The certification offers evidence on the professional abilities of the software testers by the use of specially designed objective or subjective type exams designed by professional stalwarts of the testing domain.

b) It is a value-added feather in the cap

c) It helps in getting better career opportunities in the competitive markets

a) Ensure better testing for the software application with improved quality & at lower costs

b) Define the testing profession and everything a tester ought to know

1) ISTQB is internationally recognized collegial, knowledge sharing organization.

2) ISTQB happens to be the first choice of multi-national companies who prefer an internationally recognized qualification.

3) ISTQB certification means – its holder has access to the essence of wisdom compiled by several stalwarts in testing like consultants, trainers, practitioners & academicians.

4) ISTQB certification recognized in over 46 countries having their own local / National Boards.

5)) For appearing in ISTQB exams the aspirant need not have any formal training.

6)) There is no need of a re-certification

7)) Focus of ISTQB lies more on practical and real-world activities related to testing

8) Syllabus of ISTQB Advanced level is built on top of ISTQB Foundation level that is adopted by ISEB as well

9) The ISTQB syllabus clearly describes the objectives of learning, so that the aspirants have great clarity on the each & aspect of the exam.

10) Multiple choice exam questions – a comfortable option for non-English speaking aspirants.

11) ISTQB provides a comprehensive career path with varied levels of certification

12) ISTQB helps in promoting the software testing profession.

13) Comfortable route to ISTQB advanced level certifications like Test Analysis, Technical Test Analysis or Test Management compared to ISEB route.

14) New ISEB Practitioner Certificates does not enjoy equivalency with ISTQB Advanced Level Testing Professional certificate. Hence ISEB Practitioner Certificate holders are unable to go in for expert level in ISTQB but instead requires a pre-requisite of ISTQB Advanced level.

For a quick understanding of different certifications - read the article titled

How to be one up on the rest of the testing community? How to chose the best certification? 

ISTQB Foundation Level Certification (Entry-level certification)

Prerequisite: 0+ years of experience

Objectives:
a) Acquiring a broad understanding of key concepts & basics of best practices in software testing

Syllabus coverage: (Syllabus released in 2007 is the latest as on date)

a) Fundamentals of testing

b) Software development lifecycle testing

c) Static / reviewing techniques

d) White-box and black-box test case design techniques

e) Test management

Prerequisite: 5+ years of experience or 2 years experience along with Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or Information Technology or equivalent

Objectives:
a) Acquiring an understanding of key concepts & advanced best practices in software testing by committed testing professionals.

Syllabus coverage: (Syllabus released in Oct 2007 is the latest as on date)

a) Advanced black box testing for independent tester

b) Test automation

c) Advanced white-box testing for testers and programmers

d) Complex test management concepts

ISTQB Expert Level Certification

Prerequisite: 7+ years of experience

Objectives:
a) Acquiring an understanding of key concepts & advanced best practices in software testing by committed testing professionals.