ISTQB Certified Tester Advanced Level Test Management (CTAL-TM) v3.0

Overview Learning objectives What you'll learn Key facts Course syllabus FAQs What our customers say Get in touch

Course overview

The ISTQB Certified Tester Advanced Level Test Management (CTAL-TM) v3.0 course prepares experienced testing professionals to achieve a globally recognised certification. It covers advanced test management practices including test strategy development, risk-based testing, stakeholder communication and metrics-driven decision-making. The course develops the expertise needed to lead testing activities across large or complex projects and take on the responsibilities of a senior professional within software development organisations.

Strategic test management course for modern software delivery environments

Accredited by UKITB on behalf of ISTQB, this course combines technical depth with practical application to support your progression into senior testing and quality assurance roles. You’ll learn how to manage teams, monitor activity, improve testing processes and make informed decisions using meaningful data and reporting. The course supports professionals preparing for certification as well as those looking to strengthen leadership capability within software quality assurance environments.

Learning objectives

Plan, monitor and control testing activities across complex development projects
Apply risk-based testing approaches to prioritise and focus testing effort
Develop test strategies aligned with organisational objectives and project context
Monitor and report software quality using test metrics and measurement frameworks
Lead testing teams and manage stakeholder relationships effectively
Evaluate and improve test processes using recognised process improvement models
Provide testing inputs to support release decisions and project risk management

What you'll learn

This course introduces the advanced techniques required to lead and manage testing across modern software projects. Rather than focusing solely on day-to-day coordination, it explores how effective test management supports wider business goals and contributes to software quality across the delivery lifecycle. You will learn how to make informed decisions about testing priorities and communicate effectively with stakeholders.

Managing test activities

Learn how to handle testing across the software development lifecycle. You will discover how effective coordination and clearly defined objectives help maintain quality throughout the full development process. These capabilities help you oversee testing effectively while maintaining alignment between testing activities and wider project and stakeholder goals.

Strategic test planning and risk-based testing

Develop the skills needed to design a project test strategy aligned with organisational objectives. You will understand how to prioritise testing using risk-based approaches, identify quality risks and evaluate their impact, helping you direct testing activity towards the areas that matter most to project outcomes.

Test metrics and reporting

Find out how testing metrics can be used to provide clear visibility of both test progress and product quality throughout a project. The course explores how to interpret testing data in context, helping you identify trends, assess risks, and support more informed decision-making. You will also develop the communication skills needed to present testing outcomes clearly to stakeholders, ensuring reporting remains actionable across the testing lifecycle.

Leading testing teams

Gain practical insights into managing testing teams and collaborating with stakeholders across the development process. The course explores how strong communication and effective leadership contribute to productive testing environments and help teams deliver high-quality outcomes.

What's included

Accredited training for ISTQB Certified Tester Advanced Level Test Management (CTAL-TM) v3.0
ISTQB Certified Tester Advanced Level Test Management exam
Guidance from our experienced trainers
Optional add-ons available at checkout, including Pass Protect exam insurance

Key facts

Certification

ISTQB Certified Tester Advanced Level Test Management (CTAL-TM).

Who it’s for

This course is designed for experienced software testing professionals who are ready to progress into leadership, coordination, or strategic quality assurance roles.

Prerequisites

Candidates should hold the ISTQB Foundation Level certification and have practical experience in software testing before attempting the advanced certification.

Exam information

The ISTQB CTAL-TM exam consists of 50 multiple-choice questions and lasts 120 minutes. Candidates must score at least 65% to pass (58/88).

Optional extras

Pass Protect.

Pre-course

There is no pre-course material for this course.

Course syllabus

Dive into the detail of the course by looking at the syllabus below.

Managing the test activities
- The test process
- The context of testing
- Risk-based testing
- Project test strategy
- Improving the test process
- Test tools

Managing the product
- Test metrics
- Test estimation
- Defect management

Managing the team
- The test team
- Stakeholder relationships

FAQs

This course prepares experienced testing professionals for the ISTQB Advanced Level Test Management certification. It focuses on developing the skills needed to lead testing activities, manage teams and implement effective testing strategies within complex software delivery environments, helping you strengthen quality practices and support better project decision-making.

Who should take this course?

This course is designed for professionals responsible for coordinating testing, overseeing quality assurance activities or managing software delivery outcomes. Learners must hold the ISTQB Foundation Level certification and have practical experience in software testing.

How long is the course?

The course is typically delivered over four days of instructor-led training. It can be taken either in a classroom environment or through a live virtual classroom, allowing you to learn with instructor support while preparing for the certification exam.

Alternatively, you can study using our interactive eLearning. You will have 12 months access to the course.

How do I book the ISTQB CTAL-TM exam?

Learners receive an online exam voucher approximately one week before the course. You can use this voucher to book your exam at a time and date that suits you. Your voucher will include an expiration date, and the exam must be taken before this date, as vouchers cannot be extended.

Is the ISTQB Advanced Test Manager certification difficult?

The ISTQB Advanced Test Manager certification is designed for experienced testing professionals and builds on knowledge gained at Foundation Level. The course helps you prepare for the exam by covering the syllabus in detail, using practical examples and exercises to reinforce key test management concepts.

What our customers say

Brilliant and really engaging trainer with amazing communication skills. He managed to deliver the course and answer all of our questions with such clarity