New to testing
CTFLBuild fundamentals first. CTFL is the prerequisite for every later ISTQB certification, even if your long-term goal is AI, automation or security testing.
INDEPENDENT SOFTWARE TESTING GUIDE
ISTQB certifications: choose the right testing path
Compare 27 current, non-retiring ISTQB certification tracks by role. Start with CTFL, then choose a focused advanced or specialist direction. Use official syllabi and your country's authorized exam provider before you book.
ITCertPath is independent of ISTQB and its member boards. A listed certification does not mean ITCertPath is an accredited training provider, an authorized exam reseller, or holding an exam voucher. Confirm each exam's availability and terms with its official provider.
DECIDE BY YOUR WORK
A useful route is more important than collecting acronyms
These are starting suggestions, not eligibility decisions. Every path after CTFL may add its own experience or prerequisite requirements.
Design and lead tests
CTAL-TA · CTAL-TM · CTAL-TTAChoose analysis for functional test design, management for test leadership, or technical analysis for code-facing and non-functional work.
Automation and modern delivery
CTAL-TAE · CT-TAS · CT-QDOSeparate engineering an automation solution from setting automation strategy or embedding quality throughout a DevOps value stream.
AI and specialist quality
CT-AI · CT-GenAI · CT-PT · CT-STECT-AI focuses on testing AI systems; CT-GenAI focuses on using generative AI in testing. Performance and security are distinct quality risks.
STUDY → PRACTISE → VERIFY
Follow one connected preparation journey
Original preparation content helps you find and fix knowledge gaps. Only an official exam provider administers the credential assessment.
1 · START
Learn the CTFL foundation
Study the current CTFL v4.0 syllabus through a practical, independent course plan.
View CTFL learning plan 2 · DIAGNOSEPractise original questions
Use three independent 40-question CTFL sets to identify weak techniques, then revisit the official syllabus.
Explore CTFL practice sets 3 · VERIFYCheck official exam access
Compare the correct board, provider, syllabus and country-specific booking rules before paying.
Read voucher guidanceOFFICIAL CERTIFICATION DIRECTORY
Compare the 27 current paths
Codes below are ISTQB certification identifiers, not universal voucher SKUs. Follow each official link to check the available syllabus, exam structure and preparation materials. Availability can differ by exam provider.
Core Foundation
The starting point for testers and the required foundation for later ISTQB certifications.
CTFLv4.0
Official details Certified Tester Foundation Level
Test fundamentals, lifecycle, techniques, defect reporting and risk-based thinking.
Core Advanced
Choose the advanced responsibility you actually perform: analysis, automation, management, technical design or Agile delivery.
CTAL-ATv2.0
Official details Advanced Level Agile Tester
Whole-team Agile test strategy, continuous feedback and shift-left practices.
CTAL-TAv4.0
Official details Advanced Level Test Analyst
Functional test analysis, design techniques and defect prevention.
CTAL-TAEv2.0
Official details Advanced Level Test Automation Engineering
Designing, implementing and maintaining test automation solutions.
CTAL-TMv3.0
Official details Advanced Level Test Management
Leading test strategy, planning, monitoring and risk decisions.
CTAL-TTA
Official details Advanced Level Technical Test Analyst
Technical testing, code-facing analysis and non-functional quality risks.
Specialist: technologies and approaches
For testers who need a focused method or technology beyond the general core path.
CT-AIv2.0
Official details AI Testing
Testing AI-based systems, data, models and probabilistic behavior.
CT-QDO
Official details Quality in DevOps
Embedding quality engineering and testing across the DevOps value stream.
CT-GenAIsyllabus v1.1
Official details Testing with Generative AI
Using generative AI responsibly across the testing lifecycle and checking its output.
CT-MAT
Official details Mobile Application Testing
Mobile-specific test design, platforms, environments and tools.
CT-MBT
Official details Model-Based Tester
Building and using models to derive and manage tests.
CT-TAS
Official details Test Automation Strategy
Choosing automation goals, architecture, rollout and measurement.
CT-ATLaS
Official details Agile Test Leadership at Scale
Coordinating quality and test leadership across multiple Agile teams.
Specialist: quality characteristics and test levels
Pick the quality risk or test level central to your work, not just the broadest title.
