What is the ISTQB -

International Software Testing Qualifications Board?
ISTQB is a non-profit organization responsible for defining various guidelines such as examination structure and regulations, accreditation, certification etc. Working parties within the ISTQB are responsible for developing and maintaining the syllabi and exams. The ISTQB comprises representatives from each existing national board.
What is the ISTQB Certified Tester program?
The ISTQB Certified Tester program provides certification for software testers internationally. There are currently two levels of certification: The Foundation Level and the Advanced Level certificate. For both, international working parties develop and maintain internationally uniform curricula and exams.

What is the advantage of ISTQB certification?
Truly international nature of the certification: This certificate is recognized in multiple countries in multiple continents. Hardly any other certification has adoption in as many countries as this one. Please see http://www.istqb.org/members.php
The people behind this exam: Test experts from various countries are constantly working towards defining and refining the syllabus, the exam pattern, the examination questions and various other things. Rex Black, Randy Rice, Erik Van Veenendaal and many others from the academia as well as industry are involved in this effort.
The multi-tier nature of the certification: This certification distinguishes between knowledge based exam (foundation level) and skill based (advanced level).
Non-profit nature of ISTQB: Non-profit nature of ISTQB ensures that nobody has a vested interest in promoting a particular Body of Knowledge (BOK) or a particular book. All material developed by ISTQB is developed on a voluntary basis and is made available for free by ISTQB.

How many ISTQB certified testers are there?
Approximately 30,000 software testers currently hold ISTQB compliant certificates. Most of them can be found in Europe, since the program has just recently been introduced into Asia and the U.S.


Is this certification acknowledged across the world ?
This is a truly internationally recognized certification program. For the list of participating nations please visit http://www.istqb.org/members.php .

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What is the Examination Schedule?
Please check the Examination Schedule page for the dates in various cities. The examination dates can change depending on the number of registrations and other factors. Participants will be informed of the date changes in advance.

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How can I register for Foundation level exam?

Check the examination schedule for your city.
Fill the Online Enrollment Form. If you have any queries fill Online Enquiry Form.
You would immediately receive a confirmation mail in your Personal ID along with further instructions
As per instructions Send a D/D of amount specified in mail in favour of INDIAN TESTING BOARD, payable at 'NOIDA' to our Noida or Bangalore Office, you can find the address at http://208.116.30.129/contact.htm
You will be informed of the timing and procedure of the examination. Appear for the examination on the designated date, time and venue.
Please do not forget to bring a photo identity (Passport, Driving License, Election Card etc.) with you when you appear for the examination.

What is the exam format?
The Foundation Level exam consists of approximately 40 multiple choice questions of 1 points each. An exam amounts to 40 points total, of which 65%(26 points) must be attained in order to pass. The exam is a closed book exam. You have 90 minutes to finish.


Is there negative marking?
There is no negative marking for the wrong answers.

Does everybody take the exact same exam?
No. The questions come from an international pool of questions and are being combined differently such that the exam itself changes constantly while the level of difficulty remains comparable. New questions are constantly being developed by the members of all national boards and the various working parties.

Can I take the exam online?
No. The format of the exam does not allow for taking it online. The ITB and ISTQB are looking into ways to make the exam available online, but such changes are unlikely to happen in the near future.

When will my result be declared?

The result will be available within two weeks. Passing candidates will receive their certificate within eight weeks.

What is the refund policy?
Once the registration has been done there can't be any refund. However change in examination date or venue is permitted provided it is done at least one month in advance.
What is the examination fee to reappear for the exam if one fails in first attempt?
The examination fee for re-appearing for the exam is Rs. 2500/= (Twenty five hundred) only.

Is there any validity period for this certification ?
The ISTQB Certified Tester-Foundation Level certificate is valid for life.
The ISTQB Certified Tester-Advanced Level certificate is valid for 3 years.
Is there any study material for this exam?
There is no study material that we supply for this examination. Please go through the syllabus and cover the topics from various testing books. Please see http://india.istqb.org/resources.htm for more information.

Do I have to take a course in order to take the exam?
No. The Indian Testing Board will administer the exam independent of any courses. You may take the exam at any of the locations published on the ITB website. Courses can be taken to prepare for the exam, and ISTQB compliant courses are being offered by ISTQB accredited training providers. In this case, the ITB will send a representative to administer the exam directly following the course per an agreement it has with ISTQB accredited training companies.

