Certified Tester Advanced Level-Test Manager-CTAL-TM-ISTQB Practice Exam

Certified Tester Advanced Level Test Management (CTAL-TM) v3.0 Practice Exam

The ISTQB® Certified Tester Advanced Level – Test Management (CTAL-TM) certification equips professionals with the expertise to manage testing activities throughout the software development lifecycle. It goes beyond foundational knowledge by focusing on designing project-specific test strategies, building and guiding effective test teams, and ensuring test activities align with organizational quality goals. The certification validates advanced skills in test leadership, planning, monitoring, and improvement, making it a key credential for professionals who want to demonstrate strong competency in test management.

Who should take the exam?

This certification is intended for professionals who play a role in managing or overseeing testing activities. Suitable candidates include:

• Test Managers, Test Consultants, and Senior Testers involved in managing testing processes.

• Project Managers, Scrum Masters, and Product Owners who interact with testing teams.

• Business Analysts, Quality Managers, and Software Development Managers seeking deeper insights into test management.

• IT Directors and Management Consultants looking to enhance organizational testing practices.

The certification is also valuable for anyone aiming to pursue the ISTQB® Expert Level qualifications. It is globally recognized, valid for life, and demonstrates professional credibility in test management.

Exam Prerequisites

To be eligible for the CTAL-TM certification, candidates must:

• Hold the ISTQB® Certified Tester Foundation Level (CTFL) certificate, version 4.0 or earlier.

• Have practical experience in software testing.
  (Exact experience requirements may vary by Member Board or Exam Provider.)

Key Business Outcomes

Professionals who achieve the CTAL-TM certification will be able to:

• Apply structured test management processes in diverse project environments.

• Identify stakeholders and select appropriate lifecycle models for testing.

• Conduct and facilitate risk identification and assessment sessions to guide testing efforts.

• Define project-level test strategies aligned with organizational goals.

• Monitor, control, and report on test progress effectively to stakeholders.

• Build, lead, and develop high-performing test teams with the necessary competencies.

• Prepare business cases for testing that justify investment through cost-benefit analysis.

• Drive test process improvements at both project and organizational levels.

• Estimate, plan, and manage required testing resources and infrastructure.

• Establish effective defect reporting processes and workflows suited to different lifecycles.

Exam Format

• No. of Questions: 50
• Passing Score: 58
• Total Points: 88
• Exam Length (mins): 120 (+25% Non-Native Language)

Course Outline

The exam covers the following topics:

1. Managing the Test Activities – 750 minutes

1.1 The Test Process
1.2 The Context of Testing
1.3 Risk-Based Testing 
1.4 The Project Test Strategy
1.5 Improving the Test Process
1.6 Test Tools

2. Managing the Product – 390 minutes

2.1 Test Metrics
2.2 Test Estimation
2.3 Defect Management

3. Managing the Team – 225 minutes

3.1 The Test Team
3.2 Stakeholder Relationship