My Journey to Passing ISTQB CTFL v4.0 (Certified Tester Foundation Level)

I recently passed the ISTQB CTFL v4.0 certification exam, and I’d like to share my experience to help others who are considering this path. As a Quality Manager with several years in software testing, I pursued this certification to strengthen my foundational knowledge and stay updated with industry best practices.

Preparation

To prepare, I started by thoroughly studying the official ISTQB syllabus and glossary. You can visit the following link: ISTQB Certified Tester Foundation Level v4.0, and from the Download Material panel on the left side, download the ISTQB CTFL Syllabus v4.0.1. As of writing this article, the syllabus version is 4.0.1.

In addition to the syllabus, I used other helpful resources, such as:

• This free and highly useful YouTube course: ISTQB Foundation Level Certification Training, which provided clear explanations and practical examples. I went through this course twice to reinforce my understanding of the material.
• Online practice exams to simulate the test environment: I used this site to practice after each chapter, as it offers tests related to each topic. Additionally, the official ISTQB website provides 4 free sample tests, which you can download from the same location where you downloaded the syllabus. I completed 2 of these after finishing the first round of the YouTube course and the remaining 2 after the second round. This approach helped me effectively assess my progress.

I planned my study over 5 weeks:

• Weeks 1–2: Start with the official syllabus and glossary then focused on completing the YouTube course and taking detailed notes. I also practiced exams based on chapters. At the end of week 2, I took 2 sample exams provided on the ISTQB site.
• Weeks 3–4: Rewatched the YouTube course (tip: use the 2x speed option on YouTube to save time) and practiced the other 2 remaining sample tests from the ISTQB website. I also refined my time management skills.
• Week 5: Reviewed my notes and reread the syllabus to prepare for the exam. I retook all 4 sample exams to ensure I fully understood all the questions. Additionally, I completed 2 more practice tests from the other link I provided earlier to build confidence and improve my time management.

Booking the Exam

To book the exam, I first purchased a voucher for the exam, applied for the Non-Native option, and then scheduled my exam.

For this process, you need to create an account on the exam website and pay for the voucher.

The great thing about this site is that it offers a second attempt if you don’t pass the first time. Although it costs a bit more for this safety net, it’s worth it. Make sure you add second try (2ty) to your shopping list if you consider this option. Once you purchase the voucher, the voucher code will be emailed to you.

Afterward, I applied for the Non-Native option by submitting the form on the Pearson VUE iSQI site. Don't book your exam before you get approval email for Nan-Native if you are considering this option.

Tips for Non-English Candidates If English is not your native language, you can request an extra 25% time for the exam. However, you need to apply for it before booking your exam, as the exam codes differ. Follow this link: Pearson VUE iSQI and read the section titled "Extra Time Request - Important Notice." You are required to fill out a form and submit it. Once approved, you will receive an email confirmation. The application process is straightforward, as it requires minimal documentation. After approval, you will see an additional exam option available for booking, with a time limit of 75 minutes instead of 60 minutes. This option will have an exam code containing 'NN,' which is designated for non-native speakers.

You’ll also need to create an account on www.pearsonvue.com to schedule your exam. Once my Non-Native application was approved via email, I logged back into Pearson VUE and found the "CTFL NN" exam option available to book. Make sure check a time for exam should be 75 minutes and Code of exam contain NN. Otherwise you are booking a wrong exam. From there, it was a simple process to schedule the exam and use the voucher code on the payment page to complete the booking.

Exam Day

The exam consisted of multiple-choice questions testing knowledge of testing fundamentals, life cycles, techniques, and tools. I stayed calm by managing my time well—answering the easier questions first and revisiting the trickier ones later. Each question is worth 1 mark, so manage your time properly by answering the questions you're most confident in first, and then returning to the more challenging ones. You only need 26 correct answers (65%) to pass the exam.

Key Tip: Time management is critical in the real exam. When practicing, always monitor the clock and ensure you're managing your time effectively.

Advice for Future Candidates

• Start with the official syllabus and glossary—they’re your primary guides.
• Practice with mock exams to get familiar with the question format.
• Don’t just memorize—aim to understand the concepts deeply.

Final Thoughts

Achieving this certification has not only boosted my confidence but also reaffirmed my commitment to quality in software development. For anyone considering ISTQB CTFL v4.0, I highly recommend it as a solid foundation in the testing domain. With proper preparation, you can pass it too!