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ISTQB · CTFL v4.0 · Sample Questions

ISTQB Foundation Level Sample Questions (120 Q&A)

120 free ISTQB Foundation Level (CTFL v4.0) sample questions — 20 per chapter across all 6 chapters of the official syllabus. Every question is ISTQB-style multiple choice with a collapsible answer, a worked explanation and a syllabus reference that points to the exact chapter and section of the CTFL v4.0 source material. Perfect for untimed, chapter-focused revision before your certification exam.

These questions cover the full K1 (remember), K2 (understand) and K3 (apply) cognitive levels tested on the real exam — including equivalence partitioning, boundary value analysis, decision tables, state transition testing, review techniques, risk-based testing and test management. Use the chapter cards below to jump straight to any topic.

Ready for the real exam simulation instead? Take the full 40-question, 60-minute timed mock test →

Chapter 1 · 8 Q / 180 min
Fundamentals of Testing
Testing principles, 7 principles, test process, psychology, whole-team approach
20 questions · answers & syllabus refs →
Chapter 2 · 5 Q / 130 min
Testing Throughout the SDLC
SDLC models, test levels, test types, maintenance testing, shift-left
20 questions · answers & syllabus refs →
Chapter 3 · 4 Q / 80 min
Static Testing
Reviews, static analysis, review types, roles & responsibilities
20 questions · answers & syllabus refs →
Chapter 4 · 11 Q / 390 min
Test Analysis and Design
Black-box, white-box, experience-based techniques, collaboration-based approaches
20 questions · answers & syllabus refs →
Chapter 5 · 9 Q / 335 min
Managing Test Activities
Test planning, risk, monitoring & control, defect management, configuration mgmt
20 questions · answers & syllabus refs →
Chapter 6 · 3 Q / 20 min
Test Tools
Tool support, benefits & risks, categories of test tools
20 questions · answers & syllabus refs →

Why practise with these 120 sample questions?

Written to CTFL v4.0
Aligned to the current 2023 syllabus — no outdated v3.1 wording, no legacy techniques.
Syllabus reference on every Q
Each answer cites the exact chapter/section so you can trace back to the source material instantly.
K1, K2 and K3 coverage
Includes application-level (K3) questions for Chapters 4 and 5, where the real exam gets hardest.
Chapter-focused revision
20 questions per chapter means dense, repetitive practice on one topic at a time — the fastest way to fix weak spots.
No signup, no paywall
100% free, no email required, no PDF download — just open a chapter and start.
Mobile-friendly
Practise on your phone during commute or breaks. Collapsible answers keep the page tidy.

How to use these sample questions (5-step study plan)

  1. 1. Read the syllabus chapter first. Open the ISTQB Foundation Level syllabus for the chapter you're about to practise. Skim the learning objectives (LOs).
  2. 2. Attempt 20 questions untimed. Don't peek at answers. Aim to justify each choice in one sentence before revealing.
  3. 3. Review every explanation. Even for questions you got right — the wrong-option reasoning is where most exam traps hide.
  4. 4. Re-attempt weak chapters after 48 hours. Spaced repetition doubles retention. Chapter 4 usually needs 2–3 passes.
  5. 5. Finish with the timed mock test. Once you're comfortable across all 6 chapters, take the 40-question timed mock to check exam-day readiness.

ISTQB Foundation Level exam format (at a glance)

ItemDetail
Questions40 multiple choice, single best answer
Duration60 minutes (75 min for non-native English speakers)
Pass mark26/40 = 65%
Point weightingK1 = 1 pt · K2 = 2 pts · K3 = 3 pts (40 pts total)
Cognitive levelsK1 (remember), K2 (understand), K3 (apply)
Syllabus versionCTFL v4.0 (2023)
DeliveryOnline (remote-proctored) or paper at test centres
PrerequisitesNone — entry-level certification

Sample Questions FAQs

1.Are these ISTQB Foundation Level sample questions free?
Yes. All 120 ISTQB Foundation Level (CTFL v4.0) sample questions are 100% free, with no signup, paywall or download required. Read each question, expand the answer and see the syllabus reference on the same page.
2.Do these sample questions match the real CTFL v4.0 exam?
Yes. Every question is written to ISTQB CTFL v4.0 style — single best answer, K1/K2/K3 cognitive levels, and answer options that reflect common misconceptions. Each answer cites the exact chapter/section of the official syllabus so you can trace the reasoning.
3.How are the 120 questions distributed across the 6 chapters?
20 questions per chapter across all 6 chapters (Fundamentals, SDLC, Static Testing, Test Analysis & Design, Managing Test Activities, Test Tools). This gives balanced, chapter-focused revision — heavier than the real 40-question exam, so you get more repetition per topic.
4.What is the difference between the sample questions and the mock test?
Sample questions are untimed, chapter-wise, and reveal the answer + explanation immediately after each question — ideal for learning. The mock test is a timed 40-question, 60-minute simulation that mirrors the real ISTQB Foundation Level exam and gives you an overall score at the end.
5.In what order should I attempt the chapters?
Follow the syllabus order: Chapter 1 → 6. Chapter 4 (Test Analysis & Design) is the largest and hardest — attempt it after you're comfortable with Chapters 1–3. Chapter 6 is short and can be done last as a quick win.
6.Do these questions cover K1, K2 and K3 cognitive levels?
Yes. Chapters 1–3 lean toward K1/K2 (remember, understand). Chapters 4 and 5 include K3 (apply) questions where you must apply techniques like equivalence partitioning, boundary value analysis, decision tables and state transition testing to a small scenario.
7.Will passing all 120 questions guarantee I pass the ISTQB exam?
No practice bank guarantees a pass, but candidates who score 80%+ on these 120 questions and 26/40 on the timed mock test typically pass the real ISTQB Foundation Level exam on the first attempt. Combine with the official syllabus for best results.