Important note:

Exams (including re-takes) for CTAL-TA V3.1 in ENGLISH will not be available after 16th of May 2026 (the sunset date set by ISTQB®).

Non-English exams (including re-takes) for CTAL-TA V3.1 will not be available after 16th of November 2026 (the sunset date set by ISTQB®).

Please refer to the new Certified Tester Advanced Level-Test Analyst V4.0 syllabus. This is an updated release available from 16th May 2025.

Holders of the CTAL-TA v3.1 and any previous versions continue to hold a valid certification. It is possible to take the CTAL-TA V4.0 exam should you wish to update your qualification.

Test analysts are familiar with the best test methods and tools for test projects. They can schedule tests, analyse and assess the potential risks, conduct usability tests, and record and analyse the results. The internationally recognised ISTQB® Certified Tester Advanced Level - Test Analyst (CTAL-TA) certification attests to your comprehensive knowledge in the field of software testing and your skills as a test analyst.

How do I obtain this certification?

To be certified you must pass the ISTQB® Certified Tester Advanced Level - Test Analyst exam.

You can prepare for the exam by attending an accredited training course for ISTQB® Certified Tester Advanced Level - Test Analyst; participants will have relevant content and topics clearly explained and taught to them.

The syllabus includes topics relevant to test analysis - from test processes and management, test techniques and software quality criteria through to inspections, fault management and test tools.

The exam is available on Pearson Vue for anyone wishing to self-study. You can also test your knowledge without obligation and free of charge before taking the exam by ISTQB CTAL-TA online mock exam

What are the entry requirements?

In order to take the ISTQB® Certified Tester Advanced Level - Test Analyst exam, you will need the ISTQB® Certified Tester Foundation Level certificate. You should have at least 18 months of practical experience in the field of software testing.

How does this certification benefit me?

With the ISTQB® Certified Tester Advanced Level - Test Analyst certification:

• You will have an independent, internationally recognised certification as proof of expertise in the field of software testing with a specialisation as a test analyst
• You will be able to select, conduct and analyse the appropriate test procedure depending on the project at hand
• You will develop an understanding of the possible risks and how these can be mitigated

Who is this certification for?

This certification is aimed at anyone interested in the topic of software testing, who has already been working in the sector for a few years and wants to develop their skills further. It is particularly suitable for:

• Software testers
• Test analysts, test developers, test managers
• Software developers
• Project managers, quality managers, development managers, economic analysts

What other certifications can you recommend?

Other ISTQB® certifications that may be of interest:

ISTQB® Specialist Certifications:

• ISTQB® Certified Tester - Acceptance Testing (CT-AcT)
• ISTQB® Certified Tester - AI Testing (CT-AI)
• ISTQB® Certified Tester - Automotive Software Tester (CT-AuT)
• ISTQB® Certified Tester - Game Testing (CT-GaMe)
• ISTQB® Certified Tester - Gambling Industry Tester (CT-GT)
• ISTQB® Certified Tester - Mobile Application Testing (CT-MAT)
• ISTQB® Certified Tester - Model-Based Testing (CT-MBT)
• ISTQB® Certified Tester - Performance Testing (CT-PT)
• ISTQB® Certified Tester - Security Tester (CT-SEC)
• ISTQB® Certified Tester - Test Automation Engineer (CT-TAE)
• ISTQB® Certified Tester - Usability Tester (CT-UT)

ISTQB® Agile Certifications:

• ISTQB® Certified Tester Foundation Level – Agile Tester
• ISTQB® Certified Tester Advanced Level - Agile Technical Tester (CTAL-ATT)
• ISTQB Agile Test Leadership at Scale (CT-ATLaS)

ISTQB® Advanced Level:

• ISTQB® Certified Tester Advanced Level - Test Manager (CTAL-TM)
• ISTQB® Certified Tester Advanced Level - Technical Test Analyst (CTAL-TTA)

ISTQB® Expert Level:

• ISTQB® Certified Tester Expert Level - Assessing the Test Process (CTEL-ITP-ATP)
• ISTQB® Certified Tester Expert Level - Implementing Test Process Improvements (CTEL-ITP-ITPI)
• ISTQB® Certified Tester Expert Level Test Management Strategic Test Management (CTEL-TM-SM)
• ISTQB® Certified Tester Expert Level Test Management Operational Test Management (CTEL-TM-OTM)
• ISTQB® Certified Tester Expert Level Test Management Managing the Test Team (CTEL-TM-MTT)

If you are seeking to extend your knowledge of test automation, we recommend:

• A4Q Certified Selenium 4 Tester Foundation
• A4Q Foundation Level Tester for Appium

You may achieve Full Certified Tester Advanced Level status by also certificating in both the ISTQB® Certified Tester - Advanced Level, Manager and the ISTQB® Certified Tester - Technical Test Analyst.