What does an ISTQB certificate tell me about the skills of a software tester?
The Foundation Level exam tests for knowledge, not skill. It provides information about the certificate holder's level of familiarity with the most common concepts of software testing and the associated terminology. It does not require work experience. The Foundation Level exam is a stepping stone towards the Advanced Level, which goes in-depth and is much more practice-oriented, wherefore it also requires 24 months experience as a software tester. Foundation Level: Knowledge. Advanced Level: Skill.
Can I use the ISTQB Certified Tester logo on my resume?
If you have passed the foundation level exam you can use the ISTQB certified tester-foundation level logo on your resume. To download the logo please click here .

If you have cleared The Advanced level Functional Tester Exam you can use the ISTQB certified tester- Functional Tester logo on your resume. To download the logo please click here .

If you have cleared The Advanced level Technical Tester Exam you can use the ISTQB certified tester- Technical Tester logo on your resume. To download the logo please click here

If you have cleared The Advanced level Test Manager Exam you can use the ISTQB certified tester- Test Manager logo on your resume. To download the logo please click here


What abbreviation could I put on my resume?
You can use "CTFL" for "Certified Tester Foundation Level" and "CTAL" for "Certified Tester Advanced Level".
When will Expert level certification exam be available?
The ISTQB Certified - Expert Level will be available in 2009.

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Is there any discount on the examination fee?
There are two types of discounts available:
The first type of discount is given to the candidates who have attended training from an accredited training provider. This discount is given when the training provider forwards the names of the candidates. These candidates pay Rs. 3500/= instead of Rs. 4000/=.
Second type of discount is available to the companies that tie up with ITB to get their testing staff certified. Candidates from these companies also pay Rs. 3500/= instead of Rs. 4000/=.

Click here to see the list of companies that have signed up with us.

Can I get an examination conducted at my Campus?
To get an examination conducted at your campus please contact our Business Development Managers (http://india.istqb.org/contact.htm) . If there are more than 15 candidates ready to take the exam, we can come to your campus to conduct this examination.

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What is an ISTQB accredited training provider?
Training companies that offer ISTQB compliant courses must first undergo an application process. Three members of the ITB review their course materials regarding coverage of the ISTQB syllabus. This ensures that someone taking a course with this company has a reasonable chance to pass the exam. The ITB also requires that courses be taught by an ISTQB Certified Tester. Other factors, such as experience in training of software professionals and experience in testing, the provision of adequate facilities, and documentation of quality assurance procedures within the applicant's company, also influence the ITB's decision on accreditation.

Are all the courses offered identical?
No. The syllabus outlines the areas to be covered, but neither prescribes depth, nor a specific ordering of the material. The ITB does not offer courses, neither does it sell course materials to training companies. One major principle of the program, the separation of exam/ certification administration from teaching, ensures choice and competition on the training level.

How much does an ISTQB compliant course cost?
That depends on the training company you choose. Since all accredited training companies operate independently, their pricing will vary. One of the core principles of the ISTQB certification program is to ensure competition at the training level, so please shop around.

How can I verify whether a training provider is actually ISTQB accredited?
By checking whether or not that training company is listed on the ITB website as an ISTQB accredited training provider.

Where can I find information on courses offered by ISTQB accredited training providers?
ISTQB accredited training providers may submit the dates and locations of their ISTQB compliant courses to the ITB, which publishes them on its website. Also, follow the links on the ITB's website to the company's own website to find out about their most up-to-date schedule.

How can I become an accredited training provider?
Please refer to our brochure on accreditation, which is available for download.

How much does it cost to become an accredited training provider?
The accreditation fee is Rs. 60,000. Accreditation is good for one year, after which you need to re-apply with updated materials, if applicable.

What does the ITB do for an accredited training provider?
If a training company has been accredited by the ITB, the ITB will include it in its general marketing effort. The ITB presents itself at conventions and will point you out as an accredited training provider, as well as put your company brochure on display at its booth. Accredited training companies are listed on the ITB website and linked to from there. Above all, however, the ITB will always send a representative to administer an exam at the location you provide training at (restrictions apply).