Frequently Asked Questions Regarding the ISTQB Certification & Exams
What is the exam format?
Foundation: The Foundation Level exam consists of 40 multiple choice questions designed to evaluate a candidate’s knowledge and understanding of the entire Foundation syllabus. A grade of 65% or better must be attained in order to pass. The exam is a closed book exam. You have 60 minutes to finish.
ISTQB Agile Tester Extension – Foundation Level: The Agile Extension exam consists of 40 multiple choice questions designed to evaluate a candidate’s knowledge and understanding of the Agile syllabus. A grade of 65% or better must be attained in order to pass. The exam is a closed book exam. You have 60 minutes to finish.Proof of CTFL certification is required in order to be granted access to register for the exam at a test center. An email to info@vietnamesetestingboard.org containing the exact name on the CTFL certificate will accomplish this.
Advanced: Each of the Advanced Level exams is composed of multiple-choice questions that vary in points awarded by knowledge level. They correspond to the three different subject areas: “Technical Test Analyst,” “Test Analyst,” and “Test Manager.”
Advanced Level “Test Analyst” has 60 questions to be completed in three hours.
Advanced Level “Test Manager” has 65 questions to be completed in three hours.
Advanced Level “Technical Test Analyst” has 45 questions to be completed in two hours.
Advanced Level “Security Tester” has 45 questions to be completed in two hours.
Advanced Level “Test Automation Engineer” has 40 questions to be completed in two hours.
All three areas must be passed with a grade of 65% or better in order to receive the full Advanced Level certification. You may sit for only one Advanced Level Exam at a time. See the webinar on the Advanced Level syllabi on the syllabi page for more information.
Expert: The Expert Level is quickly evolving and adding new modules. See the Expert Level Syllabi for a full listing of available or upcoming Expert Level certifications.Expert Level Test Management consists of three exams:
Expert Test Management – Strategic
Expert Test Management – Operational
Expert Test Management – Managing the Test Team
In order to achieve “CTEL-TM Full” (Certified Tester Expert Level – Test Management Full) all three exams must be passed with a 65% passing score. And one must first qualify by passing the the CTAL-TM (Certified Tester Advanced Level – Test Manager) and submitting proof that you have five years of full-time experience in test management.
Each of the exams consists of multiple choice and essay questions, and examinees must choose to answer two of the three essay questions provided.
Scoring: Your score is determined as follows:
35 points possible for multiple choice questions
50 points possible for each of the two essay questions
135 total points
When you take any of the exams at a test center, you will not receive your score at the end, since your essays need to be graded by our team of experts. This can take three to four weeks.
Does everybody take the exact same exam?
No. The questions come from a pool of questions and are being combined differently so that the exam itself changes constantly while the level of difficulty remains comparable. New questions are constantly being developed by the VTB’s subject matter experts.
How much does the software testing certification exam cost?
Further below you will find answers to frequently asked questions about software testing certification. The regular exam costs are as follows:
The ISTQB Foundation Level exam is 3,000,000 Vietnam Dong
The ISTQB Agile Tester Extension – Foundation Level exam is 3,000,000 Vietnam Dong
Each of the ISTQB Advanced Level exams is 4,000,000 Vietnam Dong
Each of the Expert Level exams is 6,000,000 Vietnam Dong
Note that the ISTQB Foundation Level – Model-Based Tester is still on developing stage.
Note that VTB recommends that you prepare for the ISTQB exam by utilizing an VTB-accredited training provider or by using self-study materials such as the ISTQB syllabi and glossary. We cannot confirm the accuracy or authenticity of other, non-accredited online test preparation sites or materials. You may also find these software testing books and publications to be useful.
Most options are eligible for discounts through VTB’s Volume Purchase Program.
When is payment of the exam fee due?
Upon registration for a specific exam and venue.
May I take the exam again if I do not pass?
Yes, you may take the exam as many times as desired. Full payment is required for each attempt.
Do I have to take a course in order to take the exam?
No, you don’t have to take a course in order to take the exam. That is one of the characteristics that makes ISTQB software tester certification unique: you may self study, study with colleagues, or take a course. That said, many people find the courses very helpful, particularly if they would like to prepare quickly, or are taking a higher level exam. See the list of VTB Accredited ISTQB Software Testing Training Providers.
Is there an exam center in my part of the Vietnam?
Yes, with exam centers throughout the Vietnam, there is almost certainly one near you.
Can I take the exam via VTB even if I’m not in the Vietnam? Is there an exam center in my country?
Yes. You can contact to your county’s national board.
Do you have a document that explains everything about ISTQB Certification?
Yes, we have everything you need to know about ISTQB Certification in the “ISTQB in a Nutshell” presentation in ISTQB Website. You will also find additional information about each of the levels on the ISTQB certification syllabi / body of knowledge page.
What if English is my second language? Can I get additional time to take the exam?
For a paper-based exam, you can apply to VTB at least a week in advance of your exam to receive extra time to take the exam, if you will be using a translation dictionary.
When Can I get a certification? How long does it take?
After exam, there is a validation process to make sure. Our exam team/review team/certification team will take a responsibility for validation. this may take up to 2 weeks to 4 weeks. then, your certification will be issued and delivered through secure delivery system by post. This may take 1 week to 4 weeks depend on where you live and how busy with post system.
What is a process of issuing a certification?
When you pass the exam, our review team will review all your exam and result again to make sure the information is correct. If everything is assured, then certification decision is made by certification team. According to ISTQB regulation, those who are involved with the certification decision is belonging to separated department called certification team. These members are strictly not participating in the examination or training of the candidate. If decision is made then, certification team will print your certificate with signature of the exam officer and the president of the board.