ISTQB Releases New Foundation Level Syllabus Version 4.0 (2023)

New ISTQB Foundation Level Syllabus 4.0 is mandatory only after April 2024. However, the national boards and exam provider can offer exams based on this new syllabus anytime. Check with your exam board/provider which syllabus you are going to take the exam with. The current syllabus is version 3.1. You will most likely to take the exam with the current syllabus in 2023. The new syllabus was released on 9th May 2023.

The ISTQB Foundation Level Syllabus 2018 version 3.1 was released in 2019. The ISTQB Foundation Level Syllabus 4.0 (2023) was released in 2023. The two syllabuses are very similar, but there are some important differences.

The most significant difference between the two syllabuses is the addition of Agile testing to the ISTQB Foundation Level Syllabus 4.0 (2023). Agile testing is a set of principles and practices that are used to test software in an agile development environment. The addition of Agile testing to the syllabus reflects the growing popularity of agile development methodologies.

Another difference between the two syllabuses is the increased focus on risk-based testing. Risk-based testing is a systematic approach to testing that prioritizes testing activities based on the risks to the software product. The increased focus on risk-based testing in the ISTQB Foundation Level Syllabus 4.0 (2023) reflects the growing recognition of the importance of risk management in software testing.

Finally, the ISTQB Foundation Level Syllabus 4.0 (2023) includes a number of minor changes, such as the addition of new learning objectives and the updating of some of the existing learning objectives.

Overall, the ISTQB Foundation Level Syllabus 4.0 (2023) is a significant update to the previous syllabus. The addition of Agile testing, the increased focus on risk-based testing, and the minor changes make the ISTQB Foundation Level Syllabus 4.0 (2023) a more comprehensive and up-to-date resource for software testers.

More emphasis is given on the agile testing and many topics were borrowed from Agile Tester Syllabus and added to the new foundation level syllabus 4.0

ISTQB® Member Boards that provide the CTFL Syllabus in English must retire the previous version and use only the current version 4.0 of the CTFL Syllabus in their market no later than 12 months after the launch date. Boards that currently provide exams in version 3.1 in English must ensure that all exam questions are valid in relation to version 4.0 no later than 6 months after the launch date.

ISTQB® Member Boards that provide the CTFL Syllabus version 4.0 in their local language must retire the old version and either provide an updated/new translation or use only the English version no later than 18 months after the launch date. Boards that currently provide exams in version 3.1 in their local language must ensure that all exam questions are valid in relation to version 4.0 no later than 18 months after the launch date.

The updated version of the CTFL Syllabus version 4.0 includes revamped learning objectives and business outcomes from the previous versions. Additional business outcomes and learning objectives were identified and added to the new syllabus. The knowledge levels of the learning objectives were assessed and adapted as necessary. The entire syllabus was rewritten, following a test-first approach, where sample exam questions were derived from the approved learning objectives before the syllabus content was written to verify the testability of the learning objectives. The keywords in the syllabus were aligned with those present in the ISTQB Glossary. The ISTQB® also released an updated version of sample exam questions and answers for the CTFL Syllabus version 4.0, as well as release notes.

Download the new ISTQB Foundation Level Syllabus 4.0 here.

What changed in the new syllabus 4.0?

What’s new in CTFL 4.0?

There are a number of significant changes in CTFL 4.0, including:

• A greater focus on Agile and DevOps testing
• More emphasis on test automation
• A new section on risk management

Chapter 1: Fundamentals of Testing
What is Testing?
Why is Testing Necessary?
Testing Principles
Test Activities, Testware and Test Roles
Essential Skills and Good Practices in Testing

What’s new/ updated? (Versus v3.1)
Other Objectives
Testing is an activity or role
Changed Skillset
Whole Team Approach

Chapter 2: Testing Throughout the SDLC
Testing in the Context of an SDLC
Test Levels and Test Types
Maintenance Testing

What’s new/ updated? (Versus v3.1)
Impact of different SDLCs
Test First Approach
DevOps
Shift-left Approach
Retrospectives

Chapter 3: Static Testing
Static Testing Basics
Feedback & Reviews Process

What’s new/ updated? (Versus v3.1)
Frequent Feedback Mechanism
Avoid instead of detect

Chapter 4: Test Analysis and Design
Test Techniques Overview
Black-box Test Techniques
White- box Test Techniques
Experience-based Test Techniques
Collaboration-based Test Approaches

What’s new/ updated? (Versus v3.1)
Branch Testing
Checklist-based Testing
Writing User Stories
Writing Acceptance Criteria
Using ATDD

Chapter 5: Managing the Test Activities
Test Planning
Risk Management
Test Monitoring, Test Control & Test Completion
Configuration Management
Defect Management

What’s new/ updated? (Versus v3.1)
Release Planning
Iteration Planning
Estimation Techniques
Test Pyramid
Testing Quadrants

Chapter 6: Testing Tools
Tool Support for Testing
Benefits and Risks of Test Automation

What’s new/ updated? (Versus v3.1)
DevOps Tools
Collaboration Tools

All ISTQB® Member Boards which currently provide the CTFL Syllabus in English must:
1) retire the previous version of the CTFL Syllabus in English
2) for the English language only use the current version 4.0 of the CTFL Syllabus in their market no later than 12 months after the launch date.

All ISTQB® Member Boards which currently provide exams in the CTFL Syllabus version 3.1 in English must ensure that all exam questions are valid in relation to the CTFL Syllabus version 4.0 no later than 6 months after the launch date.

All ISTQB® Member Boards which currently provide CTFL Syllabus version 4.0 in their local language must:
1) retire their old CTFL Syllabus version 4.0 translated to their local language
2) and either provide an updated / new translation of CTFL Syllabus version 4.0 in their local language
3) or only use the English version of the CTFL Syllabus version 4.0 in their market no later than 18 months after the launch date.

You can watch the webinar on the new version here

We will add more details about the difference between the current syllabus 3.1 and the new ISTQB Foundation Level Syllabus 4.0 in this post in few days.

What does this mean for software testers?

For software testers who are planning to take the CTFL exam, it is important to be aware of the changes in CTFL 4.0. The new syllabus reflects the latest trends in software testing, and it is important to be familiar with these trends in order to pass the exam.

In addition, the new syllabus emphasizes the importance of Agile and DevOps testing, test automation, risk management, and ethics and professional conduct. These are all important skills for software testers to have, and they will be increasingly important in the future.

How can I prepare for the CTFL exam?

There are a number of resources available to help you prepare for the CTFL exam. The ISTQB offers a number of training courses and study guides, and there are also a number of online resources available.

It is important to choose a preparation method that works for you. Some people prefer to take a training course, while others prefer to study on their own. There is no right or wrong answer, and the best way to prepare is the way that you learn best.

What are the benefits of getting certified?

There are a number of benefits to getting certified as a software tester. Certification shows that you have the knowledge and skills necessary to be a successful software tester. It can also help you to get a job, get a raise, or advance your career.

In addition, certification can help you to stay up-to-date on the latest trends in software testing. The ISTQB regularly updates its syllabuses to reflect the latest trends, so by getting certified, you can be sure that you are learning the latest information.

If you are interested in a career in software testing, we encourage you to consider getting certified. It is a valuable investment that can help you to succeed in your career.