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Exam Information
Official specifications published by ISTQB
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CT-UT Exam Topics and Domains
CT-UT is organized into 8 weighted domains.
Basic Concepts
Fundamentals
- UTFL-1.1.1 (K2): Understand the concepts of usability, user experience and accessibility
- UTFL-1.1.2 (K2): Understand the objectives of usability, user experience and accessibility evaluation
Evaluating Usability, User Experience and Accessibility
- UTFL-1.2.1 (K2): Compare usability, user experience and accessibility evaluation
- UTFL-1.2.2 (K2): Understand the three approaches to usability, user experience and accessibility evaluation: Usability review, usability testing and quantitative user surveys for satisfaction measurement
- UTFL-1.2.3 (K2): Understand the differences between formative (qualitative) and summative (quantitative) usability evaluation
Usability Evaluation in Human-Centered Design
- UTFL-1.3.1 (K2): Understand the key elements of human-centered evaluation
- UTFL-1.3.2 (K2): Understand the human-centered design process
- UTFL-1.3.3 (K2): Understand the usability evaluation approaches that work well in agile software development lifecycles
Risks in Usability, User Experience and Accessibility
Typical Risks
- UTFL-2.2.1 (K2): Understand typical usability, user experience, and accessibility risks
- UTFL-2.2.2 (K4): Analyze a given project at the design or evaluation stage, and identify the types of usability risks that are likely to occur
Usability and Accessibility Standards
Usability Standards and Manufacturer Guidelines
UTFL-3.1.1 (K2): Understand the general content and applicability of ISO usability standards and manufacturer guidelines to particular types of project/application
Accessibility Standards
- UTFL-3.2.1 (K2): Understand the general content and applicability of ISO 9241-171 (Software Accessibility) and the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0 to particular types of project and applications
- UTFL-3.2.2 (K2): Understand the general content of accessibility legislation (UK Equality Act 2010 and Americans with Disabilities Act)
Usability Reviews
Introduction and Approach
UTFL-4.1.1 (K2): Understand usability review as a method for evaluating usability, user experience and accessibility
Types of Usability Review
- UTFL-4.2.1 (K2): Understand the differences between informal usability review and expert usability review
- UTFL-4.2.2 (K4): Analyze the usability aspects of a software application using the usability review method "heuristic evaluation" according to a checklist provided in the syllabus
Usability Testing
Step-By-Step Approach to Usability Testing
UTFL-5.2.1 (K2): Understand the principal steps in the usability testing approach
Prepare Usability Test
- UTFL-5.3.1 (K2): Understand the content of a usability test plan
- UTFL-5.3.2 (K2): Understand the content of a usability test script
- UTFL-5.3.3 (K3): Define a simple usability test task for a given project
- UTFL-5.3.4 (K2): Understand considerations to be applied when deciding on a location for usability tests
- UTFL-5.3.5 (K2): Understand the advantages and disadvantages of a usability test lab
Conduct Usability Test Session
UTFL-5.4.1 (K2): Understand the key activities in a usability test session
Analysis of Findings
- UTFL-5.5.1 (K2): Understand the procedure to apply for analyzing findings from a usability test
- UTFL-5.5.2 (K2): Understand the classifications and ratings for usability findings
Communicate Results and Findings
- UTFL-5.6.1 (K3): Review a usability test report for a given project
- UTFL-5.6.2 (K2): Understand how to overcome internal resistance to usability findings
- UTFL-5.6.3 (K3): Apply a given list of best practices to report and communicate results
Quality Control of a Usability Test
UTFL-5.7.1 (K2): Understand the quality control activities for a usability test
Challenges and Frequent Mistakes
UTFL-5.8.1 (K2): Understand the most frequent and serious mistakes in usability testing
User Surveys
Step-By-Step Approach to User Surveys
UTFL-6.2.1 (K2): Understand the purpose and approach adopted in user surveys
Standardized Questionnaires
UTFL-6.3.1 (K2): Understand the principal content and objectives of the public user questionnaires SUS, SUMI and WAMMI
Selecting Appropriate Methods
Criteria for Selecting a Method
UTFL-7.1.1 (K4): Select appropriate method(s) for verifying and validating usability, user experience and accessibility in a given project
Summary of Roles and Responsibilities
Usability Tester
UTFL-8.1.1 (K2): Understand the principal tasks and responsibilities of the Usability Tester
Moderator and Note-Taker
UTFL-8.2.1 (K2): Understand the principal tasks and responsibilities of the Moderator and the Note-Taker
How do I earn this certification?
Passing CT-UT earns the ISTQB Certified Tester - Usability Testing certification. It sits in the Specialist Stream track.
- CTAL-TM - Advanced Level Test ManagerNatural progression to management role with usability focus
- CTAL-TA - Advanced Level Test AnalystAdvanced analytical skills complement usability expertise
- CT-AT - Agile Tester Usability testing often integrated in Agile workflows
- CT-TAE - Test Automation EngineerAutomation can support usability testing activities
- CT-SEC - Security Tester Accessibility and security both focus on inclusive design
- CT-MAT - Mobile Application TestingMobile UX is critical for usability specialists
Practice with Precision
The PlanetCert Simulator mirrors the real exam environment with authentic questions and timed pressure.
How to study for this exam?
The most effective way to prepare for CT-UT is by using the PlanetCert Simulator to practice questions and review detailed explanations.
What's changed on this exam?
- ACTIVE
- Last content update: 2018-09-25
- Announcement date: 2016-10-21
- WCAG 2.2 2.2 Current syllabus references WCAG 2.0/2.1; candidates should be aware of 2.2 updates • Release date: 2023-10-05
- ISO 9241-11 2018 Updated usability definition aligns with syllabus content • Release date: 2018-03-01
- ISO 9241-110 2020 Updated dialogue principles - syllabus reflects earlier version but principles remain valid • Release date: 2020-04-01
Who should take this exam?
This exam is typically taken by Software testers who wish to broaden their knowledge of usability testing and Anyone who wishes to start a specialist career in usability testing.
- Experience with software testing
- Understanding of software development lifecycle
- Familiarity with user interface design concepts