Your Path to ISTQB Certification

ISTQB certification makes sure everyone on a team means the same thing when they say test level, boundary value analysis or regression test. I'll take you from Foundation Level through the GenAI Tester and Finance Testing specializations to Practical Tester, a hands-on add-on. I have 25+ years of testing experience and serve as Vice Chair of the ISTQB Specialist Working Group.

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Richard Seidl as trainer presenting in front of a projection screen

25+: Years of Testing Experience
700+: Trained Software Testers
200+: Testing Podcast Episodes
DPSQ: 2025: German Prize for Software Quality

What Is ISTQB, and Why Does Certification Matter?

ISTQB is the world's leading certification body for software testers. The certificates are internationally recognized and considered the industry standard for structured testing knowledge. ISTQB-certified professionals speak the same language as colleagues in 130+ countries.

Global Standard

ISTQB is the world's leading certification body for software testers. Over 1 million certificates issued in more than 130 countries. In many job postings, certification is now a requirement.

Practice Built In

The Foundation Level teaches the methods and terms testers use every day: in test design, in conversations with the team, in reviews.

Internationally Recognized

Valid across industries as proof of structured testing knowledge. Foundation, Advanced and Specialist certificates never expire; only Expert Level certificates are renewed every seven years.

ISTQB Training

The Courses at a Glance

Foundation Level first, then GenAI Tester, Finance Testing, or Practical Tester depending on your focus. Or more than one.

ISTQB CTFL

ISTQB Foundation Level

The entry point. Four intensive days, or an 8-week on-the-job program. The Foundation Level is the basis for all further ISTQB certifications and a prerequisite for QA roles in many organizations.

CT-GenAI

ISTQB GenAI Tester (CT-GenAI)

For testers who already hold the Foundation Level and want to specialize in generative AI. The course shows how to use AI tools in a structured way across testing and prepares you for the CT-GenAI exam.

ISTQB Finance Testing

For everyone who already has the Foundation Level and tests in the finance industry. Compliance, risk-based testing, data testing, and test automation in banks, fintechs, and insurers.

ISTQB Addon

ISTQB Addon Practical Tester

Doing, not just knowing. Two days of intensive practice training with AI real-time feedback. Designed as a direct complement to the ISTQB path and closely aligned in content.

Why Richard Seidl

Why Learn with Richard Seidl?

There are plenty of ISTQB trainers. I bring experience from projects where the methods had to hold up.

No Death by PowerPoint

25+ years in projects, not just in training rooms. What I teach, I have used, built and fixed myself, and the examples come from real systems.

ISTQB Trainer Since 2008

Hundreds of participants, dozens of courses. Examples from your day-to-day projects are welcome.

DPSQ 2025

Awarded the German Prize for Software Quality 2025.

8 Technical Books

Author of 8 books on software testing. Three of them are listed as further reading in the German edition of the Foundation Level syllabus, which I helped localize as a member of the DACH working group for CTFL 4.0.

Participant Feedback

What Participants Say

Feedback from ISTQB Foundation Level, GenAI Tester and Practical Tester trainings.

"I have never experienced anyone who can bring so much fun and motivation to a subject. Theory is always a dry subject, but thanks to Richie, I had a lot of fun in the seminar and was also able to pass the exam successfully. In addition, the seminar and the way it was conducted motivated me to delve even deeper into software testing."

Martin K. Training participant

"I've rarely met anyone who explains complex testing topics as clearly and thoroughly as Richard (Richie) Seidl. He doesn't just teach theory — Richie listens, asks the right questions, and tailors his content to make it immediately applicable to real-world challenges. His deep experience in the field shines through in every interaction, and his passion for software quality is contagious. If you're looking to improve your team's testing knowledge, skills, or culture, Richie is someone I wholeheartedly recommend."

Wilson Campero Qytera Quality GmbH

"Very lively and genuinely funny. You can tell that Richie is passionate about the subject and brings a lot of real experience to the table."

Stefan A. Training participant

"The sessions are lively and entertaining. Even dry topics come across as genuinely interesting. Every question gets a professional answer that actually makes sense."

Thomas L. Training participant

Frequently Asked Questions about ISTQB Certification

The most important questions before booking, answered directly.

Which ISTQB certification is right for me?

Without a testing certificate, start with Foundation Level: it's the base and a prerequisite for CT-GenAI and Finance Testing. After that, your focus decides: GenAI Tester for generative AI in testing, Finance Testing for banks, fintechs, and insurers, and Practical Tester to practice the methods on hands-on tasks. One at a time works better than two at once.

Why should a software tester get ISTQB certified?

It gives you and your team the same vocabulary, from test levels to boundary value analysis, which shortens discussions about what to test. Many job postings for testing roles ask for it. And the Foundation Level certificate never expires: you take the exam once, and it counts for your whole career.

How much does ISTQB certification cost?

The price depends on the course, the format, and the group size and is quoted on request. For Foundation Level, the exam fee is included in the training. Tell me which course you're interested in, and you'll get a concrete quote.

Can I get ISTQB certified online?

Yes. The courses run live online in small groups, with exercises and discussion instead of recorded videos. On-site and in-house sessions for teams are available on request. You take the exam through an independent certification body, on-site or remotely.

How long does preparation for ISTQB certification take?

Foundation Level: four intensive days or an eight-week part-time program. CT-GenAI and Practical Tester: two days each. Finance Testing: two days or six weeks part-time. On top of that comes study time, which depends on your background. If you already test in projects, a lot of it will look familiar.

Are the courses available in English?

Yes. ISTQB Foundation Level and CT-GenAI are available in English. Finance Testing runs in German or English. The syllabus exists only in English; the exam is available in English and German. The A4Q Practical Tester material is in English by default; the training itself can be in German or English.

Richard Seidl with coffee, talking about ISTQB trainings

Ready for your ISTQB certification?

A short conversation is enough to find the course that fits you. Free, no obligation, and directly with me.

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