Important note:  

Exams (including re-takes) for CTAL-TM version 2012 in ENGLISH will not be available after 30th May 2025 (the sunset date set by ISTQB®).

Non-English exams (including re-takes) for CTAL-TM version 2012 will not be available after 30th November 2025 (the sunset date set by ISTQB®).

Please refer to the new Certified Tester Advanced Level – Test Management V3.0 syllabus – this is an updated release available from 30th May 2024 (note: there has been a name change to Test Management for the new version). 

Holders of the CTAL-TM 2012 and any previous versions continue to hold a valid certification. It is possible to take the CTAL-TM V3.0 exam should you wish to update your qualification.

As a test manager, you take on responsibility for the test process conducted during software development. You plan the necessary tests, assess them and handle fault management. With the internationally recognised ISTQB® Certified Tester Advanced Level - Test Manager (CTAL-TM) certification, you will demonstrate that you have the skills and knowledge of the testing tools that are used to automate processes.

How do I obtain the ISTQB® certification?

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

You can prepare for the exam by attending an accredited training course for ISTQB® Certified Tester Advanced Level - Test Manager; participants will have relevant content and topics clearly explained and taught to them. The curriculum includes all topics relevant to test management - from test processes and management, to inspections, fault management and improving processes, through to test tools and automation, as well as social skills.

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 our online mock exam.

What are the entry requirements?

In order to take the ISTQB® Certified Tester Advanced Level - Test Manager 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 Manager 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 manager.
• You will learn how to manage, implement and evaluate test procedures.

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

What other certifications can you recommend?

The ISTQB® Certified Tester Advanced Level -Test Manager certification is a prerequisite for:

• 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)

We also recommend:

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

ISTQB® Advanced Level:

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

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

Are you involved in test process improvement and seeking to be able to assess the maturity of your testing processes? Perhaps consider TMMi-Professional certification.