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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
Luke Jones| Software Engineer|Capgemini –
Content was well presented with clear and concise explanations of the topics. Past papers and home exercises were provided for revision. Trainer adept and answering questions + giving detailed breakdowns of past paper example where requested.
Rated 5 out of 5
Lewis Hay| Software engineer|Capgemini –
The course was delivered well, the short exercises and test exam papers were particularly helpful in cementing the knowledge. Thanks.
Rated 5 out of 5
Fayez Khan| Software Engineer Lead|Capgemini –
Lots of useful content with worked examples I found very helpful.
Rated 5 out of 5
Ryan Taylor-Glossop| Software Developer|CapGemini –
Trainer was great, however I struggle to learn from lectures and generally learn better with a more hands on/exercise based approach.
Rated 4 out of 5
Yumi Bagge| Senior SDET|Diffblue –
The course was useful in that it gave me confidence that what I have been doing is correct. Also, it helped to categorize (or put a name to) the practices I’m doing. There are many useful testing tips for the exams.
I found mock exams quite difficult and tricky (very wordy). I can see the effort to incorporate traditional and modern SDLCs, and there are many things in common but I’ve been practicing agile for many years, so I would appreciate if the foundation was also available for agile.
Rated 5 out of 5
Richard Ellis-Jones| Test Manager|Red Bee Media –
I found the course interesting, entertaining and above all informative. The course had 6 people attending which was a great size. Karen knew her subject and was able to explain complicated idea’s and answered all our questions. She kept it light and I enjoyed every day on the course. I learnt loads.
Coming from a background with no testing experience I found this course to be a bit more advanced than the foundation level it was stated. I thought we would be being taught on how to create test scripts/suites and how to run tests.
Rated 4 out of 5
Alan Hillard| Senior Software Tester|MASS –
Aspects of the course are at odds with my 25+ years of testing (naming conventions etc). As an introduction to testing this would be good. I would use the analogy of a long time driver sitting a driving test lol.
Rated 4 out of 5
Daniel Smith| Junior Test Engineer|UCAS –
I enjoyed the course – felt very intensive as the syllabus is very full. Trainer gave great insights and personal stories from her time as a tester. Slides felt overly busy though, hard to consume all the information fully when there are a hundred and one things being shown at one time. So a simplified slide deck would be personally preferred.
Homework and End of Exercise activities were also good – only problem is that the questions in the mock papers are dubbed ‘harder’ than the actual exam. This isnt necessarily bad thing as it prepares you fully for the worst case scenario – however having a fairer mix of questions set would be an improvement.
Rated 5 out of 5
Melissa Arneau| Test Analyst|Miller Insurance Services LLP –
The course was good, interesting to build upon existing knowledge; however it can be lacking in crucial information for absolute beginners who have never worked in testing or even in IT altogether.
There should also be additional entry information about test automation.
Rated 5 out of 5
Yelyzaveta Kitchenko| QA Engineer|Causeway –
The course, led by Richard, was informative and well-structured, offering a thorough understanding of software testing principles. Richard’s expertise made complex topics accessible. I’d appreciate more focus on ISTQB exam preparation, including some exam strategies. This addition would make the course more comprehensive for those aiming to get certified.
Rated 4 out of 5
emma brown| Test Lead|Energia –
a lot of content to cover within the time and confusing language in the test samples
Rated 5 out of 5
Alice Helm| Foundation Business System Analyst|Allianz Insurance Plc –
Richard was very clear in his explanations, and always took the time to answer questions. The course packs a lot of information into a short space of time, so I feel could do with being one day longer, with more opportunity to go through sample questions with the trainer, as I found that most often it was the wording of the question rather than the content that was tripping people up.
Rated 5 out of 5
Alexandra Laczo| Test Analyst|Hotel Chocolat –
Really enjoyed the course, it’s been very useful. Richard was a great trainer, very knowledgeable and helpful.
I think there was a bit too much material for the 3 days, we had to really move with the course to finish on time.
Rated 5 out of 5
Alastair Pott| QA Engineer|Capital on Tap –
Excellent, well paced and structured. Richard delivered what could easily have been quite dry topics with enthusiasm and a clear deep understanding of the subject matter that kept me engaged throughout.
Rated 5 out of 5
Hamzah Mahmood| Software Test Analyst|Capgemini –
We worked through the material at a good pace and were offered clarity (by our kind trainer) on any areas of confusion.
Rated 5 out of 5
Liam Scott| Software Test and Automation Engineer|Naim Audio –
The course was delivered in a very professional manner and Richard’s explanations were very easy to understand.
