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ISTQB Certified Tester
Automotive Software Tester
(CT-AuT)

Official logo for the ISTQB Certified Tester Automotive Software Tester certification.

Automotive software is becoming more complex, connected and safety-critical. The ISTQB® Certified Tester – Automotive Software Tester (CT-AuT) certification equips software testing professionals with the knowledge needed to test automotive software systems within the context of established industry standards and automotive development practices.

This certification focuses on the specific requirements for testing electrical and electronic (E/E) systems in the automotive environment. It covers key standards and frameworks such as Automotive SPICE®, ISO 26262 and AUTOSAR®, as well as automotive-specific static and dynamic test techniques.

Candidates also learn about testing in virtual environments, including XiL test environments such as MiL, SiL and HiL. Whether you are involved in automotive software testing, release testing, development or quality assurance, CT-AuT provides internationally recognised guidance for testing software in modern automotive projects.

ISTQB® Certified Tester – Automotive Software Tester (CT-AuT)
Introduction to Automotive Software Testing
Requirements from Divergent Project Objective and Increasing Product Complexity
Project Aspects Influenced by Standards
The Six Generic Phases in System Lifestyle
The Contribution/Participation of the Tester in the Release Process
Standards for the Testing of E/E Systems
Automotive SPICE (ASPICE)
ISO 26262
AUTOSAR
Comparison
Testing in a Virtual Environment
Test Environment in General
Testing in XiL Test Environments
Automotive-specific Static and Dynamic Test Techniques
Static Test Techniques
Dynamic Test Techniques

Exam Structure

Candidates qualify for extra time if they are not writing the exam in their native language. Extra time needs to be applied for upon completing the exam registration form. 

No. of Questions: 40
Duration: 60 Min
Pass Mark: 65%
Extra Time (Non-Native Language): 15 Min
Lifetime Validity
Prerequisite: ISTQB Foundation (CTFL)

Exam Price

R  2 900

Why Get ISTQB CT-AuT Certified?

Automotive systems must meet high expectations for safety, quality, reliability and compliance. As vehicles become increasingly software-driven, organisations need skilled professionals who understand both software testing principles and the unique demands of automotive development.

By earning the ISTQB Certified Tester – Automotive Software Tester certification, you will be able to:

Understand the role of software testing in automotive projects
Adapt ISTQB Foundation Level testing techniques to automotive environments
Understand how standards influence automotive software testing
Apply testing practices aligned with Automotive SPICE®, ISO 26262 and AUTOSAR®
Understand testing for E/E systems
Support testing activities in virtual test environments
Understand XiL testing approaches, including MiL, SiL and HiL
Apply automotive-specific static and dynamic test techniques
Contribute effectively to automotive test teams and release processes
Demonstrate internationally recognised knowledge of automotive software testing

The certification is vendor-neutral and can be applied across different automotive projects, development environments, tools and organisations.

Who Is the ISTQB CT-AuT Certification For?

The ISTQB CT-AuT certification is designed for professionals involved in software testing within the automotive industry.

This certification is ideal for:

Software Testers
Test Analysts
Test Engineers
Automotive Software Testers
Release Testers
Test Consultants
Test Managers
Software Developers
QA Engineers
Quality Managers
Project Managers
Software Development Managers
System Analysts
Business Analysts
IT Managers
Management Consultants working with automotive software projects

Ideal for professionals who need to understand software testing in safety-critical automotive environments.

Download Documents

Download the documents below for more information about the syllabus, exam structure, and sample exam questions for the ISTQB Certified Tester – Automotive Software Tester (CT-AuT) certification.

Please note that these documents are intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered official study material. For effective exam preparation, SASTQB recommends using accredited training course material and attending an accredited training course.

Official logo for the ISTQB Certified Tester Automotive Software Tester certification.

FAQ’s About ISTQB Automotive Software Tester (CT-AuT)

Q: What is the ISTQB Certified Tester – Automotive Software Tester (CT-AuT) certification?

The ISTQB CT-AuT certification is an internationally recognised specialist certification that focuses on software testing in the automotive environment. It covers testing E/E systems, automotive standards, virtual test environments and automotive-specific static and dynamic test techniques.

Q: Who should take the CT-AuT certification?

The certification is suitable for software testers, test analysts, test engineers, release testers, test managers, software developers, QA professionals and anyone involved in automotive software testing or automotive software development.

Q: What automotive standards are covered in CT-AuT?

The certification covers standards and frameworks relevant to automotive software testing, including Automotive SPICE®, ISO 26262 and AUTOSAR®.

Q: Does CT-AuT cover testing in virtual environments?

Yes. The syllabus includes testing in virtual environments, including XiL test environments such as Model-in-the-Loop, Software-in-the-Loop and Hardware-in-the-Loop.

Q: Is CT-AuT only for people working in the automotive industry?

The certification is primarily designed for professionals working in or entering the automotive software testing field. However, it may also be useful for project managers, quality managers, analysts and consultants who need a foundational understanding of automotive software testing.

Q: Do I need automotive experience before taking CT-AuT?

Automotive experience can be helpful, but the formal prerequisite is a valid ISTQB Certified Tester Foundation Level certificate.

Q: Is the CT-AuT certification tool-specific?

No. The ISTQB CT-AuT certification is vendor-neutral. It focuses on principles, standards and testing practices rather than a specific tool or platform.

Q: Is the CT-AuT certification recognised internationally?

Yes. Like all ISTQB certifications, CT-AuT is internationally recognised and demonstrates specialist knowledge in automotive software testing.

Q: Can I study on my own?

Yes. Candidates may prepare through self-study using the official ISTQB syllabus and recommended references. However, SASTQB recommends attending training through an ISTQB Accredited Training Provider for comprehensive, syllabus-aligned preparation.

Q: What certification should I take after CT-AuT?

After earning the ISTQB Certified Tester – Automotive Software Tester certification, you can continue your ISTQB certification journey with Advanced Level, Agile or other Specialist certifications, depending on your career goals.