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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
Mark Cabia-an|Software Test Engineer|Mirada-Medical –
Lots of extremely valuable information which I can already feel seeping into my mindset and way of working. Course leader was incredibly engaged throughout and there is an impressive amount of information for just three days. I would recommend this to other testers.
Rated 4 out of 5
Claire Ray|Test Engineer|Sainsburys –
Course was on lines were engaged and checked understanding well
Rated 5 out of 5
Ben Poore | Senior Test Analyst | Quilter –
John kept everyone engaged over the 3 day course and made sure that everyone understood the material before moving on. This is difficult to do via a video conference but was successfully achieved by John.
Rated 4 out of 5
rajyalakshmivijay –
The trainer was helpful in terms of how to approach questions, broken down complex items.
Rated 5 out of 5
anshu.jaisinghani –
She made it very interesting by engaging all of us and relating it to our practical day-to-day scenario. Absolutely satisfied with the course learning.
Rated 5 out of 5
becky.sullivan –
Second time taking the course, as I just missed the pass mark on my exam. Angelina is very knowledgeable, friendly and made me understand things that I previously didn’t. She took some time out to make some questions up to help me which I really appreciated.
Rated 5 out of 5
Tasmeen_p –
Really informative. Well paced. Interactive – Enjoyed the snippets of Angelina’s experience which she shared throughout
Rated 5 out of 5
georginagirasoli –
Angelina was amazing. Extremely knowledgeable, knew how to break down complex topics and ensured it was interactive. My only surprise was that she didn’t have her camera on and also didn’t ask the delegates to turn theirs on as well. This makes it really hard to follow and very impersonal. We are so used to being virtual that I would expect cameras turned on as standard. Of course you can’t force delegates, however, at the very least I would expect the trainer to be on.
Rated 5 out of 5
mark.baber –
The course was quite intense (theory wise) with a lot of new words being thrown at me – but after raising this was my weakness Angelina mentioned ways of reading and testing my knowledge (and double checking the syllabus).
She was fun and friendly throughout the 3 days and I have learnt a lot.
Rated 5 out of 5
lucy.haselum –
Very informative and very well presented.
Rated 5 out of 5
Nicholas Hammond | Test Analyst | A2Dominion –
The training course was excellent
Rated 5 out of 5
Will Blakeney | Apprentice Software Tester | HMRC –
John was very helpful in explaining everything I needed to learn for the ISTQB exam, he was also very friendly and approachable. I was initially a bit worried about the remote learning, but John made the change from classroom learning to remote learning very easy.
Rated 5 out of 5
Sanchita Das –
I’m very pleased about the course. Instructor was excellent, he explained every bit very clearly. I have passed my ISTQB Foundation Level exam successfully
Rated 4 out of 5
???? TOURSIDOU | IT Consultant | European Dynamics –
It was an online course due to the corona lock-down. The presentation was very good and the trainer spoke very clearly and was very friendly. However, there was no interaction between the participants and the trainer. Furthermore, we could not take exercises in teams. Hence my preference is training in a class.
In my opinion, online training should be distributed over time. For example, once a week an online course and then prepare a task. The online exam also is not very comfortable. I prefer a written exam. Please in the next online exams allow the use of a notepad or sheet of paper. It’s not very convenient to write on an online notepad
Rated 5 out of 5
Eftychia Nalpantidou | Java Developer | European Dynamics –
The course was quite interesting and the extra material was really helpful and adequate.
Rated 4 out of 5
Panagiotis Omiliadis | Software Tester | European Dynamics SA –
The trainer showed that she had the knowledge, but it was a little bit monotone. Some more examples and a little bit richer explanation would have been great.
Rated 5 out of 5
Pranay Patel | Business Solutions Programmer | Euroclear –
Overall, it was a very pleasant experience and I think John managed the course very well. He set a strong, consistent pace and explained all the content very well as well. I think the course content was a little heavier to understand towards the end of the first day and the first half of the second, especially as I have not had any experience in testing, which made it slightly harder to retain the theory.
Rated 5 out of 5
Andreas Zimnas | Senior Software Engineer / Technical Manager | European Dynamics –
Rosie did an excellent job, giving us also the information we needed to successfully complete the examination.
