The ISTQB® Certified Tester Advanced Level Test Automation Engineering v2.0 (CTAL-TAE v2.0) certification is designed for test engineers seeking to implement or improve test automation. It outlines methods and practices that can help create a sustainable solution.CTAL-TAE v2.0 is a major update and rewrite of the release in 2016. The content has been significantly enhanced for the test automation engineering role, while strategic content has been moved to a new ISTQB® Test Automation Strategy Syllabus v1.0

The ISTQB® CTAL-TAE v2.0 syllabus addresses the key aspects of test automation across eight chapters:

Chapter 1: Introduction and Objectives for Test Automation

• The tester learns about the benefits of test automation and its limitations
• Test automation within different software development lifecycle models is covered
• The tester learns how a system under test (SUT) architecture impacts the suitability of test tools

Chapter 2: Preparing for Test Automation

• Design for SUT testability through observability, controllability, and a clearly defined architecture, are covered
• A tester learns about test automation across different environments
• Factors required to assess an appropriate test automation solution are covered
• A tester will learn about the technical considerations needed to develop recommendations on test automation

Chapter 3: Test Automation Architecture

Test automation architecture and its components leading to a test automation solution is coveredA tester will learn about layers and their application in a test automation frameworkMultiple approaches to using test automation tools will be coveredA tester will learn how design principles and design patterns can be applied to test automation

Chapter 4: Implementing Test Automation

• How to effectively plan and deploy a test automation pilot project will be covered
• A tester will learn about deployment risks and mitigate strategies
• Factors that improve maintainability of test automation code will be covered

Chapter 5: Implementation and Deployment Strategies for Test Automation

• A tester will learn about CI/CD pipelines and automated test execution across test levels
• Configuration management for components of test automation will be covered
• A tester will learn about dependencies applied to API and contract testing

Chapter 6: Test automation Reporting and Metrics

• A tester will learn about where data can be collected from an SUT and test automation for analysis and reporting
• Data analysis from SUT reports and test automation to uncover causes of failures will be covered
• Use of test reports and dashboards to inform stakeholders will be covered

Chapter 7: Verifying the Test Automation Solution

• The tester will learn how to examine and verify the correct operation of test automation components and environment
• Ensuring that test scripts and test suites execute correctly will be covered
• A tester will understand when to perform root cause analysis
• Techniques to analyze test automation code for quality will be covered

Chapter 8: Continuous Improvement

• Additional areas of data analysis for test case improvement will be covered
• A tester will learn ways to make improvements and upgrades to a test automation solution and its components
• Identifying ways to consolidate and streamline test automation will be covered
• A tester will learn how test automation tools can assist with test support and setup needs

How do I obtain the ISTQB® Certified Tester Advanced Level - Test Automation Engineering v2.0 certification?

To be certified, you must pass the ISTQB® Certified Tester Advanced Level - Test Automation Engineering v2.0 certification exam.

You can prepare for the exam by:

• Attending an accredited training course for ISTQB® Certified Tester Advanced Level - Test Automation Engineering v2.0 (a minimum of 21 hours of instruction)
• Self-study using the syllabus, sample exam, and ISTQB® Glossary.

You can also test your knowledge without obligation and free of charge before taking the exam by our online sample exam.

What are the entry requirements?

The ISTQB® Certified Tester Foundation Level certificate shall be obtained before taking the ISTQB® Advanced Level Test Automation Engineering Advanced certification exam.

The entry criterion for taking the Test Automation Engineering Advanced exam is that candidates have an interest in software testing and test automation. However, it is strongly recommended that candidates also:

• Have at least a minimal background in software development and software testing, such as six months experience as a software test engineer or as a software developer.
• Take a course that has been accredited to ISTQB® standards (by one of the ISTQB-recognized member boards).

How does the CTAL-TAE v2.0 certification benefit me?

The CTAL-TAE v2.0 will help to develop and attest to an individual’s ability to:

• Describe the purpose of test automation
• Understand test automation through the software development lifecycle
• Understand the Configuration of an Infrastructure to Enable Test Automation
• Learn the evaluation process for selecting the right tools and strategies
• Understand design concepts for building modular and scalable test automation solutions
• Select an approach, including a pilot, to plan test automation deployment within the software development lifecycle
• Design and develop (new or modified) test automation solutions that meet technical needs
• Consider scope and approach of test automation and maintenance of testware
• Understand how automated tests integrate within CI/CD pipelines
• Understand how to collect, analyze, and report on test automation data in order to inform stakeholders
• Verify the test automation infrastructure
• Define continuous improvement opportunities for test automation

Who is the CTAL-TAE v2.0 certification for?

The Certified Tester Test Automation Engineering qualification is relevant for those working with both Agile or sequential software development lifecycles. It is intended for anyone involved in software testing and test automation, including roles such as:

• Testers
• Test analysts
• Test automation engineers
• Test consultants
• Test architects
• Test managers
• Software developers

This Advanced qualification is also suitable for individuals who want a basic understanding of test automation, such as project managers, quality managers, software development managers, business analysts, IT directors, and management consultants.

What other certifications can you recommend?

• ISTQB® Certified Tester - Test Automation Strategy (CT-TAS)
• A4Q Certified Selenium 4 Tester Foundation
• A4Q Foundation Level Tester for Appium

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 - Usability Testing (CT-UT)

ISTQB® Agile Certifications:

• ISTQB® Certified Tester Foundation Level – Agile Tester (CTFL-AT)
• ISTQB® Certified Tester Advanced Level - Agile Technical Tester (CTAL-ATT)

ISTQB® Advanced Level:

• ISTQB® Certified Tester Advanced Level - Test Analyst (CTAL-TA)
• ISTQB® Certified Tester Advanced Level - Test Manager v3.0 (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 need to be able to gather requirements then you could consider IREB Requirements Engineering - Foundation Level.