The ISTQB is the International Software Testing Qualifications Board.  It is composed of representatives from each existing national board, such as the ASTQB (American Software Testing Qualification Board).  Working parties within ISTQB are responsible for developing and maintaining the Foundation and Advanced Level syllabi and exams. All members are volunteers.

The ISTQB software testing certification is the most widely recognized and fastest-growing software tester certification in the world. We support this program because it is vendor-neutral, open to everyone, and internationally respected and recognized. Over 160,000 software testers in over 40 countries have been certified at the Foundation level in this program! Over 10,000 testers in the USA hold the CTFL designation.

This certification was developed by more than 100 global software testing experts and is offered in nearly 50 countries. The ISTQB is the world’s only not-for-profit organization dedicated solely to providing practical, globally-accepted software testing certification.

ASTQB

The ASTQB was founded in 2003 as the American Testing Board. In April 2005, the name was changed to the American Software Testing Qualifications Board.

The ASTQB is a group of highly experienced experts in software testing who volunteer their time to the development, maintenance, and promotion of the ISTQB Certified Tester program in the U.S. They also represent U.S. interests internationally as the national board for the U.S. within the ISTQB.

The ASTQB is a non-profit organization. Exam and accreditation fees are charged to cover the cost connected with the administration of exams, applications for accreditation, the maintenance of a physical office, exhibits at leading software testing conventions, and the employment of administrative staff.