ISTQB® Test Analyst (CTAL-TA)
| Duration: | 120 minutes |
| Extra Time: | 30 minutes |
| Languages: | English, German |
| Questions: | 40 |
| Passmark: | 65% |
| Validity: | Lifetime |
| Format: | Multiple choice |
- ISTQB CTFL Certificate
The ISTQB Certified Tester Advanced Level Test Analyst (CTAL-TA) is designed for testers who work primarily from a business and functional perspective. This certification validates skills in black-box testing techniques, test specification, experience-based testing, and collaboration with stakeholders to define acceptance criteria. Test Analysts are responsible for identifying what to test, designing effective test cases, and ensuring that a system meets its specified requirements.
Prerequisites
The minimum prerequisite for participation in the CTAL-TA examination is the Foundation Level Certificate. At least 18 months of practical experience in software testing is recommended before attempting this module.
Curriculum
The CTAL-TA syllabus covers test techniques such as equivalence partitioning, boundary value analysis, decision tables, and state transition testing. It also addresses defect management, quality characteristics, and collaboration within testing projects. The full curriculum is available on the ISTQB® website ⤴.
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 CTAL-TA v4.0 exam consists of 45 questions and lasts up to 120 minutes (150 minutes in case of time extension, +25% for non-native speakers). The passing score is 51 out of 78 points (65%).
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 Management 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.