After CTFL: your ISTQB certification path
The Foundation certificate is the doorway to every other ISTQB certification. Here is how the path fits together, and how to choose your next step.
Where CTFL fits
The ISTQB® Certified Tester Foundation Level (CTFL) is the first step, and it is required before most other ISTQB certifications. It proves you know the shared vocabulary and core techniques of software testing, which is why employers around the world ask for it.
The main routes
Fundamentals, testing across the lifecycle, static testing, test design techniques, managing testing and tools. This is what xSTELLAR8 teaches today.
The Foundation Level Agile Tester extension applies the same ideas to agile teams and is a good next step if you work in sprints.
Advanced Level certifications go deeper by role: Test Analyst, Technical Test Analyst, Test Manager and Test Automation Engineer. These expect some real project experience.
Focused certifications such as performance, security, acceptance, mobile, usability, model-based testing and testing AI-based systems.
For experienced professionals who lead and shape testing practice in their organizations.
ISTQB updates its scheme from time to time. Check istqb.org for the current list before you plan.
How to choose
- New to testing? Take Foundation first, then get a year or two of hands-on experience before Advanced.
- On an agile team? Add the Agile Tester extension.
- Want to lead a team? Test Manager is the usual next step.
- Love tools and code? Look at Technical Test Analyst and Test Automation Engineer.
Tell us what you want to learn next
xSTELLAR8 teaches CTFL 4.0 today. Tell us which course you would like us to add and we will email you when we have dates.