ISTQB Certified Tester
Test Automation Strategy
(CT-TAS)
Successful test automation requires more than selecting a tool and creating automated scripts. Organisations need a clear strategy that connects automation investment to business goals, delivery priorities, testing risks and measurable value.
The ISTQB® Certified Tester – Test Automation Strategy (CT-TAS) certification equips testing professionals, automation specialists and technical leaders with the knowledge needed to plan, implement and improve test automation at both project and organisational level.
The certification takes a strategic view of automation. It covers the factors that influence automation success, including costs, risks, resources, roles, lifecycle models, deployment approaches, metrics, reporting and organisational alignment.
CT-TAS is particularly valuable for professionals who need to move beyond isolated automation initiatives and establish a consistent, scalable and sustainable approach across teams, projects and test levels.
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 3 250
Why Get ISTQB CT-TAS Certified?
Many automation initiatives struggle because organisations focus on tools without addressing strategy, governance, value, ownership or long-term maintenance.
By earning the ISTQB Certified Tester – Test Automation Strategy certification, you will be able to:
The certification is vendor-neutral and focuses on strategic principles that can be applied across different tools, technologies, frameworks and organisational structures.
Who Is the ISTQB CT-TAS Certification For?
The ISTQB CT-TAS certification is designed for professionals involved in test automation planning, implementation, governance or decision-making.
This certification is ideal for:
Expand automation beyond a single project or tool and establishing a coordinated approach across the organisation.
Download Documents
Download the documents below for more information about the syllabus, exam structure, and sample exam questions for the ISTQB Certified Tester – Test Automation Strategy (CT-TAS) 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 Test Automation Strategy (CT-TAS)
Q: What is the ISTQB Test Automation Strategy certification?
The ISTQB CT-TAS certification is a specialist qualification focused on the strategic planning, implementation and improvement of test automation across projects and organisations. It covers automation costs, risks, resources, deployment, metrics, reporting and organisational alignment.
Q: How is CT-TAS different from CTAL-TAE?
CT-TAS focuses on the organisational and strategic aspects of test automation, including investment, governance, deployment, value and consistency across teams.
CTAL-TAE focuses more strongly on the technical engineering of test automation solutions, including architecture, development, maintainability and CI/CD integration.
The certifications complement each other.
Q: Who should take the CT-TAS certification?
CT-TAS is suitable for test automation engineers, test managers, automation leads, test architects, QA managers, technical testers, developers, project managers and professionals responsible for automation strategy or investment decisions.
Q: Is CT-TAS a technical automation certification?
CT-TAS includes technical considerations, but its main focus is strategy rather than programming or framework development. It addresses how automation should be planned, governed, measured and scaled across an organisation.
Q: Does CT-TAS teach a specific automation tool?
No. The certification is vendor-neutral. It focuses on principles and practices that can be applied regardless of the automation tools, frameworks or platforms used.
Q: Does CT-TAS cover automation return on investment?
Yes. The syllabus covers the costs of setting up and maintaining automation, the value automation delivers and the metrics needed to support investment and decision-making.
Q: Does CT-TAS cover the transition from manual testing to automation?
Yes. The certification covers the activities required to transition from manual testing towards test automation and continuous testing.
Q: Does CT-TAS cover automation across multiple projects?
Yes. One of the key goals of CT-TAS is to help organisations establish consistent automation methods, shared assets and coordinated implementation across multiple projects and teams.
Q: What are the prerequisites for CT-TAS?
Candidates must hold a valid ISTQB Certified Tester Foundation Level certificate and should have sufficient practical experience in software testing or test automation.
Q: Is the CT-TAS certification internationally recognised?
Yes. CT-TAS is an internationally recognised ISTQB Specialist certification that demonstrates knowledge of strategic test automation planning and organisational implementation.
Q: Can I study for CT-TAS on my own?
Yes. Candidates may prepare through self-study using the official 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-TAS?
After CT-TAS, candidates may consider the ISTQB Advanced Level Test Automation Engineering certification, other Advanced Level certifications or additional Specialist modules aligned with their technical or leadership goals.
