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Exam Information
Official specifications published by ISTQB
Exam Format
60 min
40
26
Foundation
Registration
$229 USD
Pearson VUE, iSQI Testing Centers, BCS Test Centers, GASQ Centers, ASTQB Authorized Centers, AT*SQA Centers, or online proctoring
Validity
lifetime
Not required - certificate valid for life; Optional: Take CTFL v4.0 to update to latest syllabus; Progression: Advance to ISTQB Advanced or Specialist certifications
CTFL_001 Exam Topics and Domains
CTFL_001 is organized into 6 weighted domains. Expect to work with CI/CD tools (e.g., Jenkins, GitLab CI), Design, Implementation, Load generators, and more.
1
Fundamentals of Testing
15%
What is Testing
Typical Objectives of TestingTesting and Debugging
- Identify typical objectives of testing
- Differentiate testing from debugging
Why is Testing Necessary
Testing's Contributions to SuccessQuality Assurance and TestingErrors, Defects, and FailuresDefects, Root Causes and Effects
- Give examples of why testing is necessary
- Describe the relationship between testing and quality assurance
- Distinguish between error, defect, and failure
- Distinguish between root causes and effects of defects
Seven Testing Principles
The Seven Principles
Explain the seven testing principles
Test Process
Test Process in ContextTest Activities and TasksTest Work ProductsTraceability between Test Basis and Test Work Products
- Recall the test process in context
- Recall the test activities and respective tasks
- Differentiate test work products
- Explain the value of traceability
The Psychology of Testing
Human Psychology and TestingTester's and Developer's Mindsets
- Identify the psychological factors that influence testing
- Explain the difference between the mindset of a tester and a developer
2
Testing Throughout the Software Development Lifecycle
20%
Software Development Lifecycle Models
Software Development and Software TestingSequential Development ModelsIterative and Incremental Development Models
- Explain the relationships between software development activities and test activities
- Identify reasons why software development models must be adapted to context
- Recall good testing practices that apply to all software development lifecycles
Test Levels
Component TestingIntegration TestingSystem TestingAcceptance Testing
- Compare the different test levels
- Compare the test types
- Understand the purposes of each test level
Test Types
Functional TestingNon-functional TestingWhite-box TestingChange-related Testing
- Compare functional, non-functional, and white-box testing
- Recognize that functional and non-functional tests occur at any level
- Identify and describe non-functional test types
- Identify and describe test types based on maintenance triggers
Maintenance Testing
Triggers for MaintenanceImpact Analysis for Maintenance
- Recognize triggers for maintenance testing
- Describe the role of impact analysis in maintenance testing
3
Static Testing
10%
Static Testing Basics
Work Products Examined by Static TestingBenefits of Static TestingDifferences between Static and Dynamic Testing
- Recognize types of work products that can be examined by static testing
- Explain the value of static testing
- Compare and contrast static and dynamic techniques
Review Process
Work Product Review ProcessRoles and Responsibilities in ReviewsReview TypesApplying Review TechniquesSuccess Factors for Reviews
- Summarize the activities of the work product review process
- Recognize the different roles and responsibilities in reviews
- Explain the differences between different review types
- Apply a review technique to a work product
- Explain the factors that contribute to a successful review
4
Test Techniques
30%
Categories of Testing Techniques
Categories and Their Characteristics
Explain the characteristics, commonalities, and differences between black-box, white-box, and experience-based test techniques
Black-box Test Techniques
Equivalence PartitioningBoundary Value AnalysisDecision Table TestingState Transition Testing
- Apply equivalence partitioning to derive test cases
- Apply boundary value analysis to derive test cases
- Apply decision table testing to derive test cases
- Apply state transition testing to derive test cases
White-box Test Techniques
Statement Testing and CoverageDecision Testing and CoverageThe Value of Statement and Decision Testing
- Explain statement coverage
- Explain decision coverage
- Explain the value of statement and decision coverage
Experience-based Test Techniques
Error GuessingExploratory TestingChecklist-based Testing
- Explain error guessing
- Explain exploratory testing
- Explain checklist-based testing
5
Test Management
15%
Test Organization
Independent TestingTasks of a Test Manager and Tester
- Explain the benefits and drawbacks of independent testing
- Identify the tasks of a test manager and tester
Test Planning and Estimation
Purpose and Content of a Test PlanTest Strategy and Test ApproachEntry Criteria and Exit CriteriaTest Execution ScheduleFactors Influencing Test EffortTest Estimation Techniques
- Explain the purpose and content of a test plan
- Differentiate between various test strategies and approaches
- Give examples of entry and exit criteria
- Apply knowledge of prioritization and test execution scheduling
- Identify factors that influence test effort
- Explain test estimation techniques
Test Monitoring and Control
Metrics Used in TestingPurpose, Content, and Audience for Test ReportsCommunicating the Status of Testing
- Recall metrics used for testing
- Summarize the purpose and content of test reports
- Exemplify how to communicate the status of testing
Configuration Management
Configuration Management in Testing
Summarize how configuration management supports testing
Risks and Testing
Definition of RiskProduct and Project RisksRisk-based Testing and Product Quality
- Define risk level using likelihood and impact
- Distinguish between product and project risks
- Explain how product risk analysis may influence testing
- Explain what risk-based testing is
Defect Management
Defect Lifecycle and Defect ReportFields in a Defect Report
- Explain the defect lifecycle
- Write a defect report covering defects found during testing
6
Tool Support for Testing
10%
Test Tool Considerations
Test Tool ClassificationTool Support for Management of Testing and TestsTool Support for Static TestingTool Support for Test Design and ImplementationTool Support for Test Execution and LoggingTool Support for Performance Measurement and Dynamic AnalysisTool Support for Specialized Testing Needs
- Classify test tools according to their purpose
- Identify benefits and risks of test automation
- Remember special considerations for test execution and test management tools
Effective use of Tools
Main Principles for Tool SelectionPilot Projects for Introducing a ToolSuccess Factors for Tools
- Identify the main principles for selecting a tool
- Recall the objectives of using pilot projects for tool evaluation
- Identify success factors for evaluation, implementation, deployment and ongoing support of test tools
How do I earn this certification?
Passing CTFL_001 earns the ISTQB Certified Tester Foundation Level certification. It sits in the Core Testing track.
Practice with Precision
The PlanetCert Simulator mirrors the real exam environment with authentic questions and timed pressure.
How to study for this exam?
Use the official PlanetCert Practice Test alongside the study plan below to prepare efficiently for CTFL_001.
What's changed on this exam?
Current Status
- RETIRED
- Last content update: 2018-04-01
- Announcement date: 2023-05-09
Updates
- Agile Testing Practices Integrated into CTFL v4.0 Agile Tester Extension content now part of foundation syllabus • Release date: 2023-05-09
- DevOps and Continuous Testing CTFL v4.0 Enhanced coverage of CI/CD pipeline testing, continuous integration practices • Release date: 2023-05-09
- Test Automation CTFL v4.0 + TAE Specialist Updated automation principles in v4.0, specialized TAE certification for deeper knowledge • Release date: 2023-05-09
- Mobile Application Testing CT-MAT Specialist Dedicated specialist certification for mobile testing • Release date: Ongoing
Who should take this exam?
This exam is typically taken by Software testers and Test analysts.
- Basic understanding of software development
- Some exposure to testing concepts
- Reading comprehension in English (for English exams)