abilities and really knows her stuff. I appreciate the help she has given and would highly recommend her.
Harry Dawes | QA Test Analyst | CaseWare UK –
It was very informative and even the parts that we were bogged down with theory were made easy to follow & understand.
Adam Jones | Software Architect | Capgemini –
Trainer was good, well explained and friendly.
Course was presented well, but covered more than the scope of the testing course I signed up for. I don’t feel like the SDLC, Reviews, etc needed covering in this course and the section on actual test techniques was quite short.
Sam Liu | Graduate Technology Consultant | KPMG –
The training was interactive and Angelina is really helpful and engaging.
Joshua Smith | Senior validation engineer | Advanced Electronics –
Rosie did a fantastic job. she was very clear and very informative in the way she explained everything. The course isn’t simple, so explaining everything in detail was a great help. Thanks!
James Thomas Isted | Level 4 Software Tester Apprentice | HMRC –
Overall the course was good, unfortunately I will have to revise more afterwards due to the way I take in information. For some reason a person reading it out to me just doesn’t stick in my brain. Other than that a great course.
George Stephens | Software Test Apprentice | IBM –
Overall the course was good despite challenging content. Rosie was helpful, kind and friendly. She gave us frequent breaks and plenty of time to complete the excersises.
I think a smaller class would enable more interactive activities that would have benefited my learning more than the lecture style learning that had open questions.
Mohammed Hafijour Rahman | Graduate V+V engineer | Northrop Grumman –
Lovely guy and a great teacher but he asked if we were okay a little too much.
Ian Cook | Tester | Precision –
In depth & well explained, made sure everyone understood properly before moving on
Sam Reed | Lead Developer | Capgemini –
I found the course engaging and interesting, i would have preferred fewer words per slide and more breaks to digest. I also found that the length given for the questions during class time was not always proportionate to the effort required for the question. Angelina was a good host and i enjoyed chatting about real life examples.
Ormond Jones | Seniore Quality Assurane Analyst | Merit Software –
Course, whilst being intensive, was informative and thorough.
John was patient and explained any items clearly.
Genreal frustration at some of the exam questions, which I am sure have been mentioned many times before.
Jasvinder Marwaha | Test engineer | Capgemini –
Course was great, Lot of information to take in limited amount of time. I believe students will benifit if course trainig time could be increased from 3 to 4 days.