ISTQB Expert Level (CTEL) Exam and Certification


There is a common understanding that an expert is often an expert in only a certain area of testing. This requires an ISTQB multi-module expert level. There are a number of ways of organizing the expert level modules, e.g. domain-based, testing-based or level of technicality. The expert level will follow a testing-based structure for the modules, e.g. test management, test design, static testing, test automation, test process improvement. The modules can be derived from the chapters as identified in the ISTQB advanced level syllabus, but are not limited to this. The modules shall also be linked to the various testing roles, e.g. test leader, test consultant, test automation engineer, test analyst etc. In addition to the test topic that is being addressed each module will also have a small section focusing on ‘being an expert’. As stated the modules at expert level can be identified following the structure (chapters) of the ISTQB Advanced level syllabus. However, they are by no means limited to this structure and new modules can in the future be identified and developed based on market needs and requirements. The number of expert level modules will be a limited to make them economically feasible, manageable and clear to the market. In the same context, modules will not be defined too narrow, e.g. one of every ISO 9126 non-functional characteristic. An expert level module shall at least cover five days of class training. Modules shall be truly international, supported by a majority of the national boards, and explicitly approved by the ISTQB board. A proposal for an expert level module must be supported by at least three national boards that have sufficient experience in the ISTQB Advanced level certification.

Candidate modules
Based on the above the expert level working party has identified the following initial list of
candidate expert level modules:
  • Test management (including risk management)
  • Test design techniques
  • Non-functional testing
  • Static testing, e.g. reviews and inspections
  • Test tools and automation
  • Test process improvement.

Entry Criteria
The criteria are set to ensure good and consistent quality of the expert level. It is not expected
that the majority of testers ever reach expert level, it needs to be earned. Thus the quality of
the expert level will be controlled by strict enough criteria for all parties of the process.
Participants entry criteria
A participant to the expert level examination needs to have an ISTQB Advanced level
certificate (or equivalences, e.g. ISEB Practitioner). Whether full Advanced is needed, or
having passed “just” one module is sufficient will be determined per expert level module and
defined in the expert level module syllabus. Although other formal entry requirements are not
mandatory, it is recommended for participants to have at least seven years of practical testing
experience.

Lecturer entry criteria
At expert level there will be a formal accreditation of the lecturers. Lecturer needs to submit
an application form to the national board. A lecturer needs to be able to build on what has
been taught on previous ISTQB levels. The lecturer also must be able to convey that expertise
to the participants effectively and make them learn. This can be judged with following
criteria.
  • The lecturer has passed at least the required ISTQB Advanced module(s) as defined by the entry criteria or equivalent (ISEB Practitioner);
  • It is highly recommended that the lecturers possesses the full ISTQB Advanced certificate.
  • It is highly recommended to have a university degree, have teaching experience, be recognized as an expert and have sound experience. As reaching all of these is not often practical, it will be possible to compensate one with another. Thus the lecturer needs to meet additionally at least 2 of the criteria below:
    • The lecturer has substantial teaching experience (5 years with at least 3 classes totaling 5 days per year taught) and teaching experience in the subject matter (3 or more classes taught in the area of expert level module);
    • The lecturer is a recognized testing industry leader, conference speaker, author or equivalent;
    • The lecturer has advanced university degrees related to testing (e.g. B.Sc, M.Sc. or Ph.D.);
    • The lecturer has at least 6 years of real world experience in testing and 2 yearson the expertise module area;

In case of not fulfilling the criteria, the board can appoint the lecturer to be a 2nd lecturer in
expert level courses, if they are full ISTQB Advanced and fulfill only one criterion from the
additional criteria list. After 3 co-deliveries with an expert level lecturer, 2nd lecturer can
resend his/her application and gain the full lecturer status at the discretion of the Board.

Expert level courses
A course provider needs to submit an application form to national board to have a course
material of an expert level module approved. The national board approves the course material
based on the following criteria. Note that criteria for accepting a course material, are to be
defined in more detail in the syllabi.
  • Course material for an expert level module fulfils the syllabus of the equivalent expert level syllabus
  • Module length at least 5 days (exceptions to this rule are possible but need explicit approval from the ISTQB board)
  • At least 50% of the time will be spent on practical exercise and discussions.
  • Maximum class size 10 (to enable personal focus from the lecturer)
  • Needs to use at least the terms defined in ISTQB glossary.