Professional software testing is an increasingly important function that demands a solid foundation of training and qualification.

The ISTQB ® Certified-Tester program is recognized worldwide as a standard qualification scheme for software testers. It consists of three levels:

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The syllabus contents and examination questions are developed and published in Germany by the German Testing Board (GTB). GTB-approved certification bodies handle the examination of participants.

The Certified-Tester education program is an international success. By the beginning of 2005, more than 2,000 testers had been certified in Germany alone. Worldwide, the figure is more than 155,000 (Status 10/2010).

The candidates are software specialists from all sectors (automotive industry, financial services, medical technology, telecommunications, public services etc.) Universities are now offering lecture courses based on the Certified-Tester syllabus.

At the moment, students at universities and universities of applied sciences (see http://www.german-testing-board.info/en/ct_uni_lehrveranstaltungen.shtm ) are able to take part in lecture courses, which build up to the examination for Certified Tester - Foundation Level.