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Software Testing & QAFoundationCST-F

Certified Software Tester – Foundation

Validates core knowledge of software testing principles, test levels, test design techniques and defect management for those starting a career in quality assurance.

Retired
Exam
1 h
Questions
40
Pass mark
65%
Valid for
3 years

About this certification

Holders can explain why testing is necessary and how it fits into sequential and iterative lifecycles. They can apply basic black-box techniques such as equivalence partitioning and boundary value analysis to derive test cases, and record defects clearly and reproducibly.

Who it is for: New and aspiring testers, developers, analysts and anyone who needs a shared vocabulary for software testing.

Syllabus

What you'll be assessed on — 6 modules. The percentage is each module's share of the exam.
  1. 01Fundamentals of Testing15% of the exam
    • Explain the objectives of testing and the difference between errors, defects and failures
    • Describe the seven principles of testing and their practical implications
  2. 02Testing Throughout the Software Lifecycle15% of the exam
    • Describe how testing activities differ in sequential, iterative and incremental models
    • Distinguish between component, integration, system and acceptance test levels
  3. 03Static Testing and Reviews15% of the exam
    • Explain the benefits of static testing compared with dynamic testing
    • Describe the roles and activities in an informal review and an inspection
  4. 04Test Design Techniques30% of the exam
    • Apply equivalence partitioning and boundary value analysis to derive test cases
    • Apply decision table and state transition techniques to simple specifications
    • Explain the purpose of statement and branch coverage
  5. 05Test Planning, Monitoring and Defect Management15% of the exam
    • Describe the content of a test plan and common entry and exit criteria
    • Write a clear, reproducible defect report
  6. 06Tool Support for Testing10% of the exam
    • Identify categories of test tools and the benefits and risks of each
    • Explain the considerations when introducing a tool into an organisation

Competencies assessed

  • Testing Principles — Explains the purpose, principles and limits of software testing.
  • Test Case Design — Derives test cases from requirements using standard black-box techniques.
  • Defect Reporting — Records defects with clear steps, expected and actual results, severity and priority.
  • Lifecycle Awareness — Positions test activities appropriately within different delivery models.

Exam blueprint

Closed-book, timed examination with single-choice questions.
Questions per module40 questions · 1 h · pass 65%
  • Fundamentals of Testing6
  • Testing Throughout the Software Lifecycle6
  • Static Testing and Reviews6
  • Test Design Techniques12
  • Test Planning, Monitoring and Defect Management6
  • Tool Support for Testing4
Question types
Single choice 100%
Delivery
Online (remote proctored), Test centre
Retakes
Up to three attempts within any 12-month period. A 14-day waiting period applies after a first unsuccessful attempt and 30 days after a second. Each retake requires a new booking and fee. Retakes draw a different randomised form from the question bank.

Provisional cut score — psychometric validation is required before live delivery. Blueprint v1.0.

Your path to certification

  1. 1

    Register

    Create a free account and start the programme.

  2. 2

    Practice

    Online practice test, 6 questions.

  3. 3

    Training

    Optional

    Online course or classroom — or skip it.

  4. 4

    Certification

    Independent exam and certification decision.

  • Practice test6 questions · 15 min · 70% to pass · free with the programme

Training is optional and does not by itself confer certification. Find a training partner

Eligibility & prerequisites

Required

  • No formal prerequisites

Recommended

  • Basic familiarity with how software applications are built and used

More information

Certification process
  1. 1. Application — Create an account and apply for this certification.
  2. 2. Eligibility review — AQSCERT checks the formal eligibility requirements.
  3. 3. Assessment — Sit the 1 h examination online or at a test centre.
  4. 4. Independent decision — A decision maker not involved in your training or assessment reviews all evidence.
  5. 5. Issuance — A digitally signed certificate with QR verification, valid for 3 years.
  6. 6. Recertification — Before expiry, evidence 30 hours of CPD or re-sit the examination.
  7. Certificates may be suspended, withdrawn or revoked in line with the Certification Scheme. Status is always shown on the public verification page.
Scheme & accreditation
Certification scheme
Software Testing & QA Certification Scheme
Scheme code
AQS-SCH-01
Scheme version
v1.0 (effective 1 Jan 2026)

Accreditation: AQSCERT is accredited by DA, an IAF MLA signatory, to ISO/IEC 17024. Our programmes are developed by leading experts from industry.

Ready to start CST-F?

Practise online, add optional training, then sit the independent exam.

Certified Software Tester – Foundation (CST-F) · IICTI