ISTQB® Launches Advanced-Level Agile Tester Certification

ISTQB® Launches Advanced-Level Agile Tester Certification

27.May.2026

ISTQB® has released the Certified Tester Advanced Level Agile Tester (CTAL-AT) v2.0, marking a significant step forward in Agile testing certification. The new version elevates Agile tester certification from foundation-level awareness to advanced-level professional capability.
This is not a routine update. It represents a significant evolution of the former Certified Tester Foundation Level Agile Tester (CTFL-AT) syllabus, originally released in 2014, and reflects how the industry has changed. Agile is now the dominant approach to software development, and Agile testing is no longer treated as a specialist add-on at the Foundation Level. Instead, it is recognized as a discipline that requires deeper expertise and broader organizational impact.

The new CTAL-AT reflects this shift. Rather than covering Agile basics, now addressed in the Certified Tester Foundation Level (CTFL) v4.0, it focuses on how professionals apply testing in complex environments. The emphasis is on shaping test strategy, improving processes, and working effectively across teams.

“Agile testing has matured significantly over the past decade. With CTAL-AT v2.0, we are recognizing that maturity by shifting the focus from understanding Agile to applying it effectively in real-world contexts,” said Michaël Pilaeten. “This syllabus supports professionals in making better decisions, strengthening quality practices, and contributing more strategically within Agile teams.”

The syllabus introduces a set of targeted, modern updates that reflect contemporary Agile practice. Key changes include the introduction of techniques such as heuristics, mnemonics, test tours, and example mapping; expanded coverage of exploratory and collaborative testing approaches, including mob testing, vibe testing, and tissue testing; a stronger focus on cognitive bias and holistic quality thinking; and enhanced reporting and improvement practices through the use of coverage metrics and continuous improvement.

For more information, visit ISTQB® Advanced-Level Agile Tester Certification.