Download the formal ITCB mock exam for Foundation level (Click here)

 Foundation Level Certification 

In order to achieve consistency and fairness, the ISTQB developed a meticulous examination format using strict guidelines to develop objective questions that have been adopted by all certification centers world-wide.

Certification exams are composed of 40 multiple-selection questions, they last 60 minutes, and have a passing grade of (at least) 65%.

Certification topics are classified by learning objectives and based on the level of knowledge that each candidate needs to demonstrate. 
The 3 classification levels of knowledge are the following:

• K1 - Memory & identification
• K2 – Understanding, interpretation, argumentation, comparison, classification, and summary
• K3 – Reference to a specific context

The ISTQB defined that for all certification exams the questions will be distributed so that 50% will correspond to level K1, 30% to level K2, and 20% to level K3.

The current ISTQB certifications are focused on the 2 initial levels (Foundation and Advanced)

Following is a table with the prerequisites and prices for each exam:

Exams performed on the customer’s site will require additional cost.
All charges include the cost for the certificate and don’t include VAT.

Advanced Level Certification

The advanced certification is categorized in three groups:

• Test Manager
• Test Analyst
• Technical Tester

For each type there is a designated test, whoever successfully passes all three exams is entitled to the Full Advanced Level certificate.

Prerequisites:

• Foundation Level Certification
• Proven experience in testing – for employees – a letter from the employer; for independents – letters from customers.
• A signed “Code of Ethics” document.
• A “passing” grade (65 and up) in the exam relevant to the requested certification.

Practical experience demanded from an advanced level candidate:

• Advanced Level, Test Analyst – two years of experience in Software Testing.
• Advanced Level, Technical Test Analyst – two years of experience in Software Testing, plus a year of proficiency in a different field (such as: automation, performance & load, security etc.), or a year of managing technical testing.
• Advanced Level, Test Manager – four years of experience in Software Testing or Development, where two years out of these can be in any of the following fields: Test Management, Project Lead, Test Methodology or Test Process Improvement roles.

The structure of the exam:

The exam contains 65 multiple-choice questions. The duration of the exam was set at 180 minutes, and it was planned in a way which enables evaluating the knowledge and understanding of the person taking the test with regard to the material of the test (as detailed in the study plan). The test is available in English only.

The examinees are required to achieve a grade of 65% and up in order to pass the test. The topics in the study plan were classified according to the learning objectives, while defining the level of knowledge the candidate must provide. The three levels of knowledge are as follows:

• K2 – understand, explain, elaborate, compare, classify, summarize.
• K3 – apply to a specific context.
• K4 – disassemble, distinguish between facts and conclusions, and analyze in order to solve problems.

The ISTQB decides the breakdown of the questions as follows:

50% of the questions will be from the K2 level.

About 20% of the questions will be from the K3 level.

Around 30% of the questions will be from the K4 level.

Using this structure mentioned, the ISTQB and its national branches can evaluate the abilities of the tester against a base of uniform professional standards.

We recommend you apply to a certified training center, to enroll in a course designated for the certification level required – (here)

Check out the exam dates which suit you – (here)

To register for the exam, call: 03-6176133

Organizations wishing to certify a group of employees (over 8 in a group), should turn to the ITCB for information – (here)