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ISTQB Certified Tester Testing with Generative AI Quick Facts
The ISTQB Certified Tester Testing with Generative AI certification helps software testing professionals confidently apply generative AI principles in real-world testing scenarios. This overview guides you through the exam’s structure and key topics so you can focus your study on the skills that will empower your testing career in the age of AI.
How this certification shapes the future of software testing with Generative AI
The ISTQB Certified Tester Testing with Generative AI certification validates your ability to leverage generative AI techniques and large language models within the context of modern software testing. It introduces the essential foundations of AI in testing, prompt engineering, risk management, and the deployment of LLM-powered test infrastructure. Ideal for testers and QA professionals, this certification prepares you to design, assess, and integrate Generative AI–driven solutions across every stage of the test process.
Who Should Earn the ISTQB Certified Tester – Testing with Generative AI Certification?
The ISTQB Certified Tester – Testing with Generative AI (CT‑GenAI) certification is ideal for professionals who want to combine testing expertise with the transformative power of generative AI. This certification is designed for:
- Software testers, test analysts, and test automation engineers
- Test managers, quality assurance consultants, and developers
- Business analysts, IT directors, and managers seeking to leverage GenAI responsibly in test environments
Whether you are a hands‑on tester or a quality leader, the CT‑GenAI certification empowers you to apply advanced AI tools like Large Language Models (LLMs) throughout the testing lifecycle.
What Does the ISTQB CT-GenAI Certification Focus On?
This certification teaches how, when, and why to use generative AI techniques in software testing. Candidates learn to:
- Apply LLMs and multimodal models in real‑world testing activities
- Use prompt engineering to create accurate and context‑aware outputs
- Identify and mitigate AI‑specific risks like hallucinations, biases, and security vulnerabilities
It’s a unique combination of hands‑on skills, conceptual understanding, and risk management, making it extremely valuable in modern software quality engineering.
What Are the Benefits of Earning the ISTQB Certified Tester – Testing with Generative AI Credential?
Becoming an ISTQB CT‑GenAI‑certified professional demonstrates your ability to responsibly use AI in software testing. With this certification, you can:
- Stay ahead in the rapidly evolving AI‑enabled testing landscape
- Contribute to defining organizational AI testing strategies
- Improve efficiency through automated test analysis, design, and reporting
- Strengthen your profile as a forward‑thinking testing professional
Employers increasingly seek testers who can integrate AI into quality processes, and this certification proves you’re ready to lead that evolution.
What Jobs Can You Pursue with the ISTQB CT‑GenAI Certification?
This certification enhances your career across multiple quality and engineering roles, including:
- AI‑enabled Test Analyst or Test Automation Engineer
- QA Architect or AI Quality Strategist
- Software Development Manager with GenAI focus
- AI Testing Consultant or Advisor
It’s also a powerful addition for professionals transitioning into AI‑related roles or overseeing hybrid AI‑human testing teams.
How Many Questions Are in the ISTQB CT‑GenAI Exam?
The ISTQB Certified Tester – Testing with Generative AI exam contains 40 multiple‑choice questions. Each question is designed to test your understanding of GenAI applications across the testing process, from analysis and automation through to test control and reporting.
Some questions may be scenario‑based to assess practical knowledge of prompt engineering, risk mitigation, and AI use in real testing environments.
What Is the Passing Score for the CT‑GenAI Exam?
To earn your CT‑GenAI certification, candidates must achieve a passing score of 65% — that’s equivalent to 30 correct answers out of 46 total points. The scoring encourages a consistent understanding across all key domains rather than memorization of definitions. Focusing on applied learning and real‑world examples will help you comfortably exceed this threshold.
How Long Is the CT‑GenAI Exam?
The exam duration is 60 minutes. Candidates who are non‑native speakers of the exam language receive an additional 25% of extra time, bringing their total exam time to 75 minutes. This gives test takers ample opportunity to read, analyze, and reason through each question carefully.
What Is the Format of the ISTQB CT‑GenAI Exam?
The CT‑GenAI exam features both multiple‑choice and multi‑select questions. Each question aligns with specific learning objectives outlined in the official ISTQB syllabus. There are no essay‑type or hands‑on labs in the exam; however, preparation involves understanding case‑based, practical examples of how to apply GenAI techniques to testing tasks.
How Much Does the ISTQB Certified Tester – Testing with Generative AI Exam Cost?
The official exam cost is $229 USD, though local pricing and taxes may vary by region or testing provider. This investment reflects ISTQB’s emphasis on globally standardized, high‑quality certification for software testing and AI professionals.
Which Languages Is the CT‑GenAI Exam Offered In?
The ISTQB Certified Tester – Testing with Generative AI exam is currently available in English, with additional language options expected as the certification expands into more markets. Always verify available languages with your local ISTQB member board or accredited training provider before registering.
Is There a Prerequisite for Taking the ISTQB CT‑GenAI Exam?
Yes. Candidates must first hold the ISTQB Certified Tester Foundation Level (CTFL) certification. The CTFL provides the essential testing principles on which CT‑GenAI builds, ensuring that certified professionals can meaningfully apply AI within structured test processes.
How Is the Exam Structured by Domain?
