Differences between the ISTQB® Test Management Certification V3.0 (2024) and V2.0 (2012)

ISTQB® Test Management V3.0 (2024) replaces the 2012 version with a practical, modern syllabus. It offers a new structure, clearer and more streamlined learning objectives, shorter exams, additional glossary terms, and a stronger focus on agility, leadership, and risk-based testing. Here you’ll find answers to frequently asked questions as well as links to sample exams.

Introduction – Why a new ISTQB® Test Management V3.0?

What has changed since 2012?

The digital world is evolving rapidly – and with it, the demands on software testing. As requirements change, established best practices and certification standards must be regularly updated. In May 2024, the International Software Testing Qualifications Board (ISTQB®) released a comprehensive update to one of its most important certifications: the new ISTQB® Advanced Level Test Management Syllabus V3.0 (2024) – as the successor to the 2012 version.

Goals of the new version

This update introduces significant changes in content, structure, and didactics. This article provides a concise overview of the key updates – relevant for aspiring Test Managers, organizations, and training providers.

From “Test Manager” to “Test Management” – a new focus

Roles vs. activities – a paradigm shift

Even the new name of the module signals a paradigm shift: “Test Manager” becomes “Test Management.” Instead of focusing exclusively on a specific role, the new syllabus emphasizes test-related activities – regardless of who in the team performs them. This reflects the reality of modern (often agile) project structures more accurately.

Alignment with ISTQB® Foundation Level V4.0

In addition, the new version is fully aligned with the ISTQB® Foundation Level V4.0 released in 2023. Terminology has been standardized, overlapping content reduced, and learning objectives aligned. The transition from Foundation Level to Advanced training is now far smoother – a clear benefit for both learners and training providers.

Key exam changes at a glance

Shorter exam duration and fewer questions

Exam conditions have also been revised – to the relief of many candidates: Instead of the previous 180-minute exam, the new base duration is now 120 minutes. Non-native speakers and candidates with disabilities still receive an additional 25% extra time. The number of exam questions has been reduced from 65 to 50, while the pass mark remains at 65%. Questions may now carry different weights. Scenario-based tasks remain, meaning that multiple questions may still relate to a common scenario.

Weighted, scenario-based tasks for more practical relevance

One of the main goals of the new version is improved readability and structure. One of the most striking changes concerns the syllabus chapter structure. It has been completely reorganized and thematically revised.

Chapter 1: Managing test activities

The first chapter, “Managing Test Activities,” replaces and expands the previous chapter on the test process. It now covers managing test planning, monitoring, and control, as well as the test context (including non-sequential development models), a fully revised perspective on risk-based testing, a more detailed view on test strategy, integration of test process improvement into the project context, and the introduction of test tools.

Chapter 2: Managing the product

The second chapter, “Managing the Product,” addresses test metrics, test estimation techniques, and defect management. Here, too, the stronger practical orientation is evident: content has been adapted to current project methods and agile/hybrid software development, for example in defect handling or selecting appropriate estimation techniques.

Chapter 3: Managing the team

Chapter three, “Managing the Team,” deals with the organization of test teams and stakeholder relationships. While much of the content will be familiar from the 2012 version, it has been modernized linguistically and better aligned with contemporary ways of working.

Content shifted or removed – and why that makes sense

Some content included in the old version has been removed from the new syllabus. This includes sections on distributed testing, outsourcing, and insourcing; management of applying industry standards; and the entire chapter on review meetings. More technical content such as test analysis, design, and implementation has also been removed – not because it has lost relevance, but because it is now covered in other certifications or contexts. The new focus is on strategic, coordinating, and controlling activities – exactly the areas that are crucial in modern test management.

Revised Learning Objectives (LOs)

All Learning Objectives (LOs) have also been revised and reduced to “atomic” units. This means: each LO is clearly assigned to a specific syllabus section, and each piece of content is covered by at least one LO. This ensures greater transparency and a more traceable structure.

