If you are in software testing, you probably heard about ISTQB certification. Setting aside controversial topics like being Certified or not, ISTQB CTFL exam certification is one of the most sought certifications in software testing.
The Foundation Level qualification is desired by anyone involved in software testing. The Foundation level qualification is also proper for anyone who requires a basic understanding of software testing, such as project managers, quality managers, software development managers, business analysts, IT directors, and management consultants.
The ISTQB Foundation certification, the CTFL, is where everybody begins. The ISTQB indicates that candidates have at least six months of practical experience in a testing role, and note that this is a recommendation and not a requirement.
If you are a software tester, you can attempt this certification. If you are a developer or have another role connected to software, you can also try the accreditation, as there is no strict requirement. This is common with many certifications, where entry-level certification has no strict requirements. However, the other certifications do. It can support you get a job in the industry, let you stand out from other testers, enhance your knowledge, and help you do your job better.
The Foundation certification has no requirements, meaning anyone can study for and take the certification exam. This does not mean that you should, though. Someone working as a network engineer would not require the Foundation certification unless that is the area they wanted to move into.
The ISTQB is devoted to enhancing the testing profession, promoting the value of software QA practices, and keeping an open body of knowledge on software testing. The central ISTQB defines the syllabus and rules for member boards, while the member boards accredit training providers, administer exams, and award certifications.
If you are a software tester or looking for your first software testing job, earning your ISTQB Certified Tester Foundation Level (CTFL) Certification is an advantage. Many employers expect their testers to have ISTQB Foundation Level Certification, which helps them be more effective and efficient in software testing.
How Long Does It Take to Prepare for ISTQB CTFL Exam Certification?
It may sound simple. Pass the test and get the certification. Maybe some of you think it is not bad and you will easily pass it. Few people will say that preparation will take two days.
1. Prepare in Advance
One of the most common beliefs among the candidates is that clearing the ISTQB certification exam is easy. Apologies for bursting your bubble, but last-moment preparations to earn the ISTQB certification will probably not cut it.
ISTQB exams have complicated options for simple questions. A simple objective question with almost similar options for answers can leave you confused.
To prepare, you should assign at least 30 days of preparation from the exam date. Take some time to review the syllabus and practice a few mocks or sample tests before appearing for the exams.
2. Understand the CTFL Exam Structure and Format
Before starting the preparation, you must be acquainted with the exam format and structure to strategize accordingly. Remember, the minimum passing percentage for the CTFL certification exam is 65%, which means that out of 40 marks, you require at least 26 marks to get certified.
3. Read CTFL Syllabus Thoroughly
Before beginning anything, you should understand the syllabus in-depth, which can be one of your essential guides. It might take you two days to consider the ISTQB Foundation syllabus. Even the experts suggest reading the syllabus twice before picking up your textbooks. Consider it the bible for ISTQB certification exams preparation.
4. Read Glossary in Detail
Glossaries are an essential part of your ISTQB exam preparation. Besides your reference books, some cognitive sections will have questions related to the terminologies in software testing.
Hence, it is fundamental to keep the glossaries handy during preparation. If you are starting your practice from scratch, start with dictionaries to stay familiar with the frequently used terminologies in the chapters.
5. Solve ISTQB CTFL Mock Exams
Various unreliable sources on the internet offer CTFL mock exams, which can be misleading and have incorrect answers.
While practicing mock tests and sample papers for self-assessment is essential, you should only trust reliable sources. Most ISTQB certification experts and even the previously appeared candidates guide the official sample questions to get an idea of the questions.
However, solving mock exams does not guarantee the repetition of the sample questions in the Foundation exam, which is the unpredictability of the ISTQB examinations.
6. Join Social Media Discussion Groups
Different discussion groups can add to your exam preparation to stay updated with the latest CTFL exam syllabus, tips, and updates. There are several social media discussion groups for ISTQB Foundation and ISTQB exam preparation. The group has several ISTQB aspirants and subject experts of ISTQB foundation courses, and you can ask to join this group and post queries on it.
Benefits of CTFL Certification
The International Software Testing Qualifications Board (ISTQB) is a non-proprietary organization that has granted more than 500,000 certifications in more than 100 countries around the globe. This program is the only internationally-accepted certification for software testing accredited through its network of national boards.
ISTQB certification is created for software professionals who must demonstrate practical knowledge of the fundamental concepts of testing and those who require a basic understanding of software testing, such as project managers, quality managers, development managers, business analysts, IT directors, and management consultants.
CTFL certification is good forever. Once a professional has earned the certification, they keep the credentials even if the criteria are updated. In addition, CTFL holders with provable experience can develop their certification with the ISTQB’s Advanced-Level certifications or qualify their competencies in agile testing, security testing, test automation, and more.
Wrapping Up
ISTQB CTFL certification is necessary if you want to learn the best industry practices and extend your network in the software testing field, which can boost your professional growth. I hope the above-given points have covered your queries on how to pass the ISTQB CTFL exam on the first attempt.
Stay focused and go through every chapter in detail before appearing for the examinations. Good luck with the preparation!
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