ISTQB® Test Manager (CTAL-TM)
| Duration: | 120 minutes |
| Extra Time: | 30 minutes |
| Languages: | English, German |
| Questions: | 65 |
| Passmark: | 65% |
| Validity: | Lifetime |
| Format: | Multiple choice |
- ISTQB CTFL Certificate
The ISTQB Certified Tester Advanced Level Test Manager (CTAL-TM) is designed for professionals who lead and manage testing activities within software projects. This certification validates skills in test planning, estimation, risk-based testing, test monitoring and control, and stakeholder communication. Test Managers are responsible for the overall test strategy, team coordination, and ensuring that testing activities align with project goals and organizational quality standards.
Prerequisites
The minimum prerequisite for participation in the CTAL-TM examination is the Foundation Level Certificate. At least 18 months of practical experience in software testing, including experience in a team lead or coordination role, is recommended before attempting this module.
Curriculum
The CTAL-TM syllabus covers test management topics including test planning, risk-based testing, test monitoring and control, defect management, improving the testing process, and test tools and automation strategy. The full curriculum is available on the ISTQB® website ⤴.
Current Version: CTAL-TM v3.0
The ISTQB® Certified Tester Advanced Level – Test Manager certification is currently available only in version 3.0, which is the active and only supported version. The syllabus and sample questions can be downloaded from the official ISTQB® website: ISTQB – CTAL-TM ⤴
ISTQB Certified Tester Advanced Level: Test Manager
The CTAL-TM v3.0 examination consists of 50 questions, which you have 120 minutes to answer (150 minutes in case of time extension, +25% for non-native speakers). The passing score is 58 out of 88 points (66%).
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.