The ISTQB® CTFL certification is a global introductory certification in the field of software testing that focuses on standardized testing theory and practical skills.

1. Introduction to the ISTQB® Certified Tester Foundation Level (CTFL) certification

ISTQB® Certified Tester Foundation Level (CTFL) is a certification body established by the International Software Testing Qualification Certification Board (ISTQB®). The globally authoritative entry-level certification in the field of software testing focuses on verifying practitioners' basic understanding and practical abilities in software testing core concepts, basic processes, test design methods, defect management, and tool application.

CTFL is the most widely used software testing entry certification globally and is also an ISTQB® cornerstone of the certification system aimed at cultivating junior professionals capable of basic software testing work, which is the core ladder for transitioning from "testing novices" to "qualified junior testing engineers."

Software testing is a key link in ensuring product quality. In mainstream R&D models such as agile development and DevOps, testers need to possess standardized testing thinking and basic practical skills.

The core of CTFL certification is to cultivate "standardized software testing practical junior technical personnel," who are not senior testing architects or managers, but can proficiently master the basic theories and methods of software testing, participate in the entire software testing process, complete basic functional testing, regression testing and other work, and solve simple testing problems as front-line testers.

In Internet product R&D projects, CTFL licensees will clarify the scope and focus of testing; Design test cases based on the requirements document application method; Perform functional testing to verify whether product functionality meets requirements; Accurately record and submit defect reports; Participate in defect review and regression testing to ensure that defects are effectively repaired and ultimately guarantee that the product meets the basic quality standards

2. Why Earn Your Certified Tester Foundation Level (CTFL) Certification? 

CTFL is the most globally recognized software testing entry certification, widely recognized by IT companies in over 130 countries and regions. When recruiting junior test engineers, they are often listed as "priority conditions." Especially in multinational enterprises, large Internet companies and software outsourcing enterprises, they are the core bonus items for resume screening, which solves the pain point of "inconsistent entry standards" in the software testing field.

CTFL is the starting point of the ISTQB® system is to seamlessly advance to intermediate and advanced certification, gradually growing into experts in specialized fields such as testing management, automated testing, and performance testing, with a clear career development path. Internationally, the salary premium for entry-level testing positions in Europe, America, Southeast Asia, and other regions is about 15%-25%, which is a "standardized ability proof" for the entry-level stage of the workplace.

The CTFL certification covers the core theory and standardized methods of software testing, which can prove the ability to carry out testing work according to procedures and methods, avoiding common problems such as "illogical testing" and "incomplete use case design" for beginners. Enterprises can directly arrange for certificate holders to participate in actual project testing without extensive pre job theoretical training, and they can quickly get started after joining the company.

3. Overview of the ISTQB® Certified Tester Foundation Level (CTFL) Certification

For practitioners who wish to enter the field of software testing or seek a systematic knowledge system, ISTQB® Basic level certification is a globally recognized "gold standard" and essential passport.

CTFL certification strictly follows a globally unified outline, aiming to build a systematic, standardized, and industry-specific knowledge framework for software testing, helping you rise from scattered practical experience to a professional theoretical level.

The foundation of software testing is the starting point for you to establish professional knowledge. You will understand the purpose, principles, and roles of testing in different development modes, and clarify that testing exists to ensure software quality characteristics.

During the testing process, you will master the standardized testing workflow, which is the complete lifecycle from testing planning, design, execution to summary. This can help you follow a professional and traceable work method in any team.

Test design technology is the core and soul of certification, and it is also a direct reflection of your professional abilities. You will focus on learning black box testing methods such as equivalence class partitioning, boundary value analysis, and scenario analysis, and be able to write efficient and comprehensive standardized test cases based on them.

The test management module teaches you how to manage test assets and issues. You will master the standardized management of defect lifecycle and be able to identify risks during the testing process, ensuring that testing activities are orderly and controllable. You will establish a classification awareness of mainstream testing tools, understand how they empower testing work, and provide direction for future technological advancements.

Finally, you will understand how testing can be integrated into various stages of software development and learn skills for efficient collaboration with roles such as development and product, becoming a true team contributor.

4. What are the requirements to be a Certified Tester Foundation Level?

(1) Qualification prerequisites:

ISTQB ® There are no mandatory educational, professional, or work experience requirements for the basic level CTFL certification, making it suitable for software testing beginners.

We suggest that you have a certain level of basic computer knowledge and a preliminary understanding of the software development process, through ISTQB® Official training from authorized training institutions. 

(2) Training and examinations:

There are 40 single-choice questions in CTFL certification, including scenario analysis questions. The exam lasts for 60 minutes. Full score of 100 points, reaching 65 points or above to pass.

The exam fee is about 200-300 US dollars, and it supports more than 40 languages, including English, with a globally unified question bank. 

(3) Qualification maintenance:

The CTFL certification certificate is valid for a long time without any renewal requirements.

5. Comparable Certifications to Certified Tester Foundation Level Certification

• ASTQB Certified Tester Foundation Level
• BCS Foundation Certificate in Software Testing
• QA Software Testing Foundation Certification
• Certified Software Tester (CST)—Foundation Level