Both come from ISTQB — but they target different roles and career stages. Here's how ISTQB Certified Tester — Foundation Level and ISTQB Advanced Level Agile Tester compare, and how to choose.
The fastest way to see which credential fits your experience and goals.
| CTFL v4.0ISTQB Certified Tester — Foundation Level | CTAL-AT v2.0ISTQB Advanced Level Agile Tester | |
|---|---|---|
| Level | Foundation | Advanced |
| Exam length | 1h 0m | 1h 30m |
| Questions (real exam) | ~40 | ~40 |
| Pass mark | 65% | 65% |
| In a sentence | The world's most recognized software-testing certification. | ISTQB's new flagship agile testing credential (2026). |
| Free practice | 145 sample questions | 141 sample questions |
Exam parameters are compiled from each vendor's official exam guide. Always confirm the current format, eligibility and fees on the official ISTQB site before booking. ExamDeck is an independent study tool and is not affiliated with ISTQB.
Figures as published by each vendor, transcribed on the date shown. Where a vendor prices differently for members, both prices are listed.
| CTFL v4.0facts as of September 2026 | CTAL-AT v2.0facts as of August 2026 | |
|---|---|---|
| Fees | Exam fee - US (AT*SQA): $229 (verified 14 Sep 2026) Exam fee - UK (BCS): £200 incl. remote proctoring, + VAT (verified 14 Sep 2026) Prerequisites / application fee: None Renewal: None - CTFL does not expire |
Exam fee: ~$200–300 per member board (verify locally) Prerequisite: valid ISTQB CTFL certificate Renewal: None — does not expire |
| Study time | accredited courses run ~19 hours of instruction; 20–40 hours of self-study is commonly reported | ISTQB mandates ≥13 hours of accredited instruction; total prep commonly lands at 30–60 hours |
| Renewal | None — CTFL does not expire and needs no renewal (certificates from any past syllabus stay valid) | None — ISTQB certificates do not expire |
| Entry requirement | No prerequisites — open to anyone. | ISTQB CTFL certificate required (any version). |
| Body of knowledge | the ISTQB CTFL v4.0 syllabus | the ISTQB Advanced Level Agile Tester syllabus |
| Full fact pages | CTFL v4.0 cost · format · eligibility | CTAL-AT v2.0 cost · format · eligibility |
Compare the three-year cost of any two certifications, member or not, with the certification cost calculator.
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Both come from ISTQB. CTFL v4.0 (ISTQB Certified Tester — Foundation Level) is a Foundation credential, while CTAL-AT v2.0 (ISTQB Advanced Level Agile Tester) is a Advanced credential. They differ mainly in target role, exam length and depth.
The CTFL v4.0 exam runs about 1h 0m with ~40 questions; the CTAL-AT v2.0 exam runs about 1h 30m with ~40 questions. The more senior credential generally demands more applied, scenario-based judgement.
Yes. A free account gets 6 sample questions in study mode for each of CTFL v4.0 and CTAL-AT v2.0, with an explanation for every option, plus a 10-question diagnostic for each. No credit card required.
Try CTFL v4.0 or CTAL-AT v2.0 practice in study mode, with full explanations and sources. No card required.
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