ISTQB Certified Tester Performance Testing (CT-PT)
Performance is one of the most important factors in software quality. Even a functional system can fail if it is slow, unstable, unable to handle user demand, or unreliable under load. The ISTQB® Certified Tester – Performance Testing (CT-PT) certification equips software testing professionals with the knowledge needed to plan, design, execute and analyse performance tests.
This certification covers the key principles of performance testing, including performance efficiency, load generation, performance risks, performance metrics, test planning, result analysis and tool selection. It helps candidates understand how performance testing fits into the Software Development Lifecycle and how to communicate performance results to stakeholders.
Whether you are testing web applications, enterprise systems, APIs, mobile platforms or cloud-based solutions, CT-PT provides internationally recognised best practices for identifying performance risks and improving system reliability, scalability and user experience.
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.
Exam Price
R 2 900
Why Get ISTQB CT-PT Certified?
Poor performance can directly affect customer satisfaction, business revenue and user trust. Organisations need skilled professionals who can identify performance risks early, design effective performance tests and provide meaningful insights into system behaviour under different conditions.
By earning the ISTQB Certified Tester – Performance Testing certification, you will be able to:
The certification is vendor-neutral, meaning the principles can be applied across different tools, technologies, architectures and development environments.
Who Is the ISTQB CT-PT Certification For?
The ISTQB CT-PT certification is designed for professionals who want to broaden their knowledge of performance testing or move into a specialist performance testing role.
This certification is ideal for:
It is valuable for anyone involved in performance engineering who wants a stronger understanding of performance testing.
Download Documents
Download the documents below for more information about the syllabus, exam structure, and sample exam questions for the ISTQB Certified Tester Advanced Level – Test Management (CTAL-TM) 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.
Syllabus
Sample Exams
Exam Structures and Rules
FAQ’s About ISTQB Performance Testing (CT-PT)
Q: What is the ISTQB Certified Tester – Performance Testing (CT-PT) certification?
The ISTQB CT-PT certification is an internationally recognised specialist certification that teaches software testing professionals the principles, methods and practices of performance testing. It covers performance risks, metrics, planning, execution, result analysis and performance testing tools.
Q: Who should take the CT-PT certification?
The certification is suitable for software testers, test analysts, performance testers, QA engineers, test automation engineers, performance engineers, developers, test managers and anyone who wants to build specialist knowledge in performance testing.
Q: What types of performance testing are covered?
The syllabus covers key performance testing concepts and test types, including load generation, performance efficiency testing, performance risk analysis and the evaluation of system behaviour under different conditions.
Q: Does the CT-PT certification cover performance testing tools?
Yes. The certification includes tool support, tool suitability and criteria for selecting appropriate performance testing tools. It is not focused on one specific tool, but rather on understanding tool categories and how to evaluate them.
Q: Is the CT-PT certification tool-specific?
No. The ISTQB CT-PT certification is vendor-neutral. It focuses on internationally recognised performance testing principles and best practices that can be applied across different tools, platforms and technologies.
Q: Do I need coding experience for CT-PT?
Coding experience can be helpful, especially when working with performance test scripts or technical environments, but it is not a formal requirement for the certification. The exam focuses on performance testing principles, planning, metrics, analysis and tool concepts.
Q: Is the CT-PT certification recognised internationally?
Yes. Like all ISTQB certifications, CT-PT is recognised globally and demonstrates specialist knowledge in performance 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 do I need before writing the CT-PT exam?
You must hold a valid ISTQB Certified Tester Foundation Level (CTFL) certification before taking the CT-PT examination.
Q: What certification should I take after CT-PT?
After earning the ISTQB Certified Tester – Performance Testing certification, you can continue your ISTQB certification journey with Advanced Level, Agile or other Specialist certifications, depending on your career goals.