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.
Luke Jones| Software Engineer|Capgemini –
Content was well presented with clear and concise explanations of the topics. Past papers and home exercises were provided for revision. Trainer adept and answering questions + giving detailed breakdowns of past paper example where requested.
Lewis Hay| Software engineer|Capgemini –
The course was delivered well, the short exercises and test exam papers were particularly helpful in cementing the knowledge. Thanks.
Fayez Khan| Software Engineer Lead|Capgemini –
Lots of useful content with worked examples I found very helpful.
Ryan Taylor-Glossop| Software Developer|CapGemini –
Trainer was great, however I struggle to learn from lectures and generally learn better with a more hands on/exercise based approach.
Yumi Bagge| Senior SDET|Diffblue –
The course was useful in that it gave me confidence that what I have been doing is correct. Also, it helped to categorize (or put a name to) the practices I’m doing. There are many useful testing tips for the exams.
I found mock exams quite difficult and tricky (very wordy). I can see the effort to incorporate traditional and modern SDLCs, and there are many things in common but I’ve been practicing agile for many years, so I would appreciate if the foundation was also available for agile.
Richard Ellis-Jones| Test Manager|Red Bee Media –
I found the course interesting, entertaining and above all informative. The course had 6 people attending which was a great size. Karen knew her subject and was able to explain complicated idea’s and answered all our questions. She kept it light and I enjoyed every day on the course. I learnt loads.
Stacey Hampson| Tech Trainer|Caramels & Ransford –
Coming from a background with no testing experience I found this course to be a bit more advanced than the foundation level it was stated. I thought we would be being taught on how to create test scripts/suites and how to run tests.
Alan Hillard| Senior Software Tester|MASS –
Aspects of the course are at odds with my 25+ years of testing (naming conventions etc). As an introduction to testing this would be good. I would use the analogy of a long time driver sitting a driving test lol.
Daniel Smith| Junior Test Engineer|UCAS –
I enjoyed the course – felt very intensive as the syllabus is very full. Trainer gave great insights and personal stories from her time as a tester. Slides felt overly busy though, hard to consume all the information fully when there are a hundred and one things being shown at one time. So a simplified slide deck would be personally preferred.
Homework and End of Exercise activities were also good – only problem is that the questions in the mock papers are dubbed ‘harder’ than the actual exam. This isnt necessarily bad thing as it prepares you fully for the worst case scenario – however having a fairer mix of questions set would be an improvement.
Melissa Arneau| Test Analyst|Miller Insurance Services LLP –
The course was good, interesting to build upon existing knowledge; however it can be lacking in crucial information for absolute beginners who have never worked in testing or even in IT altogether.
There should also be additional entry information about test automation.
Yelyzaveta Kitchenko| QA Engineer|Causeway –
The course, led by Richard, was informative and well-structured, offering a thorough understanding of software testing principles. Richard’s expertise made complex topics accessible. I’d appreciate more focus on ISTQB exam preparation, including some exam strategies. This addition would make the course more comprehensive for those aiming to get certified.
emma brown| Test Lead|Energia –
a lot of content to cover within the time and confusing language in the test samples
Alice Helm| Foundation Business System Analyst|Allianz Insurance Plc –
Richard was very clear in his explanations, and always took the time to answer questions. The course packs a lot of information into a short space of time, so I feel could do with being one day longer, with more opportunity to go through sample questions with the trainer, as I found that most often it was the wording of the question rather than the content that was tripping people up.
Alexandra Laczo| Test Analyst|Hotel Chocolat –
Really enjoyed the course, it’s been very useful. Richard was a great trainer, very knowledgeable and helpful.
I think there was a bit too much material for the 3 days, we had to really move with the course to finish on time.
Alastair Pott| QA Engineer|Capital on Tap –
Excellent, well paced and structured. Richard delivered what could easily have been quite dry topics with enthusiasm and a clear deep understanding of the subject matter that kept me engaged throughout.
Hamzah Mahmood| Software Test Analyst|Capgemini –
We worked through the material at a good pace and were offered clarity (by our kind trainer) on any areas of confusion.
Liam Scott| Software Test and Automation Engineer|Naim Audio –
The course was delivered in a very professional manner and Richard’s explanations were very easy to understand.
Subhan Rehman| Test Analyst|Capgemini –
Helpful, informative and in depth. Great teacher.
Ishita Chauhan| Scrum Master|McLaren –
All good
Thomas Skaife| QA tester|Capital on Tap –
Great course explained well