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ISTQB Certified Tester Foundation Level Agile Tester Quick Facts
The ISTQB Certified Tester Foundation Level Agile Tester certification helps you strengthen your understanding of Agile testing principles and collaborative quality practices. This overview provides a clear look at key domains, what the exam covers, and how it supports your career in Agile software testing.
How does the ISTQB Agile Tester certification build your Agile testing expertise?
The ISTQB Certified Tester Foundation Level Agile Tester certification expands on the fundamentals of software testing by applying them in an Agile context. It verifies your ability to collaborate effectively within Agile teams, apply adaptive testing strategies, and align testing efforts with evolving customer needs. This certification is ideal for testers, developers, and project professionals who want to apply continuous feedback, incremental delivery, and close team collaboration to deliver higher-quality software in Agile projects.
Who Should Consider the ISTQB Certified Tester Foundation Level Agile Tester Certification?
The ISTQB Certified Tester Foundation Level Agile Tester (CTFL-AT) certification is perfect for professionals working in or aspiring to join Agile environments. It’s designed for testers, QA engineers, developers, business analysts, and anyone who wants to strengthen their Agile testing expertise. If you are already certified at the ISTQB Foundation Level (CTFL) and want to advance your understanding of testing within Agile projects, this certification is a natural next step.
Whether you are part of a Scrum team, managing Agile delivery, or transitioning from traditional testing approaches, becoming an ISTQB Agile Tester demonstrates your ability to contribute to high-performing Agile teams.
What Types of Roles Can Benefit from a CTFL‑AT Certification?
The ISTQB Agile Tester certification helps professionals in testing and software delivery roles enhance their collaboration, automation, and quality assurance skills. With CTFL‑AT, you can pursue or excel in roles such as:
- Agile QA Engineer or Tester
- Test Analyst or Test Consultant
- Scrum Master with a testing focus
- Software Developer in Test (SDET)
- Agile Coach or Product Owner interested in quality practices
This certification also helps business analysts and developers deepen their appreciation for testing in Agile projects, supporting better quality from concept to delivery.
What Is the Exam Code for This Certification?
The official exam code for the ISTQB Certified Tester Foundation Level Agile Tester certification is CTFL‑AT. This exam verifies your knowledge of Agile principles, collaborative testing practices, and effective test strategies suitable for rapid development cycles.
How Much Does the ISTQB CTFL‑AT Exam Cost?
The ISTQB CTFL‑AT exam generally costs $229 USD, though exact prices may vary depending on your country or local ISTQB board. This investment provides lifelong learning value, validating your skills and boosting career opportunities in Agile projects across industries.
How Many Questions Are on the CTFL‑AT Exam?
You can expect 40 multiple-choice questions on the exam. Each question carries one point, and candidates need to score at least 26 points to pass. The questions assess your understanding of Agile testing frameworks, tools, collaboration techniques, and real-world principles applied in Agile environments.
How Long Do I Have to Complete the Exam?
The total exam duration is 60 minutes, with an additional 15 minutes for non-native English speakers. Managing your time efficiently is key, as each question contributes directly to your total score. Familiarizing yourself with the exam structure before test day ensures a confident and calm test experience.
What Score Do I Need to Pass the ISTQB Agile Tester Exam?
To earn your certification, you’ll need a minimum passing score of 65%, which equals 26 out of 40 points. Each question carries equal weight, so focusing on a balanced understanding of all domains is the best approach. Consistent practice and review of key Agile testing principles will help you reach or exceed this passing score comfortably.
What Language Options Are Available for the CTFL‑AT Exam?
The ISTQB CTFL‑AT exam is available in several languages, including English, German, Spanish, French, Chinese, Japanese, Portuguese, and Russian. This wide language support reflects ISTQB’s global recognition and accessibility, allowing professionals worldwide to validate their Agile testing expertise.
What Does the CTFL‑AT Exam Focus On?
The Agile Tester exam focuses on your ability to apply testing knowledge within Agile lifecycles. You’ll be expected to understand Agile concepts such as iterations, continuous integration, retrospectives, and user story testing. The certification emphasizes skills like:
- Collaborating effectively in cross-functional teams
- Writing and automating tests for user stories
- Adapting test strategies based on risk and iteration needs
- Supporting the Agile process with continuous feedback
These skills help testers align with Agile values of teamwork, flexibility, and early defect detection.
How Is the Exam Structured?
The CTFL‑AT exam contains multiple-choice and multi-select questions. It’s closed-book and based on the official ISTQB syllabus. The questions are evenly distributed across three major domains, ensuring balanced coverage of Agile knowledge areas that form the foundation of Agile testing excellence.
What Are the Key Knowledge Domains in the CTFL‑AT Exam?