The exam content is divided into five balanced domains, each representing approximately 20% of the total exam:
- Introduction to Generative AI for Software Testing – Fundamentals of GenAI, LLMs, and multimodal systems
- Prompt Engineering for Effective Software Testing – Building structured prompts and refining AI results
- Managing Risks of Generative AI – Mitigating hallucinations, biases, security risks, and environmental impact
- LLM‑Powered Test Infrastructure – Retrieval‑Augmented Generation (RAG), fine‑tuning, and LLMOps
- Deploying and Integrating GenAI in Test Organizations – Strategy, adoption, change management, and skills development
This domain distribution ensures a comprehensive understanding of both the technical and organizational aspects of AI‑enabled testing.
What Type of Knowledge Will You Gain from the CT‑GenAI Certification?
CT‑GenAI provides a strong blend of hands‑on skills and conceptual insights. You’ll learn to:
- Engineer effective LLM prompts for software test tasks
- Evaluate and refine AI outputs using defined metrics
- Recognize data privacy, bias, and reasoning issues in GenAI systems
- Understand AI regulations and frameworks relevant to testing
- Design AI‑augmented test strategies that align with ethical, environmental, and quality goals
It is not purely theoretical—many training programs include interactive exercises and real‑world case studies.
Is the CT‑GenAI Exam Difficult?
The CT‑GenAI exam is approachable for candidates with foundational ISTQB knowledge. While it explores advanced AI concepts, the focus is on applying them to practical test scenarios. Regular practice with prompt engineering examples and reviewing AI‑related testing risks are key to success. For reinforcement, candidates highly benefit from using realistic ISTQB Certified Tester Testing with Generative AI practice exams that closely mirror the format, coverage, and reasoning depth of the actual exam.
How Can You Best Prepare for the ISTQB CT‑GenAI Exam?
Preparation combines both self‑study and hands‑on learning. Here are recommended steps:
- Study the official syllabus and glossary thoroughly
- Experiment with GenAI tools to understand prompt chaining and few‑shot prompting
- Explore ISTQB‑accredited training courses (in‑person, virtual, or e‑learning)
- Familiarize yourself with ethical and regulatory aspects of AI in testing
- Review practice tests and sample questions to strengthen confidence
The more you practice applying GenAI to testing situations, the more naturally the concepts will translate into exam success.
What Is Included in the Hands-On Components of the Syllabus?
The CT‑GenAI syllabus includes Hands‑On Objectives (HOs) designed to provide experiential understanding. These include tokenization analysis, multimodal prompting, prompt refinement, and the use of AI‑powered agents. These practical exercises help testers learn how GenAI behaves in real scenarios, ensuring theory and application are firmly connected.
How Does This Certification Help Your Organization?
Organizations benefit tremendously from employing CT‑GenAI‑certified professionals. These individuals can:
- Define responsible AI strategies for testing
- Detect and mitigate potential ethical or security pitfalls early
- Enhance productivity with AI‑driven test automation and analytics
- Establish frameworks for sustainable, efficient testing with GenAI tools
This certification supports enterprises that aim to balance AI innovation with governance and quality assurance.
How Often Should You Recertify?
ISTQB certifications, including CT‑GenAI, remain valid as long as ISTQB does not update the version of the syllabus. Staying active in the testing community and pursuing new ISTQB Advanced or Expert Levels ensures continuous professional growth and helps you keep pace with evolving AI technologies.
What Comes Next After Achieving CT‑GenAI?
After obtaining your CT‑GenAI certification, you may continue your learning path with advanced ISTQB certifications such as:
- Core Advanced Levels: Test Analyst, Technical Test Analyst, or Test Manager
- Expert Level Modules to specialize further in Test Process Improvement or AI governance
Building on CT‑GenAI prepares you for leadership roles where AI‑driven testing strategies become a competitive differentiator.
How Long Should You Study for the CT‑GenAI Exam?
Most candidates prepare over 4 to 6 weeks, depending on their familiarity with testing and AI tools. Consistent, shorter study sessions that mix theory, practice, and experimentation produce excellent results. Using structured prompts and reviewing AI use cases in testing will solidify your understanding efficiently.
Where Can You Take the ISTQB Certified Tester – Testing with Generative AI Exam?
You can take the exam through ISTQB‑accredited exam providers, both online and in‑person. Online options provide flexibility, allowing you to schedule the test remotely under live proctoring, while in‑person testing offers a traditional, supervised approach through authorized centers.
How Do You Register for the CT‑GenAI Certification Exam?
To register:
- Visit your local ISTQB Member Board or accredited exam provider
- Choose the CT‑GenAI certification
- Select your preferred language and exam modality (online or in‑person)
- Schedule your date and time
- Complete your payment to confirm your seat
After registration, you’ll receive detailed instructions for accessing the exam platform.
Where Can You Learn More About the Official CT‑GenAI Program?
To explore the complete syllabus, domain weightings, and official learning outcomes, visit the official ISTQB Certified Tester – Testing with Generative AI certification page. It provides the authoritative source for all updates, syllabus documents, and exam registration details.
Becoming a Certified Tester in Generative AI marks an exciting step forward in your testing career. You’ll gain cutting‑edge skills, enhance test quality, and play a key role in shaping the responsible use of AI in quality assurance. With the right preparation, confidence, and curiosity, you’ll be ready to earn this powerful certification and elevate your professional future.
