Book online today or if you need any assistance or help
choosing the right course for you, please call our team on 08000 199337 and
we will help point you in the right direction.
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
Nava Anisetti | Test Manager | Sogeti UK Ltd. –
It was very interesting, the samples questions are very useful.
Rated 5 out of 5
Rich Cahill | Calculations Analyst | Abrdn –
Very detailed, and the trainer was very helpful through out the course.
Always happy to go through reasons behind the theory and help with the test examples.
I have felt like I have been given a great experience in learning the Theory behind being a Certified Tester.
John was very encouraging and didn’t hesitate to provide further explanation.
I would recommend TSG Training to anyone wanting to learn the right way!
Rated 5 out of 5
Paul McGowan | qa engineer | SQA –
course went into great detail
Rated 5 out of 5
David Rhys Shingler | Embedded Tester | RARE –
Very interesting and learnt a lot in a short amount of time, feel prepared for the exam
Rated 5 out of 5
Chris Barlow | Junior qa engineer | Lumi global –
Well structured and informative.
Rated 5 out of 5
Grace Marsey | QA Engineer | Moneybox –
I thought the days have been well paced and I liked how we did real exam questions at each stage and then went through them methodically.
Rated 5 out of 5
Hope Busby-Saywood | Test Analyst | Glasswall Solutions –
Very helpful, with lots of information, and a thorough explanation of exam questions that helped me understand why each option is or isn’t correct. Great experience for my first training course and first online training course. Thank you!
Rated 5 out of 5
Max McRae Gibson | Test Analyst | LV= –
Great course run by John! It has been very detailed, and a lot of time and effort has been put in by John. It has been intense, and my only critique would be that it would possibly be better spread over a slightly longer time to take in information.
Rated 5 out of 5
Pawandeep Singh | Test Engineer | Capgemini –
Overall very satisfied, the tutor made it easier to acquire the knowledge by going through a mixture of lectures, explanations, questions and answers. All of these were very well explained.
Rated 5 out of 5
Matthew Colin Cockerell | Senior Software Tester | Lloyds Register –
Really enjoyed the course especially Rosemary presenting and course management style. There is a lot of content which is understandle, so there isn’t much time for wider debate we fellow course members which is what I was expecting. Perhaps using breakout rooms (MS teams) would improve course member interactions.
Rated 5 out of 5
Patryk Zmijewski | It Systems Support Adminstrator | Decora –
I felt John explained each section in great user friendly details. The explanations helped my understanding. I feel very positive
Rated 5 out of 5
Prince Agyei Frimpong | Test Analyst | Capgemini –
Although it was an Intensive course John made it very engaging with his examples and also explained every details properly . Having classroom and homework examples also helped a lot
Rated 5 out of 5
Vicky Li | Graduate trainee | KPMG LLP UK –
The course trainer has explained the concept well and has good interactions in the classes.
Dayne Lucas | system support administrator | Decora –
quite intense and for me feel like i need to revise over again so i can lock in the information. but overall i believe this will help me in my role even if i do not pass the test. trainer was very good.
The first time I have completed a remote course and was anxious about how it would work, but the sessions were well structured and organised. John allowed plenty of time for discussion which worked well and made the session interactive with knowledgeable clear explanations
Rated 4 out of 5
Alexander Hendrick | Apprentice Software Test Engineer | IBM –
The course content was good and contained a lot of useful information. The trainer spoke clearly and was very helpful. My only issues are that I think the course would be better suited to a 4-5 day course rather than 3 as it did feel like we were rushing through a lot of it. Also, I feel that the way the exam is written is intentionaly misleading as it feels most questions catch you out not on the content but in the language it is written.
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.
Nava Anisetti | Test Manager | Sogeti UK Ltd. –
It was very interesting, the samples questions are very useful.
Rich Cahill | Calculations Analyst | Abrdn –
Very detailed, and the trainer was very helpful through out the course.
Always happy to go through reasons behind the theory and help with the test examples.
Ben Barrett | QA Software Engineer/ QA Software Tester | S2Partnership –
I have felt like I have been given a great experience in learning the Theory behind being a Certified Tester.
John was very encouraging and didn’t hesitate to provide further explanation.
I would recommend TSG Training to anyone wanting to learn the right way!
Paul McGowan | qa engineer | SQA –
course went into great detail
David Rhys Shingler | Embedded Tester | RARE –
Very interesting and learnt a lot in a short amount of time, feel prepared for the exam
Chris Barlow | Junior qa engineer | Lumi global –
Well structured and informative.
Grace Marsey | QA Engineer | Moneybox –
I thought the days have been well paced and I liked how we did real exam questions at each stage and then went through them methodically.
Hope Busby-Saywood | Test Analyst | Glasswall Solutions –
Very helpful, with lots of information, and a thorough explanation of exam questions that helped me understand why each option is or isn’t correct. Great experience for my first training course and first online training course. Thank you!
Max McRae Gibson | Test Analyst | LV= –
Great course run by John! It has been very detailed, and a lot of time and effort has been put in by John. It has been intense, and my only critique would be that it would possibly be better spread over a slightly longer time to take in information.
Pawandeep Singh | Test Engineer | Capgemini –
Overall very satisfied, the tutor made it easier to acquire the knowledge by going through a mixture of lectures, explanations, questions and answers. All of these were very well explained.
Matthew Colin Cockerell | Senior Software Tester | Lloyds Register –
Really enjoyed the course especially Rosemary presenting and course management style. There is a lot of content which is understandle, so there isn’t much time for wider debate we fellow course members which is what I was expecting. Perhaps using breakout rooms (MS teams) would improve course member interactions.
Patryk Zmijewski | It Systems Support Adminstrator | Decora –
Very beneficial and helpful
Dario Guzzetta | Senior Software QA | Lloyd Register –
Good and dense.
Emma Amess | QA Test Analyst | CaseWare –
I felt John explained each section in great user friendly details. The explanations helped my understanding. I feel very positive
Prince Agyei Frimpong | Test Analyst | Capgemini –
Although it was an Intensive course John made it very engaging with his examples and also explained every details properly . Having classroom and homework examples also helped a lot
Vicky Li | Graduate trainee | KPMG LLP UK –
The course trainer has explained the concept well and has good interactions in the classes.
Dayne Lucas | system support administrator | Decora –
quite intense and for me feel like i need to revise over again so i can lock in the information. but overall i believe this will help me in my role even if i do not pass the test. trainer was very good.
Callum Nightingale | Software Engineer | Capgemini –
Very good course
Nikki Dodsworth | Process Expert | Siemens Plc –
The first time I have completed a remote course and was anxious about how it would work, but the sessions were well structured and organised. John allowed plenty of time for discussion which worked well and made the session interactive with knowledgeable clear explanations
Alexander Hendrick | Apprentice Software Test Engineer | IBM –
The course content was good and contained a lot of useful information. The trainer spoke clearly and was very helpful. My only issues are that I think the course would be better suited to a 4-5 day course rather than 3 as it did feel like we were rushing through a lot of it. Also, I feel that the way the exam is written is intentionaly misleading as it feels most questions catch you out not on the content but in the language it is written.