CT-AcT
Official details Acceptance Testing
Product-owner, business-analysis and tester collaboration around acceptance criteria.
CT-PT
Official details Performance Testing
Performance objectives, workloads, measurement and analysis.
CT-SEC
Official details Security Tester
Risk-informed security test planning and vulnerability evaluation.
CT-STE
Official details Security Test Engineer
Engineering and executing security tests in modern delivery environments.
CT-UT
Official details Usability Testing
Evaluating usability, user experience and accessibility-related concerns.
Specialist: industry domains
Choose these only when the industry's operating context matches your testing responsibilities.
CT-FT
Official details Finance Testing
Financial-service systems, risks and domain-specific quality concerns.
CT-AuT
Official details Automotive Software Tester
Automotive electronic and electrical software test context.
CT-GaMe
Official details Game Testing
Game mechanics, player experience and game-specific test approaches.
CT-GT
Official details Gambling Industry Tester
Gambling-system ecosystem, controls and sector-specific testing.
Expert Level
Specialized senior paths with additional prerequisites and, unlike lower levels, essay-format assessment components.
CTEL-ITP-ATP
Official details Assessing Test Processes
Assessing organization-level test process capability.
CTEL-ITP-ITPI
Official details Implementing Test Process Improvement
Planning and leading sustained test-process change.
CTEL-TM-SM
Official details Strategic Test Management
Organization-level test policy, strategy and leadership.
CTEL-TM-OTM
Official details Operational Test Management
Managing complex operational test programs and delivery.
CTEL-TM-MTT
Official details Managing the Test Team
Developing and leading a professional test team.
EXAM ACCESS WITHOUT ASSUMPTIONS
Choose the provider, then check the voucher terms
ISTQB sets the certification scheme; member boards and licensed exam providers handle exam dates, delivery, fees and receipts. Do not assume a voucher from one provider has another provider's price, validity or refund policy.
India: Indian Testing Board
Start with the ITB certification directory. Select the exact credential and syllabus version, then check the current India delivery, fee, tax, refund and rescheduling terms at ITB before paying.
Indian Testing Board directoryUSA: ASTQB and AT*SQA
ASTQB is the U.S. member board; AT*SQA is its exam-registration provider. Its purchase flow lists the available exams and its own voucher terms. Verify the exact credential before checkout.
AT*SQA exam registrationBefore payment, confirm
- Certification identifier, syllabus version and any prerequisite or practical-experience requirement.
- Provider approval for that specific exam and the delivery mode available in your location.
- Final currency, taxes, voucher validity, transfers, refunds, no-show and rescheduling rules.
- Identification, language and accessibility requirements for your appointment.
COMMON QUESTIONS
ISTQB certification FAQs
Which ISTQB certification should I take first?
Start with Certified Tester Foundation Level (CTFL). ISTQB requires CTFL before other certifications in its Certified Tester scheme. Then choose an Advanced, Specialist or Expert path that fits your work and check any additional prerequisites on that credential's official page.
Are CT-AI and CT-GenAI the same certification?
No. AI Testing (CT-AI) focuses on evaluating AI-based systems; Testing with Generative AI (CT-GenAI) focuses on applying generative AI responsibly in testing work. Check the current syllabus before selecting a course or exam.
Does every ISTQB exam have 40 questions?
No. CTFL v4.0 has 40 questions, a passing score of 26 points and a 60-minute standard exam. Other certifications have different structures and marks; Expert Level may include essays. Use the specific official certification page for the current exam rules.
Where do candidates in India or the USA book an ISTQB exam?
ISTQB does not directly schedule exams. India candidates can start with the Indian Testing Board, and U.S. candidates can use ASTQB's exam provider AT*SQA. Other authorized providers may serve a country or credential; verify the selected exam and final terms directly with the board or provider.
Can I buy an official ISTQB voucher from ITCertPath?
This page is independent preparation and exam-access guidance, not a claim that ITCertPath is an ISTQB-accredited provider or holds exam vouchers. Confirm voucher eligibility, price, validity, currency, refund and scheduling rules with the actual board or authorized exam provider before payment.
Checked against official sources
Reviewed 23 October 2026. ISTQB and the selected exam board or provider control current rules; recheck them before enrollment.