The internationally recognized ISTQB® Certified Tester - Expert Level, Test Management (CTEL-TM-Full) certification attests to your comprehensive knowledge in the field of software testing with a specialism in the field of test management. You will be able to demonstrate extensive knowledge of test theory and practice, and will be in a position to take on the management of test process projects.

The ISTQB® Expert Level Test Management (CTEL-TM) certification comprises 3 parts:

• Part 1: Strategic Test Management (CTEL-TM-STM)
• Part 2: Operational Test Management (CTEL-TM-OTM)
• Part 3: Managing the Test Team (CTEL-TM-MTT)

Part 3, Managing the Test Team focuses on two main aspects - Managing the Test Team (building, developing and leading) and Managing Across the Organization (advocating for the test team, placement of the test team, stakeholder communications and handling ethical issues).

Find out more about ISTQB® Expert Level certification here.

How do I obtain this ISTQB® certification?

Each of the three parts of the ISTQB® CTEL-TM has a separate certification exam. ALL three parts must be passed to gain full CTEL-TM certification.

You can prepare for all ISTQB® CTEL-TM exams by attending accredited training for ISTQB® CTEL-TM; participants will have relevant content and topics clearly explained and taught to them.

You may also self-study using the syllabus and mock exams (we would also suggest your refer to the ISTQB® - Expert Level Exam Structure and Rules document).

• You can order your Part 3 exam (multiple choice only), Managing the Test Team on this page.
• Please go to Strategic Test Management to order your Part 1 exam and Operational Test Management to order your Part 2 exam.

An Expert Level certificate is valid for 7 years.

What are the entry requirements?

To obtain the ISTQB® CTEL-TM certification, candidates must have:

• the ISTQB® Certified Tester Foundation Level (CTFL) certificate
• the ISTQB® Advanced Level Test Manager (CTAL-TM) certificate
• exam passes in ALL three parts: Part 1 - Strategic Management, Part 2 - Operational Management and Part 3 - Managing the Test Team
• at least 5 years of practical testing experience
• at least 2 years of industry experience in Test Management.

Note: Local ISTQB® Member Boards may have specified other specific eligibility criteria - please contact us at exam@isqi.org for more information.

Who is this certification for?

Expert Level certification is aimed at those who have already achieved an advanced point in their careers in software testing and wish to develop further their expertise in a specific area. It is particularly suitable for software testers with a clearly defined professional goal.

How does this certification benefit me?

ISTQB® CTEL-TM - Managing the Test Team (CTEL-TM-MTT) considers the people management skills that are a critical part of the Test Manager’s role and necessary to build, develop and lead test teams in organizations. This includes recruitment, setting goals and objectives, individual personalities and roles within teams, performance reviews, motivating and challenging the team and managing distributed teams. Being able to manage across the organization is another core part of the Test Manager’s role including being able to advocate, defend and promote the test team and its contribution to the organization, being able to communicate with stakeholders, advocating quality across the organization and being able to handle ethical issues.

By passing ALL three parts: the CTEL-TM-STM exam, the CTEL-TM-OTM exam and the CTEL-TM-MTT exam, you can be awarded the full ISTQB® CTEL-TM certification. You can find details of the Business Outcomes defined by ISTQB® for CTEL-TM certification here.

What other certifications can you recommend?

Other certifications that may be of interest:

Expert Level

• ISTQB® Certified Tester Expert Level - Improving the Test Process Part 1 (ATP)
• ISTQB® Certified Tester Expert Level - Improving the Test Process Part 2 (ITPI)