ISTQB certification is an important milestone for many people who want to get started as software testers. But how demanding is the ISTQB exam really? What hurdles do you have to overcome and how high is the pass rate? These questions are crucial for those who want to enter the world of software testing.
In this blog, we take a closer look at how difficult the exam actually is so that you know exactly what you're getting yourself into and how you can best prepare. The ISTQB certification is a globally recognized standard of quality and is valued by many companies as proof of high-quality software testing skills. With thorough preparation, you will obtain the ISTQB Foundation Level certificate and take an important step in your career as a software tester!
The ISTQB exams at a glance
The ISTQB exam is an internationally recognized certification for software testers. There are several levels: the Foundation Level, the Advanced Level and the Expert Level as well as several Specialist Modules. It starts with the ISTQB Foundation Level, which is about basic knowledge in the field of software testing and is aimed at beginners. Here you will learn the basics of test methods, the test phases and the fundamental concepts required in a professional test environment.
The Advanced Level imparts advanced knowledge of software testing procedures and provides further insight into standard market testing tools. The Advanced Level is about deepening your testing skills in various topics, analyzing complex test cases and expanding your understanding of testing processes. The Advanced Level currently covers four roles: Test Manager, Test Analyst, Technical Test Analyst and Test Automation Engineer.
The Expert level is aimed at testers who want to specialize even further, have a certain amount of professional experience and require additional leadership skills. This level is ideal for those who not only want to test, but also make strategic decisions. The current ISTQB Expert Level modules are "Improving the Test Process" and "Test Management".
All exams consist of multiple-choice questions that test both theoretical knowledge and practical understanding. In addition to the multiple-choice questions, you also have to write essays at Expert level. So it's not enough to just memorize definitions – especially in the higher exam levels, you need to know how to apply this knowledge in real projects. Trendig is one of the leading training providers for ISTQB Certified Tester certifications and offers comprehensive courses and training to prepare you optimally for the exams. With a structured training plan and professional trainers, you will be perfectly prepared for the requirements of the exam!
Increase your chances of success in the ISTQB exam - find out about our training courses!
What is the pass rate for the ISTQB exam?
A common question is: What is the pass rate for the ISTQB exam? At ISTQB Foundation Level, the average pass rate is around 70-75%, depending on the exam country and institution. This means that around a quarter of candidates fail the exam the first time. At higher levels, such as the Advanced Level, the pass rate can be even lower - up to 40% fail the exam. At trendig, we are very proud to regularly have significantly better pass rates and between 90% and 95% of our training graduates pass their certification exams at both Foundation Level and Advanced Level every year.
The questions relating to the application of theory in practice are often particularly challenging for training participants. The ISTQB exam not only tests whether you have understood the theory, but also whether you can apply what you have learned in real-life scenarios. Understanding the theory and putting it into practice are two different learning focuses, and this is where the key to passing the exam lies. The ability to make the right connections between theory and practice makes all the difference.
How to realistically assess your chances
To realistically assess your chances, you should ask yourself a few questions: How much experience do you have in software testing? How intensively have you prepared? The pass rate shows that the exam can be passed with good preparation. Good preparation means not only knowing the theory, but also understanding the exam structure and knowing how the questions are structured. Many underestimate the structure of the questions, so targeted preparation is important. A clear study strategy helps you to proceed in a structured manner and focus on the essential content.
Online courses and training in suitable classrooms can help you to go through the material step by step and understand the most important content. It is also advisable to use practice questions to develop a feel for the questions and the type of answers. Regularly working through mock tests and sample questions and practical use cases is particularly useful to ensure that you have really understood the exam content and not just memorized it.
Testimonials from successful candidates
Many who have successfully passed the ISTQB exam say that it all depends on the preparation. Most successful candidates have invested at least 40 hours of study time and recommend studying the official syllabi (ISTQB Syllabi) and exam questions in depth. This focused preparation makes the difference between a solid understanding and a superficial knowledge of the content.
Taking part in training courses is ideal for gaining a deeper understanding of the exam content. Mock tests are also very useful for getting to know the type of questions and practicing time management. Many candidates report that mock tests helped them to reduce the pressure of the exam as they were able to get used to the exam situation better. Good training with experienced trainers can help to cover all the important topics and give you confidence in dealing with the multiple choice questions.
Reasons for the pass rate in the ISTQB exam
Why is the pass rate in the ISTQB exam so high? Many underestimate the complexity of the exam or simply do not prepare sufficiently. Here are some of the most common reasons why candidates fail:
Complexity of examination questions
The questions in the ISTQB exam are not only designed to test knowledge, but also to test understanding of context. Some questions have several correct answers and you have to choose the best answer. This often leads to confusion and misunderstandings. The multiple-choice questions are often formulated in such a way that the answers sound very similar and only differ in nuances. It is therefore important to work intensively on the topics and take regular practice tests.
