What ASTQB does

ASTQB (American Software Testing Qualifications Board, Inc.) is a Florida-incorporated non-profit organization founded in 2003 (originally as the American Testing Board, renamed in April 2005) and headquartered in Tampa, FL. It operates as the official U.S. country board for the ISTQB (International Software Testing Qualifications Board) and administers a three-tier (Foundation, Advanced, Expert) certification portfolio for software testing professionals, alongside a growing set of industry- and topic-specific specialty certifications covering AI testing, Generative AI, Agile, test automation, security, performance, mobile, automotive, game, gambling, finance, model-based, and IoT testing. Sub-brands like ASTQB AI Assurance Pro, ASTQB Test Automation Pro, and ASTQB Proficiency Distinction bundle multiple certifications into higher-value designations.

Its technology stack is built on the Webassessor online examination platform provided by Kryterion, which supports remote proctored exams from home, in-person delivery at Kryterion testing centers worldwide, and on-site group exams for organizations. The certification system is compliant with ISO 9001 (quality management) and ISO 17024 (personnel certification), and ASTQB holds trademarks on proprietary assets such as Testing Tiers, AT*Work, AT*Consult, the Official U.S. List of Certified & Credentialed Software Testers, AI Assurance Pro, and Proficiency Distinction.

ASTQB's business model is exam-fee revenue, with one-time-per-certificate pricing (Foundation $229, Advanced $249, Specialty $199, Expert $575 USD) supplemented by training provider accreditation fees. Distribution is exclusive through AT*SQA, ASTQB's non-profit exam provider. GTM is direct-to-consumer plus B2B (on-site/group exams with volume discounts of up to 25% and a separate 50% college/university discount). End customers are individual software testers, QA professionals, test managers, software developers, Agile/DevOps practitioners, industry specialists, and AI/ML testing professionals worldwide, with marketing executed through ASTQB's own website, email newsletter, white papers, webinars, podcasts, and SEO, and outbound enterprise support handled via group exam accounts and an accredited training-provider channel.

Name

ASTQB

Legal name

American Software Testing Qualifications Board, Inc.

Website

https://astqb.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2003

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

ASTQB is a U.S. non-profit and the official American country board for ISTQB, administering Foundation, Advanced, Expert, and specialty software testing certifications (including AI/GenAI testing) to individual testers, test managers, developers, and Agile/DevOps teams worldwide through its exclusive exam provider AT*SQA.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Tampa

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. ISTQB Certification Exam Fees: Revenue generated from certification exam fees. ISTQB Foundation Level costs $229, Advanced Level exams cost $249, Specialty exams cost $199, and Expert Level costs $575. Volume discounts available for groups of 20 or more. College discounts up to 50% available.
2. Training Provider Accreditation Fees: Revenue from ASTQB-accredited training course providers who pay fees to become official training partners. These providers deliver exam preparation courses aligned with ISTQB syllabi.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

ASTQB (American Software Testing Qualifications Board) administers ISTQB (International Software Testing Qualifications Board) software testing certification exams in the United States. It offers Foundation, Advanced, Expert, and Specialty level certifications covering topics such as test analysis, test management, AI testing, security testing, Agile, automation, and industry-specific domains like automotive, gaming, and mobile. Exams are delivered through AT*SQA, the official non-profit exam provider, using the Kryterion Webassessor platform for remote proctored and in-person testing.

