Test automation has evolved significantly since 2016, so ISTQB® released an update to account for changes in test tools, DevOps, process, and project aspects and to reflect changes in Foundation Level modules v4.0. The two new syllabi are complementary and offer a comprehensive body of knowledge in test automation, but neither is a prerequisite for the other. 

Both modules target anyone involved in software testing and test automation. This includes testers, test analysts, test automation engineers, test consultants, test architects, test managers, and software developers. They are also appropriate for anyone who wants a basic understanding of test automation. But ISTQB® did the split to differentiate the knowledge needed for test automation engineers and people who overlook automation as seniors, architects or managers.

A detailed comparison of syllabus content would be exhaustive, so we have prepared a table comparing the chapters and Learning Objectives for all three modules (TAE v1.0, TAE v2.0, and TAS v1.0).

Download table

Also, there are webinars for introducing changes for test automation modules and specific to TAE v2.0 and TAS v1.0. 

A major rework of the existing TAE v1.0 module reflects test automation's changing nature and elaborates deeper into DevOps and test automation integration. 

This update's primary audience is test engineers who want to implement, improve, and maintain test automation solutions. The syllabus defines methods and practices that can support the sustainable development of test automation.

Bear in mind that this syllabus does not teach software engineering. A test automation engineer is expected to have previous experience and skills in software engineering, including programming and documentation standards and best practices (e.g., principles of object-oriented programming, or design patterns), and to use them while developing a test automation solution and/or test automation frameworks. 

Chapter 1 focuses on choosing the suitable automation tool, but it has been extended to include information on applying test automation to different SDLC models.

Chapter 2 adds infrastructure needs for the successful deployment of test automation, including a description of different deployment environments. 

Chapter 3 leaves out generic test automation architecture and focuses on details of specific test automation solutions and a test automation framework. It adds test-driven development (TDD) and behaviour-driven development (BDD) to the approaches for automating test cases. Process-driven scripting and model-based testing were removed. 

Chapter 4 is specific to the pilot implementation of test automation solutions and highlights some risks related to deployment

Chapter 5 focuses on the integration of your solutions and introduces API testing aspects 

Generally, chapters 3-5 are the key to test automation solution design and implementation. Chapters 6, 7, and 8 have been updated significantly, but they respect the content of a previous version. They focus on reporting and metrics, verification of test automation solutions, and continuous improvements.

Sections related to generic test automation architecture, the transition from manual testing to automated testing, advanced topics on reporting and metrics, return on investment, and improvements on strategies were moved to the Test Automation Strategy module.

The TAE module was also moved from the Specialist to Advanced Level Core track. This means ISTQB® sets test automation as a core element of software development and quality among (technical) test analysis and management. The change in the module's name from Test Automation Engineer to Test Automation Engineering indicates a shift in the module's focus from describing the activities of the test automation role to describing activities related to test automation, regardless of the role that performs those activities. Both changes in name and categorisation try to reflect the everyday reality in many teams where development takes place using an agile-like approach.

This brand-new module, based on the concepts in TAE v1.0 and extending content in TAE v2.0, is targeted to test engineers and managers overseeing the deployment of test automation projects across the organisation. It presents multiple factors that come into play when planning for test automation within an organisation, so it covers all test automation needs beyond technical tool implementation and integration challenges. Knowledge in this syllabus could be an excellent addition for people wanting to see a greater picture of test automation. 

The takeaway from this syllabus is that a strategic view of test automation provides a vision of implementation across projects within an organization in a systematic and consistent manner, ultimately demonstrating the value of test automation to the organization.

Parts of the content moved from TAE to the TAS module were mentioned in a previous section. For detailed content of TAS, see ISTQB web.

The exam changes for TAE v2.0 are significant in content and structure. With fewer K4 questions, the exam will be easier to pass. 

With no K4 questions and fewer K3 questions than TAE, TAS v1.0 could be an even easier exam to pass.

Note that there are fewer Learning Objectives (LOs) than the number of exam questions, so all the LOs in the syllabus will be examined as part of the certification exam. Details on K-levels can be found in our FAQ.

The price for the exam is the same for all the models at 150 €. This could be subject to change after the sunset date of TAE v1.0 since TAE v2.0 is not part of the Specialist track anymore but is part of an Advanced Level Core where the price is set to 200 € an exam.

As for any other major version updated, CaSQB offers a 50% discount on re-certification for TAE v2.0 for holders of a certificate for TAE v1.0. Re-certification is not mandatory but is a viable option to refresh the validity of your knowledge and skills.

Since TAE is a new addition to the Advanced Level Core track (previously, it was only the Test Analyst, Technical Test Analyst, and Test Management modules), ISTQB® has decided that a FULL CORE certificate will not be issued from now on for holders of all certifications.

With a new major version of TAE and a brand new TAS module, accreditation of training materials is required in accordance with the ISTQB® Accreditation Process and the Accreditation Guidelines to provide accredited training.

Details can be found in Accreditation Guidelines for Test Automation Engineering and Test Automation Strategy syllabi. Application for accreditation with CaSQB is available in the Downloads section.

• https://www.istqb.org/certifications/certified-tester-test-automation-engineer-ct-tae-2016-retiring 
• https://www.istqb.org/certifications/test-automation-engineer
• https://www.istqb.org/certifications/test-automation-strategy
• https://www.istqb.org/news/posts/istqb-has-released-two-new-syllabi-for-test-automation