ISTQB® Test Analyst (CTAL-TA)
| Duration: | 120 minutes |
| Extra Time: | 30 minutes |
| Languages: | English |
| Questions: | 40 |
| Passmark: | 65% |
| Validity: | Lifetime |
| Format: | Multiple choice |
- ISTQB CTFL Certificate
Today software projects demand that the role of the software tester and the role of a software developer are separated – Job specialisation is therefore inevitable.
The Advanced Level has four Syllabi within the Core part:
- Test Manager (CTAL-TM)
- Test Analyst (CTAL-TA)
- Technical Test Analyst (CTAL-TTA)
- Test Automation Engineer (CTAL-TAE)
The Advanced Level Modules are independent and based on the Foundation Level Certificate. Professional testers choose their module according to their professional field and the role they want a deeper understanding or want to work in the future.
Prerequisites
For each module, a partial examination can be taken. However, the minimum prerequisite for participation in the Advanced Level partial examination is the Foundation Level Certificate. At least 18 months of practical experience in the field of testing is recommended (except for the Test Automation Engineer module).
Curriculum
The contents of the Foundation and Advanced Level syllabus are defined in the Certified Tester Curriculum. The ISTQB Certified Tester Foundation Level is a necessary prerequisite for the Advanced Level ISTQB certificates.
Important Update – Sunset Dates for CTAL-TA (Test Analyst)
The latest version of the ISTQB® Certified Tester Advanced Level – Test Analyst certification has been released as Version 4.0. There is a transition period for candidates who are still preparing for the previous Version 3.1:
- English-language exams: available until May 16, 2026
- Non-English-language exams: available until November 16, 2026
Starting from May 17, 2026 (English) and November 17, 2026 (non-English), the exam can only be taken according to Version 4.0. Both syllabus versions and sample questions are available for download on the official ISTQB® website: ISTQB – CTAL-TA ⤴
ISTQB Certified Tester Advanced Level: Test Analyst
The 2019 version of the CTAL-TA exam consists of 40 questions and lasts up to 120 minutes (150 minutes in case of time extension).
Exam Preparation
If you are a holder of a CT Foundation Level certificate you are eligible to continue on to the Advanced Level certifications, of which there are currently four in the core part. For each of them the ISTQB provides a comprehensive syllabus, which is available free to download:
Additionally, the ISTQB enables you to advance your preparation for Advanced Level certification with sets of sample questions for each of the four core Advanced Levels:
Also candidates preparing for CT Advanced Level certification have a selection of in-depth learning guides at hand that are aligned with the corresponding ISTQB syllabus. Each of the following books also includes sample questions at the appropriate level of difficulty to help you advance your self-study as efficiently as possible.
For the CTAL Test Manager we recommend Advanced Software Testing Vol. 2, 2nd Edition, Guide to the ISTQB Advanced Certification as an Advanced Test Manager ⤴ by Rex Black.
For the CTAL Test Analyst we recommend Advanced Software Testing Vol. 1, 2nd Edition, Guide to the ISTQB Advanced Certification as an Advanced Test Analyst ⤴ by Rex Black.
For the CTAL Technical Test Analyst we recommend reading into Advanced Software Testing Vol. 3, 2nd Edition, Guide to the ISTQB Advanced Certification as an Advanced Technical Test Analyst ⤴ by Rex Black and Jamie L Mitchell.