The Advanced Certificates are for experienced testing practitioners, and aim to demonstrate a depth of knowledge of testing topics and the ability to perform testing activities in practice.
The three modules/certificates are:
- ISTQB Advanced Test Analyst CTAL-TTA
- ISTQB Advanced Test Manager CTAL-ATM
- ISTQB Advanced Technical Test Analyst CTAL-TTA
The Advanced certificates place an emphasis on practicality, gaining maximum benefit from classroom time, learning valuable skills and then applying them in the workplace. Due to the calibre of the Advanced exams ANZTB recommend candidates undertake training prior to attempting an exam. Please contact one of our Accredited Training Providers.
Qualification Guidelines
Mandatory Requirement
The ISTQB Foundation Certification is the pre-requisite for any ISTQB Advanced exam. Candidates who gained their ISTQB Foundation Certification with another National Board or Exam Provider such as ISEB, will be asked to provide proof.
Recommendation
The ISTQB suggests a minimum of five years’ practical experience in software engineering (or three years of practical experience if the candidate holds a baccalaureate or equivalent degree in science or engineering).
The Exam
Candidates are required to sit a 3 hour, 65-question multiple choice exam designed to evaluate knowledge and understanding of the Advanced Syllabus. For some questions, candidates will be directed to provide more than one answer. These types of questions are referred to as Pick-N questions and part marks will be granted for partially correct questions of this type.
Candidates are required to achieve a pass mark of 65%.
Topics within the Advanced syllabus have been categorised by learning objectives, defining the level of knowledge a candidate must display for each topic. The three categories are:
- K2 (worth one mark) Understand, explain, give reasons, compare, classify, summarise.
- K3 (worth two marks) Apply in a specific context.
- K4 (worth three marks) Analyse to solve a problem or task.
The ISTQB has mandated a weighting for each exam paper. 60% of questions are K2 level, 25% are K3 level and 15% are K4 level.
Through this format and structure, the ISTQB and its national boards can examine and measure tester capability against a professional uniform baseline standard.
For subjects covered in the exams please see the Advanced Level Syllabus (PDF 1.5MB)
The Fee
The fee to take an Advanced level exam is AUD385.00 (GST inclusive) for Australian residents or NZD350.00 (GST exempt) for New Zealand residents. Should you need to re-sit, the examination fee remains the same and the stand-down time of three months must be adhered to.
Extra Time
Candidates who cannot understand and read English fluently will be granted an additional 45 minutes to complete the exam. You will be expected to provide the reason for your lack of fluency on the registration form and to let the exam supervisor know.
Foreign Language Students
Candidates with English as a second language are allowed to use a translation dictionary: this must be paper (i.e. not an electronic device) and the exam supervisor has the right to inspect it. If you wish to use a dictionary in the exam, please ensure that you arrive on time for your exam (i.e. at least 15 minutes prior to the scheduled exam start time) so that you have time to let the exam supervisor know and to have your dictionary inspected.
Postponement and Cancellation Policy
Postponements within 14 days before the scheduled exam incur a $30 administration fee. Changes cannot be made 48 hours or less before the exam. Cancellations incur a $30 administration fee.
Treatment of Existing Advanced and Practitioner Certificates
- ISTQB Advanced Test Manager certificates earned by passing exams against the old Advanced Syllabus are treated as equivalent to the Advanced Test Manager certificates earned by passing exams against the Advanced Syllabus 2007.
- ISTQB Advanced Functional Tester certificates earned by passing exams against the old Advanced Syllabus are treated as equivalent to the Advanced Test Analyst certificates earned by passing exams against the Advanced Syllabus 2007.
- ISTQB Advanced Technical Tester certificates earned by passing exams against the old Advanced Syllabus are treated as equivalent to the Advanced Technical Test Analyst certificates earned by passing exams against the Advanced Syllabus 2007.
- ISEB Practitioner certificates earned by passing an exam taken no later than March 31, 2008 [i.e., under the original Practitioner program] are treated as equivalent to the Advanced Test Manager, Advanced Test Analyst, and Advanced Technical Test Analyst certificates earned by passing exams against the Advanced Syllabus 2007.
- ISEB Test Management Practitioner certificates earned by passing exams against the new ISEB Practitioner Syllabus (since April 1st, 2008) are treated as equivalent to the Advanced Test Manager certificates earned by passing exams against the Advanced Syllabus 2007.
- ISEB Test Analysis Practitioner certificates earned by passing exams against the new ISEB Practitioner Syllabus (since April 1st, 2008) are treated as equivalent to the Advanced Test Analyst certificates earned by passing exams against the Advanced Syllabus 2007.
Attention candidates for certification who intend to take an exam against the Advanced Syllabus 2007: If you have taken a training course accredited against the old Advanced Syllabus or the Practitioner Syllabus, please be advised that new topics have been added to the Advanced Syllabus 2007. Additional preparation on your part is necessary prior to taking an exam against the Advanced Syllabus 2007.
