ISTQB Foundation Level Exam
Exam Code: ISTQB-CTFL-OP
The ISTQB Certified Tester Foundation Level (CTFL) v4.0 is a globally recognized software testing qualification. This page covers the exam format, syllabus, eligibility, fees, and registration for listing ISTQB-CTFL-OP. Dates, delivery options, and local policies depend on the approved provider.
- Exam Breakdown
- Domain Breakdown
- Access Breakdown
Exam Overview
The ISTQB CTFL exam covers testing fundamentals, lifecycle testing, static testing, design techniques, test management, and tools.
- Exam Code: ISTQB-CTFL-OP (official module: ISTQB Certified Tester Foundation Level (CTFL), v4.0; current syllabus release v4.0.1)
- Level: Foundation level
- Duration: 60 minutes; 75 minutes when the exam is taken in a language that is not the candidate’s native language (25% extra time)
- Passing Score: 26 correct answers out of 40 (65%)
- Unscored Content: Not officially disclosed by the certification provider.
Exam Structure
The CTFL exam checks knowledge and application through multiple-choice questions.
- Question Types: Multiple choice; typically one correct answer per question.
- Number of Questions: 40, scored out of 40 points.
- Practical Component: No separate lab; questions use written testing scenarios.
Exam Policies
Review local provider rules before CTFL exam registration. These scheduling terms reflect ITB policy and may differ elsewhere.
- Rescheduling (ITB): No changes within 72 hours. One free reschedule may be available with 72+ hours’ notice; no-shows may incur a fee.
- Cancellation (ITB): Fees are generally nonrefundable, except overpayment or ITB cancellation due to unforeseen circumstances.
- Retake policy: Another attempt requires a new booking and fee. Waiting interval: Not officially disclosed by the certification provider.
- Retake fee: Provider-set. Confirm the CTFL exam fee and total CTFL certification cost before booking.
Certification Validity and Renewal Options
ISTQB certificates do not expire; this credential requires no renewal.
- Validity: Lifetime; no scheduled expiration.
- Renewal options: None. Advanced ISTQB modules are separate credentials.
Exam Fee
- Base Fee: CTFL exam fee: Not officially disclosed by the certification provider. The local provider sets the price.
- Taxes: Local VAT, GST, or other taxes may apply; confirm the checkout total.
- CTFL certification cost: Not officially disclosed by the certification provider. Confirm exam, tax, and retake charges locally.
CTFL syllabus v4.0.1: six chapters and exam question counts:
- Chapter 1 – Fundamentals of Testing: 8 questions covering testing basics, objectives, principles, test activities, and skills.
- Chapter 2 – Testing Throughout the Software Development Lifecycle: 6 questions covering development models, test levels and types, and maintenance testing.
- Chapter 3 – Static Testing: 4 questions covering reviews, feedback, and static analysis.
- Chapter 4 – Test Analysis and Design: 11 questions covering test techniques, test conditions, coverage, and test data.
- Chapter 5 – Managing the Test Activities: 9 questions covering planning, risk, monitoring, configuration, defects, and team skills.
- Chapter 6 – Test Tools: 2 questions covering tool support, benefits, risks, and selection.
Prerequisites
The Foundation Level exam has no formal certification prerequisite.
- No previous ISTQB certificate is required to take the CTFL exam.
- A formal training course is not mandatory; candidates may prepare through self-study or an approved course.
- Basic software development knowledge is helpful, but not required.
Exam Topics
The CTFL syllabus v4.0.1 organizes testing knowledge into six chapters.
- Fundamentals of testing: objectives, principles, activities, and tester skills.
- Testing throughout the software lifecycle: development models, levels, types, and maintenance.
- Static testing: reviews, feedback, and static analysis.
- Test analysis and design: techniques, conditions, coverage, and test data.
- Managing test activities: planning, risk, monitoring, defects, and configuration.
- Test tools: categories, benefits, risks, and selection.
Intended Audience
The CTFL exam suits learners and professionals seeking testing fundamentals, including:
- Aspiring software testers and QA analysts
- Junior test engineers and test analysts
- Software developers who test their own work
- Business analysts and product specialists who define acceptance criteria
- Project managers and delivery leads
- Test automation professionals building testing fundamentals
- IT and software students preparing for quality roles
Career Opportunities
Related roles may include:
- Software Tester
- Quality Assurance Analyst
- Test Analyst
- Software QA Engineer
- Test Automation Engineer
- Quality Engineer
Average Salary (Approximate)
Published ranges for related QA and software testing roles; not guaranteed pay or a salary attributed to certification. Earnings vary by experience, location, employer, industry, and role.
