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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
Maria Herm –
Excellent teacher
Rated 5 out of 5
Jaheda Akter| Tester| Met police –
Very intense, lot of information to take in and lots of knowledge gained. Explain very well by Angelina.
Rated 5 out of 5
Kate Resner| IVVQ Engineer| Thales –
Course was informative and will be useful in my day to day testing activities.
Rated 4 out of 5
Aysha AL Sabari| Information Management Specialist| Oman Medical Specialty Board –
The course is an excellent starting point for learning software testing basics and ensuring high-quality software delivery.
Rated 5 out of 5
Jetmir bruci| Product Specialisr| Epyx –
it was an interesting course and it was enjoyable.
Rated 5 out of 5
Lakshmi lavanya Sriram prabhu| Test engineer| HMRC –
Good exercise with questions and answers provided with clarifications
Rated 4 out of 5
Lucy Fox| eCOS Quality Analyst| InfoTrack –
I think the course is good but some of the formatting on the slide is a but confusing and could be clear. Sometimes it’s hard to follow what the textbox say and some of the languages could be more simple.
Rated 5 out of 5
Luke Ball| Second Level Support Consultant| R2COnline –
Bill was great. Very friendly and eager to answer questions. Explanations of Equivalence Partitioning and Boundary Value Analysis really helped my understanding, as this was something I was struggling with.
The course material is of really good standard and explains each section really well. Lots of information to take in within 3 days though.
Rated 4 out of 5
georgina peart| Test Engineer| HMRC –
It was a very indepth course of the Istqb syllabus. very informative
Rated 4 out of 5
Disha Gulati| Test Engineer| Baker Hughes –
The course was well taught and the materials provided were great as well.
Rated 5 out of 5
Stijn Marynissen| Software Tester| Naim Audio –
Bill was very engaging and had useful real-world anecdotes. The level of interactivity was just right.
Rated 5 out of 5
Campbell Forsyth| Test Automation Consultant| Agenor Technology –
Good pace with a lot to absorb. Exercises help to learn the course topics.
Rated 5 out of 5
Yvonne Tang| Automation Test Engineer| New Look –
Overall very happy with the content of the course and format. Very informative course with plenty of real-life examples provided by our trainer. Good balance of exercises to do and also practice questions to help prep for the exam.
Rated 5 out of 5
Mandy Leonard| Test Analyst| Oxford University –
I found Bill very knowledgeable and had a great amount of experience! I have really enjoyed the course and felt Bill delivered it very well. Although I know this is not TSG – but it would be great if ISTQB would allow this course to be run over more days, especially taking into consideration those with disabilities who may find 3 days of talking a lot to take in.
Rated 4 out of 5
Azhar | | Metropolitan Police –
Bill did a great job given the amount of material we had to cover. Real life examples were really interesting.
Rated 5 out of 5
Ciara Naughton Boyle| IT Test Administrator| The Office for Nuclear Regulation –
Bill is a fantastic trainer with a wide depth of knowledge and memorable examples. I am aware that the course must be completed within 3 days and a lot of it is simply learning definitions and processes but the inclusion of some more interactive activities such as kahoots quizzes would have been great. Bill did a great job handling some pretty dry material with his anecdotes and examples. The teaching for module 4 was impeccable with great engagement from the class. 10/10 for Bill!!
Rated 5 out of 5
Marley Ebejer| System Administrator| Bank of Valletta plc –
Training was detailed and help with any queries
Rated 5 out of 5
Tristen Agius| IT Operator| Bank Of Valletta –
Very interesting course and well thought by Angelina
Rated 5 out of 5
Alexandra Prejban-Tantos| Test Analyst| Flogas –
The course material is too large for the duration of the course for somebody with little technical knowledge. Luckily there were not too many students in the class and Angelina took time to slow down when someone needed it and explain more thoroughly concepts that were difficult to grasp
Rated 4 out of 5
Kevin Philbin| Senior SW Test Engineer| Domino Printing Sciences –
It was good, a lot of information to go over in a short period of time. I especially enjoyed doing questions together instead of going over the information in the slides
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
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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.
Maria Herm –
Excellent teacher
Jaheda Akter| Tester| Met police –
Very intense, lot of information to take in and lots of knowledge gained. Explain very well by Angelina.
Kate Resner| IVVQ Engineer| Thales –
Course was informative and will be useful in my day to day testing activities.
Aysha AL Sabari| Information Management Specialist| Oman Medical Specialty Board –
The course is an excellent starting point for learning software testing basics and ensuring high-quality software delivery.
Jetmir bruci| Product Specialisr| Epyx –
it was an interesting course and it was enjoyable.
Lakshmi lavanya Sriram prabhu| Test engineer| HMRC –
Good exercise with questions and answers provided with clarifications
Lucy Fox| eCOS Quality Analyst| InfoTrack –
I think the course is good but some of the formatting on the slide is a but confusing and could be clear. Sometimes it’s hard to follow what the textbox say and some of the languages could be more simple.
Luke Ball| Second Level Support Consultant| R2COnline –
Bill was great. Very friendly and eager to answer questions. Explanations of Equivalence Partitioning and Boundary Value Analysis really helped my understanding, as this was something I was struggling with.
The course material is of really good standard and explains each section really well. Lots of information to take in within 3 days though.
georgina peart| Test Engineer| HMRC –
It was a very indepth course of the Istqb syllabus. very informative
Disha Gulati| Test Engineer| Baker Hughes –
The course was well taught and the materials provided were great as well.
Stijn Marynissen| Software Tester| Naim Audio –
Bill was very engaging and had useful real-world anecdotes. The level of interactivity was just right.
Campbell Forsyth| Test Automation Consultant| Agenor Technology –
Good pace with a lot to absorb. Exercises help to learn the course topics.
Yvonne Tang| Automation Test Engineer| New Look –
Overall very happy with the content of the course and format. Very informative course with plenty of real-life examples provided by our trainer. Good balance of exercises to do and also practice questions to help prep for the exam.
Mandy Leonard| Test Analyst| Oxford University –
I found Bill very knowledgeable and had a great amount of experience! I have really enjoyed the course and felt Bill delivered it very well. Although I know this is not TSG – but it would be great if ISTQB would allow this course to be run over more days, especially taking into consideration those with disabilities who may find 3 days of talking a lot to take in.
Azhar | | Metropolitan Police –
Bill did a great job given the amount of material we had to cover. Real life examples were really interesting.
Ciara Naughton Boyle| IT Test Administrator| The Office for Nuclear Regulation –
Bill is a fantastic trainer with a wide depth of knowledge and memorable examples. I am aware that the course must be completed within 3 days and a lot of it is simply learning definitions and processes but the inclusion of some more interactive activities such as kahoots quizzes would have been great. Bill did a great job handling some pretty dry material with his anecdotes and examples. The teaching for module 4 was impeccable with great engagement from the class. 10/10 for Bill!!
Marley Ebejer| System Administrator| Bank of Valletta plc –
Training was detailed and help with any queries
Tristen Agius| IT Operator| Bank Of Valletta –
Very interesting course and well thought by Angelina
Alexandra Prejban-Tantos| Test Analyst| Flogas –
The course material is too large for the duration of the course for somebody with little technical knowledge. Luckily there were not too many students in the class and Angelina took time to slow down when someone needed it and explain more thoroughly concepts that were difficult to grasp
Kevin Philbin| Senior SW Test Engineer| Domino Printing Sciences –
It was good, a lot of information to go over in a short period of time. I especially enjoyed doing questions together instead of going over the information in the slides