Product overview

ASTQB (American Software Testing Qualifications Board) is a non-profit organization that administers ISTQB (International Software Testing Qualifications Board) software testing certifications in the United States. The company offers a comprehensive portfolio of certification products spanning Foundation, Advanced, and Expert levels across multiple specialties. The core product line includes foundational certifications (ISTQB Foundation Level/CTFL), advanced specializations (Test Analyst, Technical Test Analyst, Test Management), and expert-level credentials. ASTQB has developed AI-focused designations including ASTQB AI Assurance Pro™ combining three AI-related certifications (ISTQB AI Testing, ISTQB Testing with Generative AI, and ISTQB Foundation Level). Specialty certifications cover Agile testing, test automation, security testing, and industry-specific domains such as automotive, game testing, mobile application testing, and IoT and mobile testing. Exam administration is handled through AT*SQA, ASTQB's official non-profit exam provider, with exams available online at home, at testing centers, or on-site at organizations. The certification program is built on ISO 9001 and ISO 17024 compliant quality management systems.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• ISTQB Foundation Level (CTFL) Entry-level certification covering core principles, processes, and vocabulary of software testing. Required prerequisite for all other ISTQB certifications. Costs $229 USD; 40 multiple-choice questions, 60 minutes, 65% passing score.
• ISTQB Test Analyst Advanced Level certification demonstrating advanced software testing skills for test analysis, including designing and executing tests aligned with business priorities. Costs $249 USD.
• ISTQB Technical Test Analyst Advanced Level certification for testers with strong programming and technical testing skills, covering performance, security, reliability, portability, and maintainability testing. Costs $249 USD.
• ISTQB Test Management Advanced Level certification for managing software testing across development projects, demonstrating advanced test management skills and leadership capabilities. Costs $249 USD.
• ISTQB Expert Level Test Management Expert Level certification for leaders in software testing, requiring Foundation and Advanced Test Management certifications plus 5 years practical testing experience. Costs $575 USD.
• ISTQB AI Testing Certification for testing AI-based systems and using AI for testing, covering bias detection, non-determinism, model-aware test cases, data quality assessment, and drift monitoring. Costs $199 USD.
• ISTQB Testing with Generative AI Certification covering fundamental concepts, capabilities, and limitations of GenAI; prompting LLMs for software testing; and understanding risks of using GenAI in testing. Costs $199 USD.
• ASTQB AI Assurance Pro Professional designation awarded to testers who earn three key ISTQB certifications covering AI testing syllabus topics and practical skills. Valid for 12 months with annual continuing education requirements.
• ISTQB Agile Testing Certification demonstrating understanding of Agile testing concepts, communication skills within Agile teams, and commitment to professional testing knowledge. Costs $199 USD.
• ISTQB Advanced Agile Tester Advanced Level Agile Technical Tester certification building upon Foundation and Agile Tester certifications for advanced knowledge in Agile testing contexts.
• ISTQB Test Automation Engineering Certification proving understanding of test automation concepts and skills, which are in high demand for career advancement. Costs $199 USD.
• ISTQB Test Automation Strategy Strategic certification for implementing test automation, focusing on ROI optimization across waterfall, Agile, and DevOps methodologies.
• ISTQB Security Testing Certification for security testing skills, addressing security paradigms, test techniques, standards, and best practices. Costs $199 USD.
• ISTQB Security Test Engineer Advanced security testing certification covering security paradigms, test techniques, security test processes, standards, best practices, and ISMS integration.
• ISTQB Automotive Software Tester Specialty certification covering knowledge for testing software-based automotive systems, where over 50% of vehicle added value comes from these systems. Costs $199 USD.
• ISTQB Finance Testing Specialty certification for testing in the financial services industry. Costs $199 USD.
• ISTQB Game Testing Specialty certification for game testing, designed for testers wishing to start or stand out in game testing careers. Costs $199 USD.
• ISTQB Mobile Application Testing Specialty certification for mobile testing skills, addressing the broad use of mobile devices in software testing. Costs $199 USD.
• ISTQB Performance Testing Specialty certification for broadening knowledge of performance testing and starting a specialist career in performance testing. Costs $199 USD.
• ASTQB IoT and Mobile Testing Specialty certification covering IoT and mobile devices testing, including all devices with internet connectivity capabilities. Costs $199 USD.
• ISTQB Usability Testing Entry-level certification building usability testing skills and proving readiness to employers. Costs $199 USD.
• ISTQB Acceptance Testing Certification for professionals involved in user acceptance testing, contractual/regulatory acceptance testing, and alpha/beta testing. Costs $199 USD.
• ISTQB Gambling Industry Tester Specialty certification covering testing skills for the gambling industry ecosystem, including complex gambling software, hardware, and platforms.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 1 million ISTQB certifications issued worldwide
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments7 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

Five partnerships are on record, tiered core and supporting.

