Skip to content

ISTQB Certified Tester Expert Level Managing the Test Team (CTEL-TM-MTT)

ISTQB Certified Tester Expert Level Test Management - Managing the Test Team (CTEL-TM-MTT) official logo featuring blue text and a red swoosh element against a white background.

Build, Develop and Lead High-Performing Test Teams

Successful test management depends on more than processes, tools and reporting. Test managers must also recruit the right people, develop skills, manage performance, motivate teams and communicate effectively across the organisation.

The ISTQB® Certified Tester Expert Level – Test Management: Managing the Test Team (CTEL-TM-MTT) certification develops the advanced people-management and leadership skills required to build, develop and lead effective test teams.

This certification covers team recruitment, goal setting, individual personalities, team roles, performance reviews, motivation, distributed teams, stakeholder communication and ethical decision-making.

It also explores how expert test managers can advocate for the test team, promote the value of testing and support quality across the organisation.

CTEL-TM-MTT is one of three modules that form the complete ISTQB Expert Level Test Management certification. Candidates must successfully complete all three modules to achieve the full CTEL-TM qualification.

The Three Parts of ISTQB Expert Level Test Management

The ISTQB Expert Level Test Management certification consists of three separate parts:

Operational Test Management

(CTEL-TM-OTM)

Strategic Test Management

(CTEL-TM-STM)

Managing the Test Team

(CTEL-TM-MTT)

A separate certification examination applies to each module. Therefore, passing the Managing the Test Team examination alone does not award the complete CTEL-TM certification.

Candidates must successfully complete all three modules to earn the full ISTQB Certified Tester Expert Level – Test Management qualification.

An ISTQB Expert Level certificate is valid for seven years.

ISTQB Certified Tester Expert Level – Managing the Test Team
Managing the Test Team
Building the Test Team
Developing the Test Team
Leading the Test Team
Managing Across the Organization
Advocating the Test Team
Placement of the Test Team
Stakeholder Communication
Handling Ethical Issues

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. 

The expert levels includes two components, multiple-choice and essay:

Multiple-choice component

No. of Questions: 16
Points: 35
Duration: 45 min

Essay component

No. of Questions: 2 (out of 3) essays
Points: 100 (50 per essay)
Duration (reading & writing): 90 min

Total Exam Duration: 135 min
Extra Time (Non-Native Language): 34 min
Validity: 7 years

Prerequisites: 

To qualify for ISTQB Expert Level certification, candidates must meet the required certification and experience criteria.

Candidates must have:

At least five years of practical software testing experience
At least two years of industry experience in the relevant Expert Level topic

Candidates should retain evidence of their certifications and practical experience.

Specific eligibility and documentation requirements should be confirmed with SASTQB before registering for the examination.

Why Get ISTQB CTEL-TM-MTT Certified?

Strong test leadership can improve team capability, delivery performance and organisational quality.

By completing CTEL-TM-MTT, you can develop the ability to:

Build effective test teams
Recruit suitable test professionals
Define roles and responsibilities
Set meaningful goals
Understand team personalities
Develop team capability
Lead and motivate testers
Manage performance
Support career development
Lead distributed teams
Advocate for the test team
Communicate with senior stakeholders
Promote quality across the organisation
Select suitable organisational structures
Address ethical issues
Lead people through change

The certification demonstrates expert-level people-management knowledge built on significant practical testing and test management experience.

Who Is the CTEL-TM-MTT Certification For?

The ISTQB CTEL-TM-MTT certification is intended for experienced testing professionals who have reached an advanced stage in their careers.

This certification is ideal for:

Expert Test Managers
Senior Test Managers
Programme Test Managers
Test Directors
Heads of Testing
Quality Engineering Leaders
Quality Assurance Managers
Test Practice Leads
Test Consultants
Test Governance Leads
Delivery Managers
Project Managers
Quality Managers
Engineering Managers

The certification is best suited to professionals responsible for leading testing teams, developing capability, managing performance or influencing quality 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 Expert Level – Managing the Test Team 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.

ISTQB Certified Tester Expert Level Test Management - Managing the Test Team (CTEL-TM-MTT) official logo featuring blue text and a red swoosh element against a white background.

FAQ’s About ISTQB Expert Level Managing the Test Team (CTEL-TM-MTT)?