For both Certified Tester Expert Level Test Management (CTEL-TM v2.0 and v1.0) and Certified Tester Expert Level Improving the Test Process (CTEL-ITP), candidates must hold:

• An ISTQB® Certified Tester Foundation Level (CTFL) certificate and:
• An ISTQB® Advanced Level Test Management (CTAL-TM) certificate.

ISTQB® Expert Level certifications are designed for experienced software testing professionals seeking to develop specialist expertise in their areas of responsibility.

• CTEL-TM is aimed at experienced test managers, test directors, heads of testing, and professionals responsible for organizational test strategy, test management, and leadership.
• CTEL-ITP is intended for professionals involved in assessing and improving testing processes, including test improvement specialists, consultants, quality managers, and experienced test managers.

CTEL-TM v2.0 replaces the previous three-module structure with one Expert Level Test Management certification and a single multiple-choice examination.

The revised syllabus covers strategic and organizational test management, team leadership, stakeholder relationships, project management, test monitoring and control, process improvement, and ethical considerations.

The three existing modules are:

• Strategic Test Management (CTEL-TM-SM)
• Operational Test Management (CTEL-TM-OTM)
• Managing the Test Team (CTEL-TM-MTT)

All three are being replaced by CTEL-TM v2.0, which has one certification examination rather than three separate module examinations.

If you have already passed one or two modules under the existing CTEL-TM syllabus, you may continue working towards completing the existing certification during the sunset period, subject to examination provider availability.

English-language examinations, including retakes, will remain available until November 10, 2027, and non-English-language examinations until May 10, 2028.

As CTEL-TM v2.0 represents a major revision of the syllabus, previously passed modules will not automatically transfer as credits or exemptions towards the new certification.

Candidates wishing to obtain CTEL-TM v2.0 will need to fulfil the requirements of the new certification.

We therefore encourage candidates who have already passed one or two modules to consider completing the remaining modules within the applicable sunset period.

The introduction of CTEL-TM v2.0 does not affect the validity of certifications already awarded under the existing CTEL-TM scheme. These certifications will remain valid in accordance with their original seven-year validity period and applicable renewal requirements.

As CTEL-TM v2.0 represents a major revision of the syllabus, existing certificate holders will not automatically receive the new certification.

Candidates wishing to obtain CTEL-TM v2.0 will be required to fulfil the certification requirements established for the new version.

Any additional transition or recognition arrangements for existing CTEL-TM certificate holders will be communicated if formally approved.

No. Under the current ISTQB® certification policy, CTEL-TM v2.0 certificates have no defined expiry date and do not require mandatory Continuing Professional Development (CPD) or periodic renewal.

Any future changes to the certification policy would be determined by ISTQB® and formally communicated through its official channels.

Certificates issued under the previous CTEL-TM scheme remain subject to their existing validity and renewal requirements, unless otherwise decided by ISTQB®.

The sunset dates for examinations (including retakes) and accredited training are:

• November 10, 2027: English-language examinations and accredited training.
• May 10, 2028: Non-English-language examinations and accredited training.

Existing certificates remain subject to the applicable certification validity and renewal rules.

CTEL-ITP is designed for experienced testing professionals involved in assessing and improving testing processes within organizations.

It comprises two parts:

• Assessing Test Processes (CTEL-ITP-ATP)
• Implementing Test Process Improvement (CTEL-ITP-ITPI)

Candidates must successfully complete both parts to achieve the full CTEL-ITP certification.

The introduction of CTEL-TM v2.0 does not change the structure of CTEL-ITP.

CTEL-ITP continues to comprise two separately examined parts: Assessing Test Processes and Implementing Test Process Improvement.

The existing CTEL-ITP certification validity and renewal arrangements continue to apply.

Yes. The ISTQB® Certified Tester Expert Level Improving the Test Process (CTEL-ITP) certification is available through multiple-choice (MCQ) examinations.

CTEL-ITP comprises two parts: Assessing Test Processes (CTEL-ITP-ATP) and Implementing Test Process Improvement (CTEL-ITP-ITPI). Candidates must pass the examinations for both parts to achieve the full CTEL-ITP certification.