Introduction to ISTQB Foundation Level Syllabus 4.0

Overview

• New playlist on ISTQB Foundation level syllabus 4.0
• Revision made in May 2023
• Rolling out gradually worldwide
• Some countries still using 3.1, expected to sunset by May 2024
• From May 2024, exams will only be on 4.0

Introduction

• ISTQB: International Software Testing Qualification Board
• Certifies QA professionals globally
• Certification is not tool or language-specific
• Recognizes profession in software testing

Certifications

• Multiple certifications offered:
  • Agile certifications
  • Role-specific (Test Analyst, Technical Test Analyst, Test Manager, etc.)
  • Specialist certifications (Automotive, Gambling, Game, Performance, Security testing, etc.)
• Regular updates and additions to certification types
• Tutorials available for various certifications on the channel

Certified Tester Foundation Level (CTFL)

• First certification to get started
• Conducted by country-specific member boards
• Certification recognized worldwide
• Examination cost around $100 US
• No prerequisites required
• Examination type: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ)
• Duration: 60 minutes (75 minutes in non-English speaking countries)
• Passing criteria: 26 marks out of 40 (65%)

Exam Details

• Schedule: Daily in most countries, depending on the aspirants
• Location: Both online and offline options available
• Reattempts: Allowed with additional costs
• Valid forever as it’s a professional certification

Syllabus Outline

• Chapter 1: Fundamentals of Testing
  • Basic concepts and terminologies
• Chapter 2: Testing in the Software Development Lifecycle
  • Testing activities in development phases
  • Dynamic testing levels: Unit, Integration, System
• Chapter 3: Static Testing
  • Review processes and types
  • Prevention of defects
• Chapter 4: Test Design Techniques
  • Blackbox, whitebox, and experience-based techniques
• Chapter 5: Test Management
  • Test planning, monitoring, control, analysis
  • Risk management and defect management basics
• Chapter 6: Testing Tools
  • Introduction to test tools and their uses

Knowledge Levels (K Levels)

• K1: Remember
  • Basic recall of facts and definitions
• K2: Understand
  • Comprehending concepts behind information
• K3: Apply
  • Applying techniques and methods learned (mainly for test techniques)
• K4: Analyze
  • Analyzing real-time scenarios (not covered in CTFL, only in advanced levels)