Exam Format

• Exam Code: CT-TAE
• Level: Advanced Specialist
• Duration: 120 minutes (+25% time extension for non-native speakers, i.e., 150 minutes)
• Passing Score: 65% (26 out of 40 questions, weighted scoring)
• Unscored Content: None. All questions are scored.

Exam Details

• Question Types: Multiple-choice (scenario-based, advanced application questions)
• Number of Questions: 40 (weighted for total points)
• Hands-On Questions: No hands-on labs, but heavy use of automation design case studies and real-world scenarios.

Validity

• Certification Validity: Lifetime (does not expire)
• Renewal Options: Not required; candidates may progress to ISTQB Expert Level Test Automation or advanced Agile/DevOps certifications.

Exam Fee

• Varies by country and exam provider (typically $250 – $300 USD)
• Example: In India, exam fees range from ₹7,500 – ₹11,000 INR, depending on provider (ITB, GASQ, Brightest).

Prerequisites

• Mandatory:
  • ISTQB Certified Tester Foundation Level (CTFL) certification.
• Recommended:
  • Knowledge of programming/scripting languages
  • Experience with test automation frameworks and CI/CD tools

Exam Topics

• Test Automation Concepts – objectives, benefits, and risks
• Preparing for Test Automation – evaluating and selecting automation opportunities
• The Generic Test Automation Architecture (gTAA) – components, structure, and layers
• Design & Development of Test Automation Solutions – modularity, maintainability, reusability
• Deployment & Execution of Automated Tests – integration with CI/CD pipelines, scheduling, version control
• Test Automation Reporting & Metrics – effectiveness, ROI, and optimization
• Evolution of Test Automation – maintenance, scalability, migration, continuous improvement

Intended Audience

• Test Automation Engineers
• Software Developers in Test (SDET)
• Technical Test Analysts
• QA Engineers working on automation frameworks
• Test Managers introducing automation strategies

Career Impact

• Test Automation Engineer, SDET, QA Architect, Senior Automation Specialist

• U.S. $90,000 – $125,000 USD,
• India ₹9,00,000 – ₹16,00,000 INR,
• UK £45,000 – £70,000 GBP,
• UAE 140,000 – 210,000 AED 

• Proves expertise in modern test automation engineering, highly relevant for Agile, DevOps, and CI/CD-driven projects.

Exam Mode

• In-person at authorized exam centers (Pearson VUE or ISTQB-accredited boards)
• Online via remote proctoring platforms (e.g., GASQ, Brightest, AT*SQA)

Exam Booking Link

• ISTQB Global Website
• Local boards (e.g., ASTQB – USA, ITB – India, GASQ – Global)

Once you pass the exam:

• Download your CT-TAE Certificate from your exam provider’s portal
• Processing Time: Certificate usually available within 24–48 hours (PDF format; some boards also send printed certificates)

Offers