International Software Quality Board (ISTQB)

ISTQB (International Software Testing Qualifications Board) is an international organization that defines standards for software testing processes and offers globally recognized software testing certifications. Established in 2002 in Belgium, it operates as a non-profit organization with the aim of enhancing professional knowledge in software testing by establishing a common terminology and methodology and providing a globally valid competency framework.

Organizational Structure and National Boards

ISTQB operates through numerous national boards under a central governing board. The representative in Türkiye is the Turkish Testing Board (TTB), which has been active since 2006 and is responsible for translating and administering the ISTQB examinations in Turkish.

Certification Structure

The certification program offered by ISTQB is divided into three levels:

1. Foundation Level

Target Audience:

Beginners in software testing, developers, test analysts, business analysts, quality assurance professionals, and project managers.

Objective:

To teach fundamental concepts of software testing, including types of testing, testing techniques, and the overall structure of the testing process.

Sub-Certifications:

• Foundation Level – Core (basic testing knowledge)
• Foundation Level – Agile Tester Extension (testing with agile methodologies)
• Foundation Level – Automotive Software Tester
• Foundation Level – Mobile Application Testing
• Foundation Level – Performance Testing
• Foundation Level – Usability Testing

Exam Features:

• 40 multiple-choice questions
• Passing score: 65% (26 correct answers)
• Duration: 60 minutes (75 minutes if not taken in the candidate’s native language)

2. Advanced Level

Target Audience:

Experienced test professionals and practitioners seeking to specialize in test management, analysis, and automation.

Objective:

To provide advanced knowledge in planning, executing, reporting, and managing testing processes, while enhancing technical skills.

Sub-Certifications:

• Test Manager
• • Developing test strategy, resource management, risk-based testing approach
• Test Analyst (Functional Test Analyst)
• • Deriving test scenarios from requirements, designing test data
• Technical Test Analyst
• • Performance testing, security testing, test automation, structure-based testing

Exam Features:

• Different number of questions and duration per area
• Question types: multiple-choice and case-based analysis
• Passing score: 65%

3. Expert Level

Target Audience:

Senior test professionals who make strategic decisions, establish test organizations, transform processes, or manage large teams.

Objective:

To develop leadership and expertise skills that contribute to defining software testing strategy, improving processes, and designing enterprise-level test architectures.

Current Certifications:

• Improving the Testing Process
• Test Management
• Test Automation Engineering
• Security Testing
• Test Data Management (under development)

Exam Features:

• Written and practical examinations
• Project presentation and case-based analysis
• Educational prerequisites are typically required

Global Recognition and Participation

ISTQB is implemented in over 130 countries and is one of the most widely adopted software testing certification systems globally, with more than one million certified individuals. The certifications are recognized internationally by employers and support professional development in the field of software testing.

Turkish Resources and Examinations

The Turkish Testing Board makes the ISTQB curriculum accessible in Türkiye by translating the official materials into Turkish. Detailed information on sample exams, syllabus documents, and application procedures is available on its official website.