You can see it againUnder pressure people bring back shapes and positions long after the wording has gone.
Picture superiority · Shepard 1967, Standing 1973
ISTQBCertified Tester Advanced Level Test Automation Engineering
The ISTQB Certified Tester Advanced Level Test Automation Engineering (CTAL-TAE) certification validates your ability to design, implement, and maintain sustainable test automation solutions. It is aimed at test engineers and automation architects who want to move beyond scripting and build robust, scalable automation frameworks. Earning it demonstrates you can align automation strategy with business goals and software development lifecycles.
Exam formatMultiple Choice
Duration90 minutes
DeliveryISTQB Member Boards
Passing score43 out of 66 points
Free questions656
Content last reviewed 30 July 2026 · Up to date
The certification
What Certified Tester Advanced Level Test Automation Engineering proves, and what it asks of you
What this certification covers, who it is written for, and what the exam itself looks like on the day.
8domains
26objectives
180concepts
What it is
What this certification is
What it validates, who it is written for, and the experience it assumes.
About this certification
The Certified Tester Advanced Level Test Automation Engineering (CTAL-TAE) certification equips testing professionals with the knowledge and skills to implement and improve test automation within their organizations. The syllabus defines methods and practices that support a sustainable automation solution, covering everything from initial strategy and tool selection to architecture, implementation, and continuous improvement.
This certification goes beyond basic scripting, focusing on the design concepts that make automation modular, scalable, and maintainable. It prepares you to integrate automated tests into CI/CD pipelines, collect and report on meaningful metrics, and verify the automation infrastructure itself. By earning the CTAL-TAE, you demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the full automation lifecycle, enabling you to deliver reliable and efficient testing solutions.
Who it’s for
This certification is for anyone involved in software testing and test automation, including testers, test analysts, test automation engineers, test consultants, test architects, and test managers. It is also suitable for software developers who want to deepen their understanding of test automation. The syllabus is targeted at the test engineer looking to implement or improve test automation. While it does not teach software engineering, a candidate is expected to have skills, experience, and expertise in software engineering, as well as an awareness of industry programming and documentation standards.
Recommended experience
Candidates should have sufficient practical experience in software testing and be aware of industry programming and documentation standards. A background in software engineering is expected. Practical experience in software testing; Skills and expertise in software engineering; Awareness of industry programming and documentation standards; Understanding of quality characteristics for maintainability, reliability, and security
The syllabus
What you’ll learn
Every domain and objective ISTQB measures, with the weight they carry on the exam.
The official ISTQB exam outline · checked 30 July 2026 · See the source
Domain 1: Introduction and Objectives for Test Automation
- Objective: Purpose of Test Automation
- Objective: Test Automation in the Software Development Lifecycle
Domain 2: Preparing for Test Automation
- Objective: Understand the Configuration of an Infrastructure to Enable Test Automation
- Objective: Evaluation Process for Selecting the Right Tools and Strategies
Domain 3: Test Automation Architecture
- Objective: Explain the Major Capabilities in a Test Automation Architecture
- Objective: Explain How to Design a Test Automation Solution
- Objective: Apply Layering of Test Automation Frameworks
- Objective: Apply Different Approaches for Automating Test Cases
- Objective: Apply Design Principles and Design Patterns in Test Automation
Domain 4: Implementing Test Automation
- Objective: Test Automation Development
- Objective: Risks Associated with Test Automation Development
- Objective: Test Automation Solution Maintainability
Domain 5: Implementation and Deployment Strategies for Test Automation
- Objective: Apply Test Automation at Different Test Levels within Pipelines
- Objective: Explain Configuration Management for Testware
- Objective: Explain Test Automation Dependencies for an API Infrastructure
Domain 6: Test Automation Reporting and Metrics
- Objective: Apply Data Collection Methods from the Test Automation Solution and the System Under Test
- Objective: Analyze Data from the Test Automation Solution and the System Under Test
- Objective: Explain How a Test Progress Report is Constructed and Published
Domain 7: Verifying the Test Automation Solution
- Objective: Plan to Verify the Test Automation Environment Including Test Tool Setup
- Objective: Explain the Correct Behavior for a Given Automated Test Script and/or Test Suite
- Objective: Identify Where Test Automation Produces Unexpected Results
- Objective: Explain How Static Analysis Can Aid Test Automation Code Quality
Domain 8: Continuous Improvement
- Objective: Discover Opportunities for Improving Test Cases Through Data Collection and Analysis
- Objective: Analyze the Technical Aspects of a Deployed Test Automation Solution
- Objective: Restructure the Automated Testware to Align with System Under Test Updates
- Objective: Summarize Opportunities for Use of Test Automation Tools
On the day
The exam itself
Everything ISTQB publishes about sitting it, and nothing we inferred.
Prerequisites
Must hold the Certified Tester Foundation Level (CTFL) v4.0 or previous versions of the Foundation Level certificate.
