Frequently Asked Questions

1. CTEL Test Management & CTEL Improving the Test Process

The Swiss Testing Board partner with a number of training providers to provide certifications to the Swiss Market.
In Switzerland the demand for the Expert training and exams has not been high. Our training providers have decided not to develop the courses (with one exception for EL ITP, see ) as they are expensive courses to develop until or unless the demand increases. There are training providers who do conduct the training in English, please search https://www.istqb.org/istqb-where-you-are/find-a-training-provider.html for their details.

2. How do I find a location to take an exam?

The Swiss Testing Board partner with SAQ, Brightest and iSQI for exam provision.  All exam providers deliver online exams as well as public exams and onsite exams when training taken with an accredited training provider. You can therefor contact either the exam bodies or the training providers to ask for the next exam date.

3. How are the ISTQB exams examined

The ISTQB qualifications are examined differently at each level:

Foundation Level

CTFL is examined by multiple choice, single questions up to a maximum of K3 level. More details on the exam structures for the different CTFL certificates can be on the ISTQB website at:

Advanced level

CTAL is examined by multiple choice, mainly scenario based, and includes analytical questions at K4 level. More details on the exam structures for the different CTAL certificates can be on the ISTQB website at:

Expert Level

CTEL exams are a combination of essay based and practical experience, they can have questions at K5 and K6 level [Synthesise and Evaluate]. More details on the exam structures for the different CTAL certificates can be on the ISTQB website at:

4. Can I sit ISTQB exams when I want?

A candidate can either sit an exam at the end of a classroom based training session, at a public examination sitting or online.
STB accredits SAQ, Brightest & iSQI to run exams in Switzerland and online.
If you can’t find the required exam details and associated information from our exam partners, please contact us

5. Where can I find details of ISTQB Accredited course providers?

ISTQB® training courses can only be accredited by ISTQB® Member Boards.

STB accredits training materials on behalf of our exam partners, SAQ, Brightest and iSQI

Check out the Training provider page of the STB Website for a list of certifications and accredited providers.