The S L Software Testing Board (SLSTB) is a group of experienced experts in software testing who volunteer their time to the development, maintenance, and promotion of the ISTQB Certified Tester program in the Sri Lanka. They also represent Sri Lankan interests internationally as the national board for Sri Lanka within the ISTQB. The SLSTB is a non-profit organization. Exam and accreditation fees are charged to cover the cost connected with the administration of exams, applications for accreditation, the maintenance of office and exhibits at leading software testing conventions.

In Europe, industry demand pushed the development of this certification program. The program has been introduced in the U.S. to truly internationalize it and to satisfy industry demand for in internationally recognized certification, which now is an industry standard in many other countries already. The success of the program can certainly be attributed to its transparent structure, volunteer and non-profit character, and the representation of national interests through national boards.

ISTQB is the International Software Testing Qualifications Board.  It is composed of representatives from each existing national board, such as the ASTQB. The ISTQB decides on the standards for certification and accreditation as an ISTQB accredited training provider. Working parties within ISTQB are responsible for developing and maintaining the Foundation and Advanced Level syllabi and exams.

The ISTQB Certified Tester program provides certification for software testers internationally. There are currently two levels of certification: The Foundation Level and the Advanced Level certificates. For both levels, international working parties develop and maintain internationally uniform curricula and exams. One of the core principles of the program is a strict separation between the administration of exams and the training to those who would like to prepare for the exam in ISTQB compliant courses.

The Foundation Level exam tests for knowledge, not skill. It provides information about the certificate holder's level of familiarity with the most common concepts of software testing and the associated terminology. It does not require work experience. The Foundation Level exam is a stepping stone toward the Advanced Level, which is more in-depth and much more practice-oriented. Foundation Level: Knowledge. Advanced Level: Skill.

Over 110,000 software testers currently hold ISTQB compliant certificates.

The Foundation Level exam consists of 40 multiple choice questions designed to evaluate a candidate's knowledge and understanding of the entire Foundation syllabus. A grade of 65% must be attained in order to pass. The exam is a closed book exam. You have 60 minutes to finish. The Advanced Level exam is composed of three sections of 180 minutes each. They correspond to the three different subject areas: 'Technical Test Analyst,' 'Test Analyst,' and 'Test Manager.' All three areas must be passed with more than 65% of the possible points in order to receive the full Advanced Level certificate. However, single sections of the exam can be taken, and the certificate identifies which sections have been completed. You may sit for only one Advanced Level Exam at a time. The general format of each section corresponds to the Foundation Level exam.

No. The questions come from an international pool of questions and are being combined differently so that the exam itself changes constantly while the level of difficulty remains comparable. New questions are constantly being developed by the members of all national boards and the various working parties.

You have two options for taking the exam:
1) You may take the exam at the location published on the SLSTB website.
2) If your company has 10 or more testers, you can contact the SLSTB to administer the exam on site at your company.

No. The SLSTB will administer the exam independent of any courses. Courses can be taken to prepare for the exam, and ISTQB compliant courses are being offered by ISTQB accredited training providers.

If you have passed the foundation level exam you can use the ISTQB certified tester-foundation level logo on your resume. To download the logo please click here.
If you have cleared The Advanced level Test Manager Exam you can use the ISTQB certified tester- Test Manager logo on your resume. To download the logo please click here.

You can use "CTFL" for "Certified Tester Foundation Level" and "CTAL" for "Certified Tester Advanced Level".

Training companies that offer ISTQB compliant courses must first undergo an application process. Members of the Accreditation Working Group from SLSTB will review their course materials regarding coverage of the ISTQB syllabus. This ensures that someone taking a course with this company has a reasonable chance to pass the exam. The ITB also requires that courses be taught by an ISTQB Certified Tester. Other factors, such as experience in training of software professionals and experience in testing, the provision of adequate facilities, and documentation of quality assurance procedures within the applicant's company, also influence the SLSTB's decision on accreditation.

No. The syllabus outlines the areas to be covered, but neither prescribes depth, nor a specific ordering of the material. The SLSTB does not offer courses; neither does it sell course materials to training companies. One major principle of the program, the separation of exam/ certification administration from teaching, ensures choice and competition on the training level.

That depends on the training company you choose. Since all accredited training companies operate independently, their pricing will vary. One of the core principles of the ISTQB certification program is to ensure competition at the training level, so please shop around.

By checking whether or not that training company is listed on the SLSTB website as an ISTQB accredited training provider.