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ISTQB CTFL Certification Frequently Asked Questions

Recently, the ISTQB (International Software Testing Qualifications Board) released a new Certified Tester Foundation Level (CTFL) syllabus. The 2018 core foundation syllabus updates the terminology and standards of software testing, reflecting many modern practices including agile methods, Continuous Integration/Continuous Delivery, delivery pipelines, and Internet of Things (IoT). 
 
While the fundamental principles and best practices of testing remain, a number of areas have been updated to take into account these industry trends. In addition, the knowledge base has been updated with more emphasis on practical use and market relevance, resulting in a focus more in line with knowledge application.  
 
Coveros has worked with testing engineers and respected experts to update our Software Tester Certification—Foundation Level course to match these new standards, earning accreditation from ISTQB and ASTQB (American Software Testing Qualifications Board). Beginning in November 2018, all of our On-Site, Public Classroom, and Live Virtual courses will be aligned with the 2018 syllabus and accompanying exam. 
 
CTFL certification is good in perpetuity. Once a professional has earned the certification, they retain the credentials even if the criteria are updated. Participants who take our course aligned with the 2011 syllabus have until June 3, 2019, to take their ISTQB exam.
 
Rest assured, no matter which version of our Software Tester Certification—Foundation Level course you take, the course and exam you are taking are valid and your certification will fully recognized. 
 

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What has changed in the new 2018 syllabus? 
A: A number of areas have been updated to take into account modern industry practices:
  • Terminology and standards updates, reflecting agile methods, Continuous Integration/Continuous Delivery, delivery pipelines, and IoT.
  • More emphasis on reviews and less on test management than the previous version. 
  • The knowledge base has been updated with more emphasis on practical use and market relevance.
  • A change in learning objectives, resulting in a focus more in line with knowledge application. 

Additionally, there have been significant changes in the glossary terms for the 2018 syllabus.  Glossary terms are downloadable per syllabus. Please use the ISTQB's glossary application and select "All Terms in Syllabus" and the appropriate syllabus to get the terms that match. This is important because the same term may have a different definition depending on if you are looking for the 2011 or the 2018 usage. 

 
Q: Which version is your course aligned with? 
A: All Software Tester Certification—Foundation Level courses offered through October 2018, were aligned with the 2011 syllabus. Students took or should take the 2011 exam to receive their certification. Beginning in November 2018, our On-Site, Public Classroom, Pre-Conference, and Live Virtual courses will be aligned with the 2018 syllabus. Students will take the ASTQB's 2018 exam to receive their certification. 
 
Q: I'm in Canada. Does the CSTB have a 2018 exam? 
A: The CSTB (Canadian Software Testing Board) has yet to determine a specific date for when they will be transitioning to the 2018 syllabus examinations. Contact the CSTB for more information. 
 
Q: What about your eLearning course? 
A: For the immediate future, our self-paced eLearning course will remain aligned to the 2011 syllabus. Professionals who take the course and want to take the CTFL exam will take the 2011 exam. The 2011 exams will be offered until June 3, 2019. eLearning students who purchase an exam voucher will receive a voucher for the 2011 exam. This voucher will good until June 3, 2019. 
 
Q: If I take a 2011 examination, will my certification be invalid after 2018? 
A: CTFL certification is good in perpetuity—once a professional has earned the certification, they retain the credentials even if the criteria are updated. Be assured, no matter when you take our Software Tester Certification—Foundation Level course, the course and exam you are taking are valid and your certification will fully recognized. 
 
Q: If I take a 2011-aligned course, can I take the 2018 exam? 
A: Coveros strongly recommends against taking an exam not aligned with the course taken. There have been significant changes in the glossary terms for the 2018 syllabus. In some instances, the same term may have a different definition depending on if you are looking for the 2011 or the 2018 usage.
 
Q: Which syllabus is the most appropriate to use when studying for an Advanced or Specialist exams?
A: The ISTQB Advanced and Specialist exams are based on the related Advanced or Specialist syllabus being examined, not the Foundation syllabus. Being familiar with either Foundation syllabus is a good refresher during preparation, but you will not see specific exam questions about information found only in the Foundation syllabi on the Advanced or Specialist exams. 
 
Q: How do I register for my exam? 
A: Most participants in our On-Site, Public Classroom, and Pre-Conference training courses, will take the exam on the last day of their regularly-scheduled course. Participants in our Live Virtual and eLearning courses will register to take their exam through the ASTQB exam portal. After logging in, participants will select from two choices—2011 syllabus or 2018 syllabus. Voucher codes are syllabus-specific, and the last day to register for, or take, a 2011 syllabus exam is June 3, 2019. Detailed instructions will be sent with electronic vouchers. 
 
Q: Where can I learn more about the changes? 
A: Both the ISTQB and the ASTQB have resources to learn more.