ISTQB Foundation Level FAQ

Also see the ISTQB Foundation Level 4.0 frequently asked questions.

What is ISTQB Foundation Level Testing certification?

ISTQB Foundation Level certification (ISTQB CTFL) is your first step in software testing certification. It is requested by many employers in their job listings. It is required (a prerequisite) that you have ISTQB Foundation Level Certification before you can take any other ISTQB certification exam.

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Is the ISTQB Foundation Level certification from ASTQB and AT*SQA valid in my country?

Yes, absolutely. When you take your ISTQB Foundation Level exam through ASTQB or AT*SQA, your ISTQB certification works and is accepted in every country worldwide. In addition, AT*SQA gives you exclusive, free benefits: 1) You get points toward your Testing Tiers® software tester ranking, and 2) you appear on the Official U.S. List of Certified & Credentialed Software Testers™ plus the ISTQB successful candidate register.

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What is the Testing Tiers® Software Tester Ranking?

Testing Tiers® helps you and companies compare your testing knowledge to other testers' knowledge on the basis of your software testing certifications and related education. Learn more about Testing Tiers® software tester rankings.

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What is the Official U.S. List of Certified & Credentialed Software Testers™?

This is the official list used by U.S. companies to check for ISTQB, ASTQB, and AT*SQA software testing certifications and AT*SQA software testing micro-credentials. It is the only complete, authoritative listing of ISTQB certifications issued by ISTQB's American board. Learn more about the Official U.S. List of Certified & Credentialed Software Testers™.

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What is the AT*Work™ directory of software testers for hire?

AT*Work™ connects employers with software testers who are available for hire. Employers can search for testers based on skills and experience. To appear in the AT*Work™ listing, you must have one or more testing certifications through AT*SQA. Learn more about the AT*Work™ directory of software testers available for hire.

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Why do companies request ISTQB Foundation certification?

Companies ask for ISTQB Foundation Level Certification because it provides a common set of testing terms and software QA principles that make testing teams more effective. Companies will request that you have higher levels of certification as you continue on your career path, but ISTQB Foundation Level is where it all starts.

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How do I prepare for the ISTQB Foundation exam?

Download the free ISTQB syllabi ("what you need to know for the exam"), sample exams, and glossary from the AT*SQA Testing Resources page. You may study on your own, or take a software testing training course. If you take a training course, we recommend the ASTQB list of software testing training companies because they offer courses that are shown to thoroughly cover the content in the syllabus, helping to adequately prepare you for the exam.

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How can I pass the ISTQB Foundation Level exam?

We asked a tester who passed the ISTQB Foundation Level exam to share their story. Here it is: How I passed the ISTQB Foundation Level exam.

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Where do I take the ISTQB Foundation exam?

You can take the ISTQB Foundation exam online at home or at a test center near you. AT*SQA offers ISTQB exam registration for test centers throughout the world.

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How do I register for the ISTQB Foundation exam?

You should register for your ISTQB exam here. Note: AT*SQA is the official ISTQB exam provider for the ISTQB's U.S. Board, ASTQB. That's why American companies check with AT*SQA to see if you are on the official U.S. list of certified testers. To be on that list you must register for your ISTQB exam through ASTQB / AT*SQA.

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Do you have additional questions?

See our ISTQB Exam Registration FAQ chat on the ISTQB exam registration information page (see the ? in the lower right corner).