ISTQB Certification
Build Your Software Testing Career with Internationally Recognised Certification
Develop your software testing knowledge, strengthen your professional credibility and build a certification path that supports your career goals.
SASTQB provides access to the ISTQB® Certified Tester Scheme, one of the world’s most established vendor-neutral certification programmes for software testing professionals.
Whether you are new to software testing, developing specialist technical skills, moving into test leadership or progressing towards Expert Level certification, the ISTQB portfolio provides structured certification pathways for different career stages and areas of expertise.
Through SASTQB, candidates can register for internationally recognised ISTQB certification examinations, access official certification information and supporting documents, and choose from Foundation, Agile, Advanced, Specialist and Expert Level certifications.
What Is ISTQB Certification?
The International Software Testing Qualifications Board (ISTQB®) develops and maintains internationally recognised software testing certifications based on common terminology, learning objectives and testing practices.
ISTQB certification is vendor-neutral, which means the knowledge is not tied to one particular testing tool, software platform or technology provider.
The certification scheme covers a broad range of software testing disciplines, from fundamental testing knowledge through to advanced technical, specialist and leadership capabilities.
ISTQB certification can support professionals working in areas such as:
Find the Right ISTQB Certification for You
Your Certification Path Depends on Where You Are in Your Career
There is no single certification path that is right for everyone.
The best ISTQB certification depends on your current experience, professional role and the skills you want to develop next.
Start with the ISTQB Certified Tester Foundation Level (CTFL).
CTFL introduces the fundamental principles, terminology, techniques and activities used in software testing and forms the foundation for many further ISTQB certifications.
Consider an ISTQB Advanced Level certification aligned with your role.
Advanced Level options develop deeper knowledge across test management, test analysis, technical testing, Agile testing and test automation engineering.
Explore certifications focused on test management, organisational quality, Agile leadership and Expert Level test management.
Choose from ISTQB Specialist certifications covering areas such as:
– Artificial Intelligence
– Generative AI
– Test Automation
– Security
– Performance
– Mobile Applications
– DevOps
– Automotive Software
– Acceptance Testing
– Usability
– Model-Based Testing
– Finance Testing
How to Choose Your ISTQB Certification
Choosing the right ISTQB certification should support your professional development rather than simply add another certificate to your CV.
Consider the following:
What Is Your Current Level of Experience?
If you are new to software testing, begin with Foundation Level.
Experienced professionals can consider Advanced or Specialist certifications.
Expert Level certifications are designed for professionals with substantial practical experience and relevant prerequisite certifications.
What Does Your Current Role Require?
A Test Automation Engineer may benefit from CTAL-TAE or CT-TAS, while a Test Manager may gain greater value from CTAL-TM or an Expert Level Test Management pathway.
Where Do You Want Your Career to Go?
Choose Specialist certifications that align with the area in which you want to build deeper expertise.
Have You Checked the Prerequisites?
Some ISTQB certifications require Foundation Level or another relevant certification before you can take the exam.
Expert Level certifications also have practical-experience requirements.
Always review the individual certification page before registering.
Why Get ISTQB Certified?
Demonstrate Professional Software Testing Knowledge
ISTQB certification can help you:
– Establish a common understanding of software testing terminology
– Develop structured testing knowledge
– Build specialist expertise
– Support professional career development
– Demonstrate knowledge against an international syllabus
– Improve collaboration across testing and development teams
– Build leadership and management capabilities
– Support organisational quality-engineering development
– Progress through a structured certification pathway
Because ISTQB is vendor-neutral, the principles can be applied across different tools, technologies, industries and development methodologies.
Frequently Asked Questions About ISTQB Certification
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What is ISTQB certification?
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Which ISTQB certification should I take first?
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Do I need software testing experience for CTFL?
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What comes after ISTQB Foundation Level?
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Do I need CTFL before taking an Advanced Level certification?
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Are all Specialist certifications dependent on CTFL?
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Is ISTQB certification internationally recognised?
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Does ISTQB certification expire?
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Can I self-study for an ISTQB exam?
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Does SASTQB offer ISTQB training?
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Can I write an ISTQB exam online?
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Can I write an ISTQB exam if I live outside South Africa?
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Where can I download the ISTQB syllabus?
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How do I register for an ISTQB exam?
