• Exam Breakdown
  • Domain Breakdown
  • Access Breakdown

Exam Format

  • Exam Code: CTFL
  • Level: Foundation (Entry-Level)
  • Duration: 60 minutes (+25% time extension for non-native speakers, i.e., 75 minutes)
  • Passing Score: 65% (26 out of 40 questions)
  • Unscored Content: None. Every question in the exam is scored and contributes to your final result.

Exam Details

  • Question Types: Multiple-choice (single correct answer)
  • Number of Questions: 40
  • Hands-On Questions: None (the exam is theory-based and does not include performance labs)

Validity

  • Certification Validity: Lifetime (no expiry)
  • Renewal Options: Not required; however, many candidates progress to ISTQB Advanced Level or ISTQB Specialist certifications.

Exam Fee

  • Varies by country and exam provider (typically ranges from $200 – $250 USD)
  • Example: In India, exam fees are around ₹4,500 – ₹6,500 INR depending on provider (e.g., ITB, ASTQB, GASQ).

Prerequisites

There are no formal prerequisites for the ISTQB CTFL exam. However, it is recommended to have:
  • Basic knowledge of software development and testing
  • Familiarity with fundamental IT concepts
  • Interest in quality assurance or software engineering

Exam Topics

The CTFL exam is based on the ISTQB Foundation Level syllabus:
  • Fundamentals of Testing – why testing is necessary, testing principles, process, and psychology
  • Testing Throughout the Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC) – role of testing in waterfall, agile, V-model, and DevOps
  • Static Testing – reviews and static analysis
  • Test Design Techniques – black-box, white-box, and experience-based testing methods
  • Test Management – planning, monitoring, risk, defect management
  • Tool Support for Testing – categories of tools and effective usage
For an official detailed syllabus, visit: ISTQB® CTFL Syllabus

Intended Audience

The CTFL certification is ideal for individuals seeking to start or advance a career in software testing, including roles such as:
  • Software Tester
  • QA Engineer
  • Test Analyst
  • Software Developer (with testing responsibilities)
  • Business Analyst interested in quality assurance
 

Career Impact

Jobs You Can Get:
  • QA Engineer, Test Analyst, Software Tester, Junior Test Manager
Average Salary: 
  • U.S., typically $55,000 – $85,000 USD,
  • India ₹3,00,000 – ₹7,00,000 INR,
  • UK £25,000 – £40,000 GBP,
  • UAE 70,000 – 120,000 AED 
Why It’s Valuable:
  • Globally recognized testing certification, foundation for advanced-level ISTQB exams, and widely accepted across industries (banking, telecom, IT services, product companies).

Exam Mode

The exam is proctored and can be taken either:
  • In-person at authorized exam centers (Pearson VUE or local ISTQB exam boards)
  • Online via remote proctoring platforms (e.g., AT*SQA, GASQ, Brightest)

Exam Booking Link

Book your ISTQB CTFL Exam via official boards:

Once you pass the exam:

  • Download your CTFL Certificate from the respective exam provider’s candidate portal
  • Processing Time: Certificate available within 24–48 hours (sometimes mailed as a hard copy depending on provider)

Offers

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To strengthen your knowledge and approach exam day with confidence. We provide practice questions to help you understand the exam format and question patterns.

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    Top Reasons to Choose
    ISTQB Certified Tester Foundation Level

    Career Growth & Job Opportunities
    ISTQB CTFL opens doors to QA/testing roles worldwide. Employers across IT services, product development, and startups value this certification.
    Strong Testing Knowledge & Global Recognition
    The CTFL syllabus is internationally standardized, ensuring you gain globally recognized knowledge of testing concepts.
    Higher Salary & Career Path
    Certified testers generally command higher salaries and have a clear path to Advanced and Expert Level ISTQB certifications.

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