- United States: approximately $56,500–$135,000 USD per year
- India: approximately ₹4,62,000–₹17,58,000 INR per year
- United Kingdom: approximately £25,500–£71,000 GBP per year
- United Arab Emirates: approximately AED 34,000–134,000 per year (annualized from monthly estimates)
Availability, language, and booking rules depend on the local ISTQB board and approved provider. Confirm the listed exam before paying.
Exam Delivery Options
This -OP listing is the remote-proctored variant. Check regional availability and the provider’s technical and identity-check requirements.
- Remote-proctored variant (-OP): Take the exam online with provider supervision; check local availability, system, identity, and room requirements.
- Test center: In-person appointments may be available; locations, languages, and dates vary.
- Language timing: 60 minutes; 75 minutes when the exam language is not native, subject to provider rules.
- Provider rules: Follow the booking confirmation for check-in, cancellations, retakes, and permitted materials.
Exam Registration
Complete CTFL exam registration through an approved local ISTQB board or provider:
- Find an approved provider and confirm the exact ISTQB module and listing code.
- Check language, delivery options, dates, and any technical requirements.
- Review the CTFL exam fee, taxes, cancellation, rescheduling, and retake rules.
- Choose a date, submit candidate details, pay the displayed charge, and save confirmation.
After Passing the Exam
The provider issues the exam result and explains certificate access and verification.
- Review the result and save its verification details.
- Keep the CTFL certificate and verification details with your records.
- The certificate is lifetime-valid and requires no renewal.
Why the ISTQB Foundation Level Exam Is Worth It
- Builds a structured foundation in software testing and quality
- Covers a broad syllabus used across software delivery environments
- Helps candidates explain testing concepts with a shared professional vocabulary
- Supports further learning in specialist and advanced testing modules; outcomes depend on the wider profile
Prepare with actual exam questions
To strengthen your knowledge and approach exam day with confidence. We provide practice questions to help you understand the exam format and question patterns.
Access the Real Exam QuestionsContact our consultant today for personalized guidance.
Why Atmic networks?
- Atmic Networks is a trusted global provider of professional IT training and certification mentorship.
- We deliver regularly updated, industry-relevant content tailored to real-world demands.
- Our expert mentors bring hands-on experience to guide your learning journey.
- Our clients consistently achieve high success rates in their certification exams.
- Enjoy instant access to high-quality digital learning materials.
- We offer dedicated 24/7 customer support to assist you whenever you need it.
Top Reasons to Choose
ISTQB Foundation Level Exam
A Clear Foundation in Software Testing
The CTFL syllabus covers testing objectives, principles, techniques, and management. It links testing to the development lifecycle and explains reviews, risk, test design, and defect information. Beginners can use this map to build confidence and explain why a test is useful.
A Recognized Shared Vocabulary
A shared vocabulary helps testers discuss quality with developers and stakeholders. Certification records syllabus knowledge; practical and role-specific skills remain important. This shared language can improve collaboration across a delivery team.
A Starting Point for Further Study
The Foundation Level can lead to focused study in Agile testing, automation, performance, or test management. CTFL v4 already includes Agile concepts; later modules have separate requirements. Candidates can use the syllabus to choose relevant next steps.
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Customer review
Successfully completed the ISTQB Foundation Level Exam. The full process was supportive, well guided, and easy to follow.
Good support was received throughout the software testing foundation certification journey.
The exam process was simple, clear, and properly organized.
Completed the ISTQB Foundation Level certification with good guidance and helpful support.
FAQ
-
Who should take the ISTQB Foundation Level exam?
It suits aspiring testers, QA professionals, developers, analysts, and others seeking testing fundamentals. No prior certificate is required.
-
How many questions are on the CTFL exam, and what is the pass mark?
There are 40 multiple-choice questions; 26 correct answers (65%) are required to pass.
-
What topics are included in the CTFL syllabus?
The six chapters cover testing fundamentals, testing across the development lifecycle, static testing, test analysis and design, test management, and test tools.
-
Can I take the CTFL exam online?
This -OP listing is the remote-proctored variant. Confirm local availability and the provider’s current requirements before booking.
-
Does the CTFL certificate expire?
No. ISTQB certificates do not expire, and CTFL has no scheduled renewal requirement.