A solid understanding of the test procedure helps you to know the rules of test administration well and to get through the test with confidence. The ability to distinguish between different answer options requires a deep understanding of the content. It is therefore advisable not just to learn the material superficially, but to study the content intensively in order to understand the subtleties.
Common mistakes and misunderstandings
Another common mistake is misunderstanding the question. This can lead to examinees acting hastily and giving the wrong answers. It is important to read the questions carefully and understand what they are aimed at.
Pay particular attention to certain phrases and words in the question: adverbs such as 'never' or 'always' and modal verbs such as 'can', 'must' or 'should' can make a small but subtle difference. Many people make the mistake of answering questions too quickly without recognizing the subtleties. Time pressure and exam anxiety also play a role, which is why it is helpful to get used to the exam situation and learn techniques to relax. For multiple-choice questions in particular, you should take the time to carefully consider all the answers.
What happens if you do not pass the ISTQB exam?
If you don't pass the ISTQB exam the first time, it's not the end of the world. You have the opportunity to retake the exam and learn from your mistakes. It is important that you recognize your weaknesses and work specifically on these issues. Preparing again gives you the chance to deepen your knowledge and do better in the next exam. For many, the ISTQB Certified Tester Foundation Level is the first step towards a career as an ISTQB Certified Tester, and a second attempt can often be the key to success.
Repetition options and costs
You can retake the ISTQB Foundation Level exam as often as you like. However, there are exam fees for every single attempt, which can be around 250 euros depending on the provider. It is therefore worth preparing well to avoid unnecessary costs. Learning in study groups can also be helpful, as you can benefit from the experience of others. The exchange in a learning group offers the opportunity to see different perspectives and learn from the mistakes and successes of others.
Online seminars are also a good option, as mentioned above, because they allow you to learn flexibly and focus specifically on the exam questions. Online courses allow you to set your own learning pace and specifically review the topics where you had difficulties.
How to prepare for the 2nd attempt
If you have to repeat the exam, it is important to reflect on your weaknesses and work on them in a targeted manner. Use learning platforms, online courses and practice questions to prepare yourself optimally. Pay particular attention to the right strategy and focus on your weak points. Many candidates who have passed the exam at the second attempt report that the targeted work on weaknesses made the difference.
For detailed preparation tips, take a look at our blog article "ISTQB certification: Preparing for the exam - How to pass first time"!
Prepare yourself optimally with our ISTQB training – Secure your training place now!
Conclusion: How to master the ISTQB exams
The ISTQB exam is challenging, but with the right preparation and attitude it is absolutely doable. Use various preparation materials, set yourself realistic learning goals and take enough time to familiarize yourself with the content. The key to success lies in targeted preparation and understanding the exam questions. If you don't succeed on your first attempt, don't be discouraged – the pass rate shows that many software testers have needed several attempts. It is important that you continue to prepare well and keep at it. ISTQB certification can open many doors for you in your professional life, so it's worth the effort. Training courses, such as those offered by trendig, and exchanges with other testers are also valuable for further expanding your know-how in the area of software quality and test management.
Always stay motivated and see every challenge as an opportunity to develop yourself further. Remember: the goal is not just to pass the exam, but to gain an understanding of software testing methods and procedures that will help you in your career as a tester in the long term!
Frequently asked questions: ISTQB exam pass rate
How many correct answers do you need to pass the ISTQB?
To pass the ISTQB Foundation Level exam, you must answer at least 65% of the questions correctly. This means that at least 26 of the 40 questions must be correct. It is therefore important to study the relevant topics intensively and to familiarize yourself with the type of questions beforehand. A good syllabus and sample exams can help you to study in a targeted manner.
How much does the ISTQB exam cost?
The cost of the ISTQB Foundation Level exam varies depending on the provider and country, but is usually around 250 euros. It may be worth comparing different providers and asking for discounts, especially if you need to retake the exam. Some providers also offer packages that combine training and exams, which makes preparation more cost-effective.
How much time is required to prepare for the ISTQB Foundation Level exam?
A preparation time of around 40 to 60 hours is recommended in order to cover all topics and practice questions. Depending on your previous knowledge, more time may be necessary. It makes sense to divide the learning time into small units and to study regularly in order to internalize the material. In a training course for the ISTQB Certified Tester Foundation Level or Advanced Level, all topics of the exams are covered and candidates are specifically prepared for the exam questions.
How difficult is the advanced ISTQB level?
The advanced ISTQB level is considered to be significantly more demanding than the foundation level. Not only theoretical knowledge is tested here, but also your ability to apply this knowledge in complex test scenarios. The content on test strategy, test management and the various test techniques in particular require in-depth preparation. Many candidates find the Advanced Level challenging as it requires a deeper understanding of test processes and methods.
