ISTQB CTFL Exam Pass Rate, Format & Study Guide

The ISTQB CTFL v4.0 exam structure document describes 40 questions worth 1 point each, 60 minutes and a passing score of 26 points (65%). Candidates taking the exam in a language that is not their native language get 25% extra time. The syllabus chapters and weights are Fundamentals of Testing (20%), Testing Throughout the Software Development Lifecycle (15%), Static Testing (10%), Test Analysis and Design (27.5%), Managing the Test Activities (22.5%) and Test Tools (5%). Questions are single-answer multiple choice with a minority of select-two items, spread over knowledge levels K1, K2 and K3 (8, 24 and 8 questions).

The CTFL is the ISTQB entry-level certification and is widely named in software testing job descriptions.

Testers, developers, analysts and managers new to software testing who are preparing for the CTFL.

The certifying body does not publicly publish an official pass rate for this exam. Be wary of third-party sites citing a specific number here — treat any pass-rate claim you see elsewhere for this exam as unverified.

Retake rules are set by the national board or exam provider you book through; check them before you reschedule.

The passing score is 26 of 40 points (65%), so the percent score in the portal mock is a direct, if approximate, guide. Format: 40 multiple-choice questions in 60 minutes; the portal mock uses 40 questions in 60 minutes. No official pass rate is available for this exam, so none is quoted here.

The ISTQB CTFL v4.0 exam structure document describes 40 questions worth 1 point each, 60 minutes and a passing score of 26 points (65%). Candidates taking the exam in a language that is not their native language get 25% extra time. The syllabus chapters and weights are Fundamentals of Testing (20%), Testing Throughout the Software Development Lifecycle (15%), Static Testing (10%), Test Analysis and Design (27.5%), Managing the Test Activities (22.5%) and Test Tools (5%). Questions are single-answer multiple choice with a minority of select-two items, spread over knowledge levels K1, K2 and K3 (8, 24 and 8 questions). 40 multiple-choice questions · 60 minutes · 26 of 40 points (65%) to pass · 25% extra time when the exam is not in your native language. The passing score is 26 of 40 points (65%), so the percent score in the portal mock is a direct, if approximate, guide.

• Fundamentals of Testing20%
• Testing Throughout the Software Development Lifecycle15%
• Static Testing10%
• Test Analysis and Design27.5%
• Managing the Test Activities22.5%
• Test Tools5%

The content outline spreads questions across 6 areas: Fundamentals of Testing (20.0%); Testing Throughout the Software Development Lifecycle (15.0%); Static Testing (10.0%); Test Analysis and Design (27.5%); Managing the Test Activities (22.5%); Test Tools (5.0%).

Your national ISTQB board or exam provider lists the booking rules and any prerequisites for the Foundation Level.

Prices differ by country and provider, and some providers add proctoring or retake charges. No figure is quoted here; confirm the price where you book.

Check the ISTQB documents and your national board for the validity and renewal rules of the certificate.

Start with Test Analysis and Design and Managing the Test Activities, then Fundamentals, the lifecycle and static testing, and finish with Test Tools and timed 40-question runs.

This guide follows the ISTQB CTFL v4.0.1 syllabus (September 15, 2024) and the ISTQB exam structure documents, checked October 31, 2026. Check ISTQB for any newer syllabus.