CertificationCertified Tester Advanced Level Test Automation Engineering
Exam formatMultiple Choice
Duration90 minutes
Questions40 questions
Passing score43 out of 66 points
DeliveryISTQB Member Boards
LanguagesEnglish, Non-Native Language (with +25% time)
After you pass
Where this credential goes next
The path ISTQB lays out, how the credential is kept, and where to book.
Step-by-step path to Certified Tester Advanced Level Test Automation Engineering
PrerequisiteMust hold the Certified Tester Foundation Level (CTFL) v4.0 or previous versions of the Foundation Level certificate.
Credential earnedCertified Tester Advanced Level Test Automation Engineering Certification Renewal and maintenance
ISTQB certifications do not require renewal except for Expert Level. Stay current with the latest technologies and maintain your certification.
Learn more about renewal requirements Lifecycle status
This certification is currently active and available. ISTQB maintains this certification to validate current skills and industry relevance.
Exam status: ActiveMaintained by ISTQB
Exam registration
Register for the exam through ISTQB Member Boards, ISTQB’s authorized testing partner.
Schedule your examVisit the official ISTQB certification page for exam policies and requirements.
View the official pageYour coach
And when you are serious, your coach Pip takes over
Your coach in the app reads what you have answered with the book closed and tells you one thing to do tonight. It will not count an answer you gave with the page open, and it will tell you when you are not ready.
See how the coach worksBefore you book
Questions people ask
How does CTAL-TAE v2.0 relate to the previous version of the exam?
CTAL-TAE v2.0 is the current version of the syllabus. It defines the methods and practices for a sustainable test automation solution. The previous version is being retired, and candidates should prepare using the v2.0 syllabus.
Is the CTFL certification a mandatory prerequisite for CTAL-TAE?
Yes. To gain the CTAL-TAE certification, candidates must hold the Certified Tester Foundation Level (CTFL) v4.0 or a previous version of the Foundation Level certificate.
Does the CTAL-TAE exam include a hands-on or lab-based component?
No. The exam structure is based on 40 multiple-choice questions. There is no hands-on or lab-based component.
What is the retake policy if I fail the CTAL-TAE exam?
The retake policy is governed by the ISTQB Exam Structures and Rules. Please refer to the official ISTQB documents or contact your exam provider for specific waiting periods and rules.
What job roles does the CTAL-TAE certification map to?
The certification is aimed at anyone involved in software testing and test automation, including testers, test automation engineers, test consultants, test architects, and test managers. It is also relevant for software developers.
Can I proceed to other ISTQB certifications after earning CTAL-TAE?
Yes. Holders of this certification may choose to proceed to other Core, Agile, or Specialist stream certifications, or pursue Expert Level certifications.
Is the CTAL-TAE exam available in my country?
Exams are delivered by ISTQB Member Boards and their accredited exam providers. Availability and pricing may vary by country. Please contact your local ISTQB Member Board for details.
Information freshness · Content last reviewed on 2026-07-30 Up to date
Practice free questions 656 questions, free, no account needed.
The curriculum
The whole exam, mapped and written
Every domain, every objective, and every concept ISTQB measures — each one written out.
8domains
26objectives
180concepts
142free pages
The domains, and what sits inside them
Every objective below is a page you can open and practise now, without an account.
The official ISTQB exam outline · checked 30 July 2026 · See the source
1Domain 1: Introduction and Objectives for Test Automation60 questions
2Domain 2: Preparing for Test Automation44 questions
3Domain 3: Test Automation Architecture141 questions
Objective: Explain the Major Capabilities in a Test Automation Architecture7 concepts · 6 pagesOpen →Objective: Explain How to Design a Test Automation Solution5 concepts · 4 pagesOpen →Objective: Apply Layering of Test Automation Frameworks9 concepts · 7 pagesOpen →Objective: Apply Different Approaches for Automating Test Cases10 concepts · 8 pagesOpen →Objective: Apply Design Principles and Design Patterns in Test Automation5 concepts · 5 pagesOpen →
4Domain 4: Implementing Test Automation64 questions
5Domain 5: Implementation and Deployment Strategies for Test Automation77 questions
6Domain 6: Test Automation Reporting and Metrics80 questions
Objective: Apply Data Collection Methods from the Test Automation Solution and the System Under Test5 concepts · 6 pagesOpen →Objective: Analyze Data from the Test Automation Solution and the System Under Test7 concepts · 7 pagesOpen →Objective: Explain How a Test Progress Report is Constructed and Published9 concepts · 4 pagesOpen →
7Domain 7: Verifying the Test Automation Solution72 questions
Objective: Plan to Verify the Test Automation Environment Including Test Tool Setup4 concepts · 2 pagesOpen →Objective: Explain the Correct Behavior for a Given Automated Test Script and/or Test Suite5 concepts · 2 pagesOpen →Objective: Identify Where Test Automation Produces Unexpected Results7 concepts · 6 pagesOpen →Objective: Explain How Static Analysis Can Aid Test Automation Code Quality6 concepts · 6 pagesOpen →
8Domain 8: Continuous Improvement118 questions
Objective: Discover Opportunities for Improving Test Cases Through Data Collection and Analysis5 concepts · 5 pagesOpen →Objective: Analyze the Technical Aspects of a Deployed Test Automation Solution7 concepts · 7 pagesOpen →Objective: Restructure the Automated Testware to Align with System Under Test Updates7 concepts · 6 pagesOpen →Objective: Summarize Opportunities for Use of Test Automation Tools9 concepts · 7 pagesOpen →
Not a table of contents
Every line on this map already opens
In front of every objective the practice pages are already there, free and without an account. This is one objective, opened.
