Chapter 2 – Testing Throughout the SDLC
Specification by Example – ISTQB Definition
Last Updated: July 12, 2026 · SoftwareTestPilot QA Team
Official ISTQB Definition
A collaborative technique that uses realistic concrete examples to specify system behavior and turn those examples into executable acceptance tests.
In simple words
Instead of vague requirements, the team writes real input/output examples that also run as tests.
Exam tip
Often used together with BDD/ATDD in Agile teams.
Related terms
- Behavior-Driven Development (BDD)BDD writes tests as plain-English scenarios so business, devs and QA agree on what the feature should do before code is written.
- Acceptance Test-Driven Development (ATDD)The team agrees on acceptance tests up front and only writes code that makes those tests pass.
- Acceptance CriteriaThe checklist that says a user story is done and shippable.
Practice this term in the ISTQB Mock Test
40 CTFL v4.0 questions, 60-minute timer, instant scoring and chapter-wise breakdown.
Practice in Mock Test