Advanced – Non-Functional Testing
Consumer-Driven Contract Testing – ISTQB Definition
Last Updated: July 12, 2026 · SoftwareTestPilot QA Team
Official ISTQB Definition
A form of contract testing in which the consumer of a service defines the contract that the provider must satisfy.
In simple words
Consumers publish what they need; providers verify they still meet it.
Exam tip
Pact is the reference tool for consumer-driven contracts.
Related terms
- Contract TestingProducer and consumer each publish and verify a shared contract so integrations don't silently break.
- Contract TestingTest that each API consumer and provider still honor the shared schema — great for microservices.
- Microservices TestingTesting a system where dozens of small services talk over HTTP or messaging.
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