Objective: Purpose of Test Automation8 pagesOpen →
Free in front of it
37 questions on this objective, five to a page. Every range above is a real page, open now, with no account.
Reading the map is not the same as knowing the ground
The curriculum tells you what is on the exam. Proving you know it is a different job — and it is the one the closed-book run does.
Free questions
656 questions. No account, no card.
The whole bank is open. 5 questions to a page, every answer explained, and a discussion thread on each one.
656questions
142pages
26objectives
Freealways
Browse by domain
Every objective, and every page range, is a link — so you can pick up exactly where you left off.
1Domain 1: Introduction and Objectives for Test Automation60 questions
2Domain 2: Preparing for Test Automation44 questions
3Domain 3: Test Automation Architecture141 questions
4Domain 4: Implementing Test Automation64 questions
5Domain 5: Implementation and Deployment Strategies for Test Automation77 questions
6Domain 6: Test Automation Reporting and Metrics80 questions
7Domain 7: Verifying the Test Automation Solution72 questions
8Domain 8: Continuous Improvement118 questions
What a practice page gives you
1Five to a page
Short enough to finish, long enough to matter.
2Every answer explained
Not only which one is right — why the others are wrong.
3A discussion on each
Ask, answer, and vote. Every question has its own thread.
A question, and the idea behind it
Every question comes from a concept
These are not trivia. Each one is written against a concept in the book, so when you get one wrong there is somewhere to go and find out why.
The visual book
See it once. Carry it into the exam.
The pages shown here come from our AI-900 book — an example of how each concept is written in plain language and, where the idea needs one, drawn as a full page you can take in at a glance.
180concepts
656free questions
Why a picture, and not another paragraph
Three reasons, and each one is a real finding rather than a slogan.
You can see it againThe whole idea at onceWhere it starts, what happens in the middle, what comes out, and the mistake to avoid.
Multimedia principle · MayerThe look-alikes sit togetherThe pairs the exam tests are drawn side by side, so the difference is seen, not told.
Dual coding · PaivioWhat one page is made of
You are never asked to read a poster here — only to see how one is built. After that, every other page is legible at a glance.
1A numbered strip on top
The idea as a sequence, followed with a finger before a word is read.
2Panels for the parts
What it is, how the machine learns it, when it is the right tool.
3The trap, framed
The distinction the exam tests, given its own box instead of buried in prose.
4One line at the bottom
The sentence to carry into the exam room.
Open book, on purpose
Answer it with the picture beside you
This is the part that teaches. The illustration and the written explanation stay where they are while you work, so a scenario stops being a memory test and becomes something you can simply look at.
It teaches · it does not count
A smartphone uses AI to unlock when the owner looks at the camera. Which AI capability is being used?
AImage classification
BFacial recognition
COptical character recognition
DObject detection
Look at the five steps. Detect finds a face, align straightens it, encode turns it into numbers, search compares it with a stored face, and decide answers one question: is this the same person? Classification would only say “a face”. Detection would only draw a box. Neither decides whose.
Then the page shuts, and it starts counting
The same questions come back with the book closed — that run is the one that counts. After it, your coach picks one thing for tonight, sized to the time you have, and brings pages back before you lose them.
Testing effect · Roediger & Karpicke 2006 · spacing effect · Cepeda et al. 2006
Official resources
Straight from ISTQB
Where the exam is defined, scheduled and scored.
3official links
180concepts mapped
The source
ISTQB’s own pages
We link to them rather than repeat them, so nothing here goes stale behind them.
Checked against the source
Every objective on the official ISTQB outline already has questions here
We build from the official skills outline, not from a summary of it — 26 objectives, 180 concepts written under them, and free questions against every one. When ISTQB changes the outline, this page changes with it.
26objectives on the outline→180concepts written→656free questions
An official page tells you what will be asked. It cannot tell you what you will get right.
That is the only question worth answering the night before, and no link answers it. You answer it by taking the questions with the book closed, and seeing what comes back.