What is the ISTQB Game Testing certification?

The ISTQB CT-GaMe certification is a Specialist qualification focused on testing game software. It covers game mechanics, graphics, sound, levels, controllers, localisation and tools that support game testing.

Who should take the CT-GaMe certification?

CT-GaMe is suitable for game testers, software testers, test analysts, test managers, developers, game designers, project managers and professionals involved in developing or evaluating game software.

What are the prerequisites for CT-GaMe?

Candidates must hold a valid ISTQB Certified Tester Foundation Level certificate. Specific practical experience requirements may also apply, depending on the relevant ISTQB Member Board or Exam Provider.

Do I need game testing experience?

Practical testing experience is beneficial. However, the certification is also suitable for junior testers who want to understand testing within game development projects.

Does CT-GaMe cover game mechanics?

Yes. The syllabus covers game mechanics, gameplay rules and approaches to testing how players interact with the game.

Does CT-GaMe cover graphics testing?

Yes. It includes graphics principles, visual defects, graphics test execution and tools that support graphics testing.

Does CT-GaMe cover sound testing?

Yes. CT-GaMe covers sound content, common audio defects, sound test execution and relevant testing tools.

Does CT-GaMe cover game level testing?

Yes. The certification covers game level design principles, level testing approaches, test execution and tools supporting game level testing.

Does CT-GaMe cover controller testing?

Yes. It covers game controller concepts, input testing, controller compatibility and tools that support game controller testing.

Does CT-GaMe cover localisation testing?

Yes. It includes localisation principles, common localisation defects, cultural considerations, test execution and supporting tools.

Is CT-GaMe only for console games?

No. The certification can be applied to mobile, PC, console and other types of game software.

Does CT-GaMe teach a specific game engine?

No. The certification is vendor-neutral and does not focus on one game engine or development platform.

Does CT-GaMe cover test automation?

The syllabus focuses mainly on specialist game testing approaches and supporting tools. Automation may support some testing activities, although CT-GaMe is not a dedicated test automation certification.

Is CT-GaMe internationally recognised?

Yes. CT-GaMe is an internationally recognised ISTQB Specialist certification focused on game software testing.

Can I prepare through self-study?

Yes. Candidates may prepare using the official syllabus and recommended reading. However, accredited training is recommended for structured, syllabus-aligned preparation.

What certification can I take after CT-GaMe?

After CT-GaMe, candidates may continue with other ISTQB Core, Agile, Specialist or Advanced Level certifications based on their experience and career goals.

ISTQB Certified Tester
Game Testing (CT-GaMe)

Build Specialist Skills for Testing Video Games

Video games combine software, graphics, sound, user interaction, hardware, networks and creative content. As a result, testing a game requires more than checking whether the software functions correctly.

The ISTQB® Certified Tester – Game Testing (CT-GaMe) certification provides the knowledge and skills needed to test and support quality across game development projects.

CT-GaMe covers the basic principles of game testing, including game mechanics, graphics, sound, game levels, controllers and localisation. It also explains how to identify risks, define testing goals and select tools that support effective game testing.

In addition, the certification explores how testing activities fit into the game software development lifecycle. This helps teams detect defects earlier, improve the player experience and reduce the cost of developing and publishing games.

Whether you work with mobile games, PC games, console games or other interactive entertainment products, CT-GaMe provides an internationally recognised foundation for game testing.

ISTQB® Certified Tester – Game Testing (CT-GaMe)

Specificity of Game Testing

Game Testing Basics

Typical Roles of the Game Development Team

Testing Activities throughout the Game Software Development Lifecycle

Testing Game Mechanics

Game Mechanics

Approaches to Testing Game Mechanics

Graphics Testing

Principles and Concepts of Game Graphics

Approaches to Testing Graphics in Game Products

Graphics Test Execution

Tools Support for Graphics Testing

Sound Testing

Features of the Sound Content of the Game Product

Types of Defects in Sound Content

Approaches to Testing Sound Content in Game Products

Sound Test Execution

Tools Support for Sound Testing

Game Level Testing

Game Level Design Principles and Concepts

Approaches and Execution of Game Level Testing

Tools Support for Game Level Testing

Game Controllers Testing

Principles and Concepts of Game Controllers

Approaches to Testing Controllers in Game Products

Tools Support for Game Controllers Testing

Localization Testing

Principles and Concepts of Localization Testing

Types of Localization Defects and their Causes

Localization Testing Approaches and Execution

Tools Support for Localization Testing

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 CTFL-Foundation Certificate

Exam Price

R 2 700

Why Get ISTQB CT-GaMe Certified?

Game software must provide a reliable, engaging and consistent player experience. Even a small defect can affect gameplay, damage player trust or result in poor reviews.

By earning the ISTQB Certified Tester – Game Testing certification, you will be able to:

Explain the basic concepts of video games and game testing

Understand the characteristics of game development projects

Identify risks in game software

Define suitable testing goals

Understand stakeholder and player expectations

Design and execute game software tests

Test game mechanics and gameplay rules

Evaluate graphics and visual content

Test music, dialogue and sound effects

Test game levels and player progression

Test controllers and input devices

Identify localisation defects

Recognise tools that support game testing

Align testing with the game development lifecycle

Help reduce development and publishing costs

Demonstrate internationally recognised game testing knowledge

Moreover, CT-GaMe is vendor-neutral. Therefore, its principles can be used across different game engines, devices, platforms and development models.

Who Is the ISTQB CT-GaMe Certification For?

The ISTQB CT-GaMe certification is intended for people who want to develop specialist game testing knowledge.

This certification is ideal for:

Software Testers

Game Testers

Junior Testers

Test Analysts

Technical Test Analysts

Test Consultants

Test Engineers

Test Automation Engineers

QA Engineers

Quality Engineers

Test Managers

Acceptance Testers

User Acceptance Testing Professionals

Game Developers

Game Designers

Professionals involved in developing or producing high-performance gaming hardware may also benefit. This includes people working with PCs, mobile devices, consoles and gaming controllers.

Download Documents

Download the documents below for more information about the syllabus, exam structure, and sample exam questions for the ISTQB Certified Tester – Game Testing (CT-GaMe) 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.

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