Comparing V2.0 vs. V3.0

The number of learning objectives has also been significantly reduced compared to the 2012 version:

Table 1: Number of Learning Objectives

Benefits for testers, companies, and training providers

This conscious reduction allows a stronger focus on relevance and practical applicability. The “Syllabus Writing Checklist” has also been followed – depending on the cognitive level, content is now limited to a maximum number of characters. This ensures that training providers have the freedom to develop and deliver relevant examples and exercises – the syllabus is a structured framework, not a textbook.

Even for already certified test managers, it’s worth taking a closer look at the new version – especially for those working in agile or hybrid projects or planning further training. Being familiar with V3.0 helps you classify methods and terminology more effectively, design processes more efficiently, and perform test management tasks with greater precision.

Companies also benefit from the new version: its clearer structure, stronger practical orientation, and focus on team leadership, stakeholder management, and risk assessment make it easier to integrate test management seamlessly into overall project governance.

Training providers gain advantages as well: the syllabus allows for more flexibility in how courses are designed while still maintaining clear quality standards.

Conclusion – A future-oriented step for Test Management

The new ISTQB® Test Management Syllabus V3.0 is a logical and long-overdue step toward the future. It reflects the realities of modern software projects more accurately, creates greater focus and clarity, and reinforces practical relevance.

*The "Syllabus writing checklist" suggests the maximum text size for LOs at each K-level (K2 = maximum 1,500 non-blank characters, K3 = maximum 2,500 non-blank characters, K4 = maximum 3,000 non-blank characters, +/- 20%). (Source: Syllabus)

Note: At andagon academy, we offer training courses to prepare for the ISTQB® certification in accordance with the new syllabus. Learn more by link https://www.andagon.com/en/trainings

Sources:

CASQ B (o. J.): What’s new in the ISTQB CTAL Test Management module? [Zugriff am 6. Juni 2025].

GTB – German Testing Board (2025): CTAL-TM Lehrplan Version 3.0 (Deutsch) [Zugriff am 6. Juni 2025].

For Prospective Learners

Which syllabi cover the removed learning content?

CT Expert Level – Test Management (2011):

• Distributed Testing in chapter 3.4.5 – Managing Distributed Teams

CT – Test Automation Strategy (2024):

• Outsourcing in chapter 2.1.1 – Compare alternative technical solutions with regard to operating costs

CT Expert Level – Improving the Testing Process (2011)

• CTP & STEP in chapter 3.4 – Content-based Models

Currently not covered in the syllabus:

• Insourcing

• Managing industry standards

Topics such as Reviews or Test Analysis, Test Design, Test Implementation, and Test Execution are covered across various syllabi. For example, these contents remain part of ISTQB® Foundation Level V4.0 and were previously redundant in ISTQB® Advanced Level Test Manager V2.0.

Status: 07/2025

How does the new exam differ regarding question types (multiple-choice, scenarios, etc.)

The question types do not differ from the old version. Only the total scope (duration and number of questions) has changed.

Are there official sample exams or sample questions for the new version?

© International Software Testing Qualifications Board - Sample Exam – Questions

© International Software Testing Qualifications Board - Sample Exam – Answers

For Training Providers

What transition rules apply for training based on the old version?

As of 31 May 2025, the previous Version 2.0 from 2012 has been fully replaced. A 12‑month transition period applied, during which the exam could be taken under either the old or the new version.

Is my certificate earned under Version 2.0 still valid?

Certificates already obtained under Version 2.0 remain valid. No re‑examination is required – consistent with all ISTQB® certifications outside the Expert Level.

Can already accredited V2.0 courses be updated to V3.0 – or is a new application required?

Accreditation must be newly applied for the V3.0 course; a full re‑accreditation is required.

How long does the accreditation process for V3.0 courses take on average?

In addition to the time required to develop the course, a few weeks should be planned for the course assessment by the German Testing Board.

The original article in German: Unterschiede zwischen der ISTQB ® Test Management Zertifizierung V3.0 (2024) und V2.0 (2012)