Find out about the
Exam Structure and Rules
Entry Criteria
ISTQB Foundation
No pre-requisites, but software testing experience is recommended.
ISTQB Agile Tester
Candidates should have passed the ISTQB CTFL-Foundation Level exam and submit proof of the certificate.
ISTQB Advanced Levels
The following criteria are applicable for any of the advanced certifications:
- Successful completion of the ISTQB CTFL Foundation.
The Full Advanced Level Certification is earned by passing all three exams, i.e. CTAL Test Manger, CTAL test Analyst and CTAL Technical Test Analyst.
ISTQB Expert Levels
The following criteria is applicable for any of the expert certifications:
- Successful completion of the ISTQB CTFL Foundation.
- Successful completion of the relevant ISTQB CTAL exam.
- Have passed the Expert Level
- Minimum 5 years of practical testing experience.
- Minimum 2 years of industry experience in the specific Expert Level topic.
Note that the experience criteria may also be attained after taking the exam. It is recommended, however, that the candidate has gained this practical experience before taking the exam. If a non-public exam is to be taken, completion of the Expert Level course is mandatory.
Note that the registration process for taking an Expert Level exam takes between 6 and 8 weeks.
Pass Rate
A candidate will have three opportunities to write and pass the exam within 6 months. If the candidate fails to do so, he/she will be allowed to write a rewrite of a different version of the exam within 6 months of the first exam.
ISTQB Certification
65%
IREB Certification
70%
ASTQB Certification
65%
Examination Rules
The SASTQB is an international exam provider and adheres to very strict exam rules and guidelines. Please make sure that you read and understand the following rules and regulations. The exam administrator at the exam registration desk or the invigilator will be at your assistance should you have any questions.
- Please ensure that you have signed the attendance register at the registration desk.
- Please do not be late and select your seat at least 5 minutes prior to the briefing session (as per your detail letter).
- No recording or communication devices of any kind are allowed, including but not limited to:
- Cellular/mobile phones with or without photographic capabilities
- Cameras
- Compact disc, audiotape, MP-3 and similar devices
- Personal digital assistants (PDA), laptop computers, tablets, watches or similar devices.
- No training material will be allowed in the exam room prior to or during the exam session.
- No materials whatsoever are allowed on the desks or tables except:
- Exam materials
- Normal writing instruments supplied by the invigilator
- Optional beverage in a typical (non-personal/non-customized) container such as a beverage can, bottle, coffee mug or Styrofoam/plastic/glass container.
- Tissues
- No marketing/representatives of training providers will be allowed to do marketing at the exam venue.
- Gauteng candidates will be seated at a specific desk marked with the number which they will be issued with at the registration desk.
- It is the responsibility of the candidate to ensure that he/she has received the correct exam question paper and corresponding answer sheet. The SASTQB will take no responsibility should you accept and write an incorrect exam paper.
- Please write your name on both the exam paper and answer sheet.
- Ensure that you hand in your exam paper and answer sheet before leaving the exam room.
- Please do not talk or make any noise when leaving the exam room.
The SASTQB will not be held responsible for any goods lost or stolen during the exam session.
Exam Time Structure
- The examination session for the CTFL Foundation, Agile, and Model Based Tester will be 60 minutes.
- The examination session for the ASTQB Mobile will be 60 minutes.
- The examination session for the CTAL Advanced Test Manager and Advanced Test Analyst will be 180 minutes.
- The examination session for the CTAL Advanced Technical Test Analyst and Advanced Security Tester will be 120 minutes.
- The examination session for the CTAL Advanced Test Automation Engineer will be 90 minutes.
- The examination session for the CTEL Expert Strategic Test Management, Operational Test Management and Managing the Test Team will be 45 minutes.
- The length of the essay component for the CTEL Expert Strategic Management, Expert Operational Test Management and Managing the Test Team will be 90 minutes.
- The examination session for the IREB CPRE Foundation Level will be 75 minutes.
- The examination session for the IREB Advanced Level will be 75 minutes.
- The written assignment for the IREB Advanced Level must occur in any event before the end of the 12-month period.
Download the ISTQB Exam Structure and Rules version 2013-1.2 (PDF 275KB).
