ISTQB Foundation Level Exam
ISTQB Foundation Level Exam
The ISTQB Foundation Level is an entry-level, internationally recognized certification in software testing, issued through the International Software Testing Qualifications Board (ISTQB). It covers the core fundamentals of testing, including testing concepts and terminology, test design techniques, static testing, test management, and how testing fits into Agile development. It's a common starting point for testers, QA analysts, developers, and business analysts who want a solid foundation in testing knowledge. ASTQB and AT*SQA make the certification process easier with free career benefits and additional practice exams, and employers value candidates certified through ASTQB and AT*SQA for their proven skills in American English.
Exam Format
40 questions | 60 minutes (75 minutes if English is not your primary language)
Passing Score
65% or higher
ISTQB Foundation Cost
$229 (can pay in local currency at checkout)
Why Should You Take Your Exam Through AT*SQA?
- Gain confidence in your ISTQB exam preparation: We offer special, extra ISTQB sample exams that closely match the question & answer style found in our real ISTQB exams. (The more generic sample exams from ISTQB are not designed to match the style of any ISTQB exam.) You only get this benefit when you register for your ISTQB exam through AT*SQA.
- Boost your recognition and expand your opportunities: You'll be listed in both the Official U.S. List of Certified & Credentialed Software Testers™ and the ISTQB Successful Candidate Register, giving you greater visibility with employers in the U.S. and internationally.
- Stand out with a free credential: With every ISTQB exam purchase, you can choose a free AT*SQA micro-credential exam to showcase your QA expertise.
- Get support in your job search anywhere in the world: Appear in the AT*Work™ directory, where employers look for testers who are between jobs, seeking freelance projects, or entering the industry.
- Help your company grow: If your company offers testing or consulting services, listing it on AT*Consult™ can help attract new clients.
- Prove you’re among the best: Earn points toward your Testing Tiers® ranking to elevate your status on the Official U.S. List, and rise in visibility on AT*Work™ and AT*Consult™.
See the Free ISTQB Exam Preparation Resources Below!
What You'll Be Able to Do After Earning ISTQB Foundation Level
Understand
Understand the fundamentals of software testing, including why testing is necessary, the seven testing principles, and how testing fits into the software development lifecycle, including Agile.
Apply
Apply test analysis and design techniques to create effective test cases based on project context and risk.
Carry Out
Carry out static testing, including reviews, to find defects earlier and improve the quality of documentation.
Manage
Manage test activities, including planning, monitoring, and control, and understand the tools available to support testing.
What's Covered on the ISTQB Foundation Level Exam
The syllabus is organized into six chapters that build on each other, moving from why testing matters to how it's carried out in practice:
- Fundamentals of Testing — what testing is, why it's necessary, the seven testing principles, the test process, and the difference between testing and debugging.
- Testing Throughout the Software Development Lifecycle — how testing activities fit into different development models, including Agile, and the different test levels and test types.
- Static Testing — reviewing documents and code without executing them, including the different types of reviews and their benefits.
- Test Analysis and Design — techniques for designing test cases, including black-box, white-box, and experience-based techniques.
- Managing the Test Activities — test planning, monitoring, control, risk-based testing, and defect management.
- Tool Support for Testing — the types of tools available to support testing and considerations for tool selection.
Free Resources - ISTQB Foundation Level
Practice Exams
ISTQB Foundation Level 4.0 Certification Sample Exams
Sample Exam 1
Specially created for the ISTQB exam given by ASTQB & AT*SQA
Questions (PDF) |
Answers (PDF)
Sample Exam 2
Specially created for the ISTQB exam given by ASTQB & AT*SQA
Questions (PDF) |
Answers (PDF)
Sample Exam 3
Questions (PDF) |
Answers (PDF)
Sample Exam 4
Questions (PDF) |
Answers (PDF)
Sample Exam 5
Questions (PDF) |
Answers (PDF)
Sample Exam 6
Questions (PDF) |
Answers (PDF)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ISTQB Foundation Level Certification?
The ISTQB Foundation Level is an entry-level certification that validates a tester's understanding of core software testing concepts, terminology, and techniques. The syllabus covers why testing matters, different testing levels and types, static testing and reviews, test design techniques, test management, and testing in Agile environments. It doesn't require prior testing experience, making it a common first certification for people entering the software testing field. To earn it, candidates pass a 40-question exam with a score of 65% or higher.
What topics are covered on the ISTQB Foundation Level exam?
The exam covers six syllabus chapters: fundamentals of testing, testing throughout the software development lifecycle, static testing, test analysis and design, managing test activities, and tool support for testing. Together, these chapters give candidates a broad understanding of testing concepts, techniques, and how testing fits into different development approaches, including Agile.
Where can I purchase my ISTQB Foundation Level exam voucher?
You can purchase your ISTQB Foundation Level on the purchase page.
Can I take my exam online or at a testing center?
Yes! You can take your exam online anywhere in the world or at a Kryterion testing center.
Can I take my ISTQB Foundation Level through AT*SQA if I live outside the US?
Yes! AT*SQA is a global exam provider and you can take your ISTQB Foundation Level exam with us and it is valid globally.
Why are the AT*SQA exclusive ISTQB Foundation Level practice exams helpful?
These practice exams are made to match the question style of the exam you would take through AT*SQA, and give you more sample questions to practice with.
How do I get my free micro-credential exam?
Learn about how to get your free micro-credential exam here.
Why do people choose AT*SQA for their ISTQB exams?
Testers choose AT*SQA because of its free career-boosting extras, extra practice exams, and the ability to prove to employers their proficiency in American English.