How to book the ISTQB® CTFL 4.0 exam
A step-by-step checklist: choosing your exam provider, online or at a test center, when to book, what to have ready, and how to practice the exact exam screen and check-in first.
1. Choose your exam provider
The CTFL exam is the same everywhere (40 questions, 60 minutes, 26 to pass), but it’s sold by ISTQB® member boards and exam providers, and each uses its own exam software. Which one you use usually depends on your country, your employer, or a voucher you already have.
| Exam software | Typically used by | Where you take it |
|---|---|---|
| Kryterion Webassessor | ASTQB / AT*SQA (United States) | Online with a remote proctor, or a testing center |
| Pearson VUE | Brightest, GASQ, iSQI test centers | Pearson VUE test centers, or online with OnVUE |
| iSQI FLEX | iSQI | Online with a remote proctor |
Providers change their arrangements from time to time. Always confirm the current options, price and rules on the provider’s own website before you pay.
Once you know your provider, set your exam screen on your simul8R dashboard so every practice exam looks and works like the real one.
2. Online or at a test center
- Online (remote proctored): no travel and more times to choose from, but you need a quiet private room, a clear desk, a working webcam and microphone, a stable connection, and you’ll go through a check-in with photos of you, your ID and your room.
- Test center: fewer things that can go wrong with your own computer or room, but fewer dates and you need to get there early.
If you choose online, practice the check-in first: simul8R walks you through each provider’s check-in steps before a practice exam.
3. When to book
Book when you’re consistently scoring 75% or more on full practice exams: that leaves a margin for exam-day nerves. Your simul8R dashboard shows a readiness score and says “Ready to book” when your estimate and your last two full exams reach 75%. Many people book 2–4 weeks ahead, then set that date in their study plan so the plan works back from it.
4. Booking, step by step
- Create an account on your provider’s website using your legal name exactly as it appears on your ID.
- Choose the CTFL v4.0 exam (Foundation Level, current syllabus) in your language.
- If you need extra time because the exam isn’t in your native language, check how your provider handles the 25% extension, and request it when you book.
- Pick online or a test center, then a date and time when you’re at your sharpest.
- Pay or enter your voucher code, and keep the confirmation email.
- Online exams: run the provider’s system check on the computer and network you’ll use, well before exam day.
5. Before exam day
- Take one last full practice exam on your exam screen, with the check-in turned on, a few days before.
- Review every question you missed and reread those syllabus sections; don’t try to learn anything new the night before.
- Check your ID is valid and the name matches your booking.
- Online: clear your desk and walls of notes, close other applications, charge your devices, and tell anyone at home not to come in.
- Test center: plan your route and arrive early.
6. On exam day
- Start the check-in early. Online check-ins can take 10–30 minutes.
- Budget about 1.5 minutes per question, flag hard ones, and come back to them.
- Read every word: “NOT”, “best” and “most likely” change the answer.
- Never leave a question blank; there’s no penalty for a wrong answer.
Practice the exact exam screen first
simul8R recreates the Pearson VUE, Kryterion and iSQI exam screens and their online check-in. A free practice exam is included.
Questions
Is the exam included in xSTELLAR8’s CTFL course?
No. The exam is booked separately with an exam provider. The course includes two months of simul8R practice exams on your provider’s exam screen.
Can I take the CTFL exam online?
Yes, most providers offer online exams with a remote proctor. You’ll need a private room, a webcam, a microphone and a stable internet connection, and you’ll complete a check-in before the exam starts.
How far ahead should I book?
Many candidates book two to four weeks ahead, once they’re scoring 75% or more on full practice exams. Online exams often have more times available than test centers.
What ID do I need?
Usually a valid, government-issued photo ID with the same name as your booking. Check your provider’s ID rules before exam day.
Can I get extra time?
Candidates taking the exam in a language that isn’t their native language can usually get 25% more time (75 minutes). Ask your provider how to request it when you book.
ISTQB® is a registered trademark of the International Software Testing Qualifications Board. Pearson VUE, OnVUE, Kryterion, Webassessor and iSQI are trademarks of their owners; xSTELLAR8 and simul8R are not affiliated with them. Exam rules and prices are set by each provider and can change.