• AT*SQAcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAT*SQA is the official non-profit global ISTQB exam provider and serves as the exclusive registrar for ISTQB exams. They administer exams online, at testing centers, and on-site globally. AT*SQA reinvests exam fees into exclusive free career benefits including extra sample exams, micro-credential exams, and listings on AT*Work and AT*Consult directories. All certifications through AT*SQA add holders to the Official U.S. List of Certified Testers.
• KryterioncoreTechnology or IntegrationKryterion provides the Webassessor platform for online exam delivery and maintains testing centers worldwide for in-person ISTQB exams. They provide 24/7 technical support for online exams through Webassessor and Kryterion testing center locations.
• ISTQB (International Software Testing Qualifications Board)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerASTQB is the official U.S. country board for ISTQB. ISTQB is the international body composed of national boards that decides on global certification standards. ASTQB develops American English exams and represents U.S. interests internationally within ISTQB.
• ISTQB Training Course ProviderssupportingChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorASTQB-accredited training course providers deliver exam preparation courses aligned with ISTQB syllabi. These providers may issue exam codes and their graduates may qualify for free ISTQB exam retake programs.
• Google (Analytics and Advertising)supportingTechnology or IntegrationASTQB uses Google Analytics and Advertising Features via the Google Analytics tracking code for website analytics and advertising purposes. Google cookies (_ga, _gat, _gid, test_cookie) collect browser, device, location, and usage data.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves5 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Emerging players

• Scrum Alliance: Issues Certified ScrumMaster and related Agile certifications overlapping with ASTQB's Agile Tester and Agile Technical Tester specialty exams. Comparable as a competing agile methodology certification body for software professionals.
• Scaled Agile (SAFe / Scaled Agile Framework): Issues SAFe certifications (SA, SP, etc.) that compete with ASTQB's Agile-related certifications for the same enterprise agile practitioner audience. Comparable as a methodology-focused certification rival in adjacent agile testing territory.
• IIBA (International Institute of Business Analysis): Issues the CBAP and ECBA business analysis certifications, with adjacent audience of software delivery professionals. Comparable as a non-profit, role-based certification body competing for adjacent software professional credentialing budgets.

Broad incumbents

• CompTIA: Largest vendor-neutral IT certification body in the U.S. (Security+, Network+, A+). Comparable as a non-vendor-aligned certification authority competing for the same IT professional wallet share, though spanning broader IT roles beyond software testing.
• ISACA: Global association issuing IT governance, risk, audit, and security certifications (CISA, CISM, CRISC). Comparable as a peer personnel certification body targeting IT professionals with multi-level credential portfolios and employer-recognized designations.
• PMI (Project Management Institute): Non-profit issuing PMP and other globally recognized professional certifications with similar employer-verification registry mechanics. Comparable in credential structure, multi-level portfolio, and non-profit professional certification model.
• ISTQB (International Software Testing Qualifications Board): The global umbrella body that sets the syllabus and certification standards ASTQB administers. It is the parent network of national boards and is directly comparable as the international counterpart and franchisor of the ASTQB program.
• (ISC)²: Non-profit issuing CISSP and other cybersecurity certifications with similar ISO 17024-style compliance and employer-verifiable registry. Comparable in mission, governance, and the regulated-employer credential verification model.

Direct peers

• GASQ (German ISTQB board): One of the largest European ISTQB national boards, offering the same certification portfolio in the German market. Directly comparable to ASTQB as a fellow national board within the ISTQB federation.
• BCS (British Computer Society) / ISTQB-UK: The U.K.'s ISTQB national board offering the same software testing certification portfolio under a different country jurisdiction. Most direct country-board peer, comparable in product set, exam structure, and global syllabus alignment.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/astqb
• Facebookfacebook.com/astqb
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/american-software-testing-qualifications-board-astqb

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about ASTQB