The exam content is divided into three key domains with the following approximate weightings:
- Agile Software Development (34%)
Covers Agile principles, collaborative practices, feedback mechanisms, and iterative planning. - Fundamental Agile Testing Principles, Practices, and Processes (33%)
Explores Agile testing roles, collaboration models, and test automation focus. - Agile Testing Methods, Techniques, and Tools (33%)
Focuses on test-driven development, risk-based estimation, black box techniques, and test tools.
Each domain includes learning objectives ranging from foundational recall to applied understanding in Agile testing settings.
Are There Prerequisites for Taking the ISTQB Agile Tester Exam?
Yes. Candidates must hold an ISTQB Certified Tester Foundation Level (CTFL) certificate, Version 4.0 or earlier, before attempting the Agile Tester exam. This ensures that every CTFL‑AT candidate has a solid understanding of testing principles, enabling deeper exploration of Agile-specific practices.
How Difficult Is the ISTQB Agile Tester CTFL‑AT Exam?
The exam is approachable for anyone familiar with Agile methodologies and software testing fundamentals. Success comes from understanding how Agile values like collaboration, adaptability, and continuous improvement influence testing. Regular review, team discussions, and ISTQB Agile Tester practice exams can help you gain confidence and reinforce your readiness.
How Long Is the Certification Valid?
The CTFL‑AT certification itself does not expire. However, ISTQB recommends continuous learning and staying current with emerging Agile and testing trends. You may choose to advance to higher-level Agile certifications such as Agile Technical Tester (CTAL‑ATT) or Agile Test Leadership at Scale (CTAL‑ATLaS) as your career evolves.
What Are the Business Outcomes for Certified Professionals?
After achieving ISTQB Agile Tester certification, you will be able to:
- Collaborate effectively within Agile teams
- Adapt test activities based on Agile principles
- Contribute to test planning and automation initiatives
- Facilitate risk-based testing and iterative feedback
- Communicate quality metrics to business stakeholders
This alignment between testing and Agile values creates better products and faster delivery cycles.
How Can I Prepare for the CTFL‑AT Exam?
Preparation can include self-study, formal training, or both. ISTQB recommends studying the official syllabus and training with an Accredited Training Provider. Training options include classroom, virtual, and e-learning formats, allowing you to choose what best fits your schedule. Pair your study with hands-on Agile experience and regular review of the key syllabus topics to reinforce practical understanding.
What Study Materials or Resources Are Recommended?
Effective preparation often combines multiple resources. Candidates benefit from:
- The official ISTQB Foundation Level Agile Tester syllabus
- ISTQB sample exam questions and glossaries
- Agile testing books such as "Agile Testing" by Lisa Crispin and Janet Gregory
- Online courses or Agile workshops
- Study groups and community forums discussing Agile testing principles
Using a diverse set of resources ensures well-rounded readiness for the exam.
What Is the Testing Format and Where Can I Take the Exam?
The ISTQB CTFL‑AT exam is typically administered through Authorized Exam Providers online or in-person test centers. You can choose a convenient option that suits your schedule. Online proctoring enables remote testing from home under monitored conditions, while physical test centers offer structured environments supported by local ISTQB member boards.
What Is the Best Next Step After Earning the ISTQB Agile Tester Certification?
After becoming a certified Agile Tester, you can continue your professional growth by pursuing advanced ISTQB Agile path certifications such as:
- Agile Technical Tester (CTAL‑ATT) – for advanced automation and engineering skills
- Agile Test Leadership at Scale (CTAL‑ATLaS) – for leadership and organizational Agile quality strategies
These higher-level certifications will help you take a more strategic role in shaping Agile transformation and innovation within your organization.
What Makes the ISTQB CTFL‑AT Certification Valuable for Career Growth?
Earning the ISTQB Certified Tester Foundation Level Agile Tester certification validates both your technical and collaborative abilities. Employers across industries recognize it as a mark of quality assurance expertise in fast-paced Agile teams. The certification not only enhances employability but also fosters continuous improvement mindset—an essential trait for success in Agile testing careers.
Where Can I Learn More About the Official ISTQB Agile Tester Certification?
For the most accurate details and global recognition information, visit the official ISTQB Certified Tester Foundation Level Agile Tester (CTFL‑AT) certification page. This page provides access to the current syllabus, sample exams, accredited training providers, and policies for test candidates.
The ISTQB Certified Tester Foundation Level Agile Tester (CTFL‑AT) certification empowers you to become a collaborative, quality-focused member of any Agile team. By mastering both Agile values and practical test techniques, you’ll be well-equipped to support continuous delivery, minimize risks, and drive software excellence. With consistent study and the right training, you can confidently earn your certification and make a positive impact in every Agile project you join.
