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Pick up to 4 core testing certifications and we'll lay out their specifications side by side. Apples to apples only — once you pick the first item, the picker locks to its category so you don't end up comparing Selenium with OWASP Top 10.
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— Core Testing Certifications
3 of 4 selected
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ISTQB CTFL
ISTQB
Globally Recognised
Entry-Level
Lifetime Validity
Multilingual
Foundation-level certification, vendor-neutral testing knowledge.
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ISTQB Advanced Level
ISTQB
Globally Recognised
Advanced
Lifetime Validity
Test Manager, Test Analyst, Technical Test Analyst tracks.
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ISTQB Expert Level
ISTQB
Globally Recognised
Advanced
Lifetime Validity
Expert-level specialisation across test process domains.
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Specification comparison
Schema: Certifications. Missing values are marked "Not available yet" — those are next on our research list.
| Attribute | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Issuing body | International Software Testing Qualifications Board (ISTQB) | ISTQB | ISTQB |
| Exam format | Multiple choice (computer- or paper-based) | Multiple choice + scenario-based (computer-based) | Multiple choice + essay (computer-based) |
| Duration | 60 minutes (75 for non-native speakers) | 180 minutes | 240 minutes |
| Number of questions | 40 | 45 | Multiple components |
| Passing score | 65% (26 / 40) | 65% | 65% |
| Exam cost | Approx. €150–250 depending on country | €200–400 depending on country/module | €350–500 |
| Prerequisites | None — entry level | ISTQB Foundation Level | ISTQB Advanced Level in relevant module |
| Validity | Lifetime (no expiry) | Lifetime | Lifetime |
| Levels available | Foundation only at this tier | Advanced — Test Manager, Test Analyst, Technical Test Analyst | Expert — Test Process Improvement, Improving the Testing Process |
| Global recognition | Recognised in 130+ countries, 1M+ certified | Global — 130+ countries | Global — highest ISTQB tier |
| Available languages | 30+ languages | English + select translations | English |
| Best suited for | Anyone starting a software-testing career | Experienced testers moving into senior or lead roles | Test leads and consultants wanting top-tier ISTQB recognition |
| Official site | www.istqb.org ↗ | www.istqb.org ↗ | www.istqb.org ↗ |
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