ISTQB · 2026 Edition
A complete preparation guide, edited by Johnson Ajibi, a network and security engineer with 12+ years' experience. Covers the exam format,all 6 blueprint domains, a week-by-week study plan, and proven tips for passing first time.
2–4 months
Prep time
Intermediate
Difficulty
60–90
Exam questions
700/1000
Pass mark
Exam code
CTFL-v4
Full name
ISTQB Certified Tester Foundation Level v4.0
Vendor
ISTQB
Duration
90 minutes
Questions
~0 items
Passing score
700/1000 (scaled)
Domains covered
6 blueprint domains
Recommended experience
Foundational IT knowledge recommended
Typical prep time
2–4 months
Domain percentage weights are not currently available for this exam. The checklist below is still useful for planning your study.
Phase 1
Fundamentals of Testing
Tip: Start with the official Fundamentals of Testing objectives, then practise questions on it.
Phase 2
Static Testing
Tip: Cover the Static Testing objectives, then answer practice questions to confirm you can apply them.
Phase 3
Test Tools
Tip: Cover the Test Tools objectives, then answer practice questions to confirm you can apply them.
Phase 4
Testing Throughout the SDLC
Tip: Cover the Testing Throughout the SDLC objectives, then answer practice questions to confirm you can apply them.
Phase 5
Managing the Test Activities
Tip: Cover the Managing the Test Activities objectives, then answer practice questions to confirm you can apply them.
Phase 6
Test Analysis and Design
Tip: Finish with Test Analysis and Design, then re-test your weakest earlier domain before a mock exam.
Study the official exam blueprint — weight percentages tell you exactly where to invest prep time.
Practise scenario-based questions regularly — every modern cert exam is scenario-heavy.
Use spaced repetition to retain what you've learned (Courseiva does this automatically).
Book your exam date once you're scoring 80%+ consistently on practice tests.
Review explanations for every wrong answer, not just the question — the 'why' is what makes it stick.
Apply everything in this guide with adaptive practice questions, detailed answer explanations, and domain analytics.