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Which CTFL-Foundation topics require the most practice for the exam?

  • January 13, 2026
  • 2 replies
  • 37 views
J

I recently completed my preparation for the ISTQB CTFL-Foundation exam, and one thing I noticed is that the topics that seem easy in theory can become confusing in actual exam questions.

For example, concepts like:

  • Test design techniques (e.g., equivalence partitioning, boundary value analysis)
  • Test levels and types
  • Psychology of testing
  • Risk-based testing

Look simple in the syllabus, but when presented in scenario-based questions, many candidates hesitate because the wording can be tricky.

Initially, I focused mainly on reading the syllabus and memorizing definitions, but that wasn’t enough to confidently answer situational questions in the CTFL exam format. What helped most was practicing topic-wise questions and reviewing explanations of both correct and incorrect options.

Another challenge many face is exam timing. If you’re not used to exam-style questions, you might spend too much time on some scenarios.

 My suggestion for CTFL aspirants:
Try practicing questions from P2PExams in a timed manner and analyze why certain options are incorrect, not just which ones are correct. This makes the CTFL concepts much clearer and boosts confidence.

I would love to hear from others here:
Which CTFL-Foundation topic did you find the most difficult, and what was your approach to mastering it?

    2 replies

    ujjwal.kumar.singh
    Forum|alt.badge.img+1

    I recently completed my preparation for the ISTQB CTFL-Foundation exam, and one thing I noticed is that the topics that seem easy in theory can become confusing in actual exam questions.

    For example, concepts like:

    • Test design techniques (e.g., equivalence partitioning, boundary value analysis)
    • Test levels and types
    • Psychology of testing
    • Risk-based testing

    Look simple in the syllabus, but when presented in scenario-based questions, many candidates hesitate because the wording can be tricky.

    Initially, I focused mainly on reading the syllabus and memorizing definitions, but that wasn’t enough to confidently answer situational questions in the CTFL exam format. What helped most was practicing topic-wise questions and reviewing explanations of both correct and incorrect options.

    Another challenge many face is exam timing. If you’re not used to exam-style questions, you might spend too much time on some scenarios.

     My suggestion for CTFL aspirants:
    Try practicing questions from P2PExams in a timed manner and analyze why certain options are incorrect, not just which ones are correct. This makes the CTFL concepts much clearer and boosts confidence.

    I would love to hear from others here:
    Which CTFL-Foundation topic did you find the most difficult, and what was your approach to mastering it?

    I passed ISTQB-CTFL two years ago, and to avoid such surprises during the actual exam, I attempted multiple mock tests to experience real test environments and scenarios.

    To be honest, even though the ISTQB syllabus was often criticized for being outdated, it still helped me design better test cases and prioritize black-box techniques.

    Now their syllabus has been updated and there are many learning resources available including tools like ChatGPT, I always suggest anyone planning for the certification to attempt mock tests before taking the real exam.

    https://beinghumantester.github.io/
    Bharat2609
    Forum|alt.badge.img+3
    • Bharat2609
    • Ensign
    • January 22, 2026

    What looks simple in the syllabus becomes tricky in the exam because the questions don’t ask for definitions. They test how you think as a tester. Scenario wording hides the concept, and if you rely only on memorization, it’s easy to get stuck between two options.

    For me, test design techniques and risk-based testing were the toughest. Especially equivalence partitioning and BVA. The logic is clear, but in exam questions, identifying the right partitions or deciding the minimum test cases takes practice.

    What really helped was exactly what you mentioned:

    • Practicing topic-wise questions

    • Reading why the wrong options are wrong

    • Solving questions in a timed setup to build decision speed

    Once I shifted from “what is the definition” to “what is the tester’s intent in this scenario”, things started clicking.

    Good advice for CTFL aspirants. Practice and analysis matter more than just reading the syllabus.

    Bharat
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