Rated 5 out of 5
Stamatis Tzatzakis | Software Tester | European Dynamics –
Course was very good. However, exams with Proctor Exam was horrible.
Rated 5 out of 5
Garifalia Koinari | Software Developer | European Dynamics –
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.
Mark Cabia-an|Software Test Engineer|Mirada-Medical –
Lots of extremely valuable information which I can already feel seeping into my mindset and way of working. Course leader was incredibly engaged throughout and there is an impressive amount of information for just three days. I would recommend this to other testers.
Claire Ray|Test Engineer|Sainsburys –
Course was on lines were engaged and checked understanding well
Ben Poore | Senior Test Analyst | Quilter –
John kept everyone engaged over the 3 day course and made sure that everyone understood the material before moving on. This is difficult to do via a video conference but was successfully achieved by John.
rajyalakshmivijay –
The trainer was helpful in terms of how to approach questions, broken down complex items.
anshu.jaisinghani –
She made it very interesting by engaging all of us and relating it to our practical day-to-day scenario. Absolutely satisfied with the course learning.
becky.sullivan –
Second time taking the course, as I just missed the pass mark on my exam. Angelina is very knowledgeable, friendly and made me understand things that I previously didn’t. She took some time out to make some questions up to help me which I really appreciated.
Tasmeen_p –
Really informative. Well paced. Interactive – Enjoyed the snippets of Angelina’s experience which she shared throughout
georginagirasoli –
Angelina was amazing. Extremely knowledgeable, knew how to break down complex topics and ensured it was interactive. My only surprise was that she didn’t have her camera on and also didn’t ask the delegates to turn theirs on as well. This makes it really hard to follow and very impersonal. We are so used to being virtual that I would expect cameras turned on as standard. Of course you can’t force delegates, however, at the very least I would expect the trainer to be on.
mark.baber –
The course was quite intense (theory wise) with a lot of new words being thrown at me – but after raising this was my weakness Angelina mentioned ways of reading and testing my knowledge (and double checking the syllabus).
She was fun and friendly throughout the 3 days and I have learnt a lot.
lucy.haselum –
Very informative and very well presented.
Nicholas Hammond | Test Analyst | A2Dominion –
The training course was excellent
Will Blakeney | Apprentice Software Tester | HMRC –
John was very helpful in explaining everything I needed to learn for the ISTQB exam, he was also very friendly and approachable. I was initially a bit worried about the remote learning, but John made the change from classroom learning to remote learning very easy.
Sanchita Das –
I’m very pleased about the course. Instructor was excellent, he explained every bit very clearly. I have passed my ISTQB Foundation Level exam successfully
???? TOURSIDOU | IT Consultant | European Dynamics –
It was an online course due to the corona lock-down. The presentation was very good and the trainer spoke very clearly and was very friendly. However, there was no interaction between the participants and the trainer. Furthermore, we could not take exercises in teams. Hence my preference is training in a class.
In my opinion, online training should be distributed over time. For example, once a week an online course and then prepare a task. The online exam also is not very comfortable. I prefer a written exam. Please in the next online exams allow the use of a notepad or sheet of paper. It’s not very convenient to write on an online notepad
Eftychia Nalpantidou | Java Developer | European Dynamics –
The course was quite interesting and the extra material was really helpful and adequate.
Panagiotis Omiliadis | Software Tester | European Dynamics SA –
The trainer showed that she had the knowledge, but it was a little bit monotone. Some more examples and a little bit richer explanation would have been great.
Pranay Patel | Business Solutions Programmer | Euroclear –
Overall, it was a very pleasant experience and I think John managed the course very well. He set a strong, consistent pace and explained all the content very well as well. I think the course content was a little heavier to understand towards the end of the first day and the first half of the second, especially as I have not had any experience in testing, which made it slightly harder to retain the theory.
Andreas Zimnas | Senior Software Engineer / Technical Manager | European Dynamics –
Rosie did an excellent job, giving us also the information we needed to successfully complete the examination.
Stamatis Tzatzakis | Software Tester | European Dynamics –
Course was very good. However, exams with Proctor Exam was horrible.
Garifalia Koinari | Software Developer | European Dynamics –
Course was very good.