Everything you need to know about using the ISTQB® Testing Body of Knowledge platform.
The search bar on the home page and the search results page lets you search across all published ISTQB® syllabi using AI-powered semantic matching. This means you don't need to use the exact wording from the syllabus — the system understands related concepts and terminology.
FL-1.2.1) or section numbers (e.g., 2.3.1).Use special syntax in the search box for precise control. Click the ? button next to the search bar for a quick reference.
| What You Want | Syntax | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Exact phrase match | "phrase" |
"regression testing" — only results containing the exact phrase |
| Search multiple terms | term1, term2 |
regression testing, performance testing — finds results about either term, boosts results mentioning both |
| Exclude a keyword | -keyword |
testing -unit — finds "testing" results but excludes any mentioning "unit" |
| Combine operators | Mix all of the above | "test plan", "test strategy" -agile — exact phrases, excluding "agile" |
As you type on the home page, suggestions appear below the search box. These include:
Click a suggestion or use the arrow keys and Enter to select it.
After searching, use the filter bar above the results to narrow down what you see:
Each search result is displayed as a card with the following information:
Click anywhere on a result card to expand it and see the full section content. Click again to collapse.
Clicking "Go to Syllabus p.X" on a search result opens the original ISTQB® syllabus PDF in an interactive viewer:
You can export your search results as a professionally formatted PDF document:
The exported PDF includes branding, section content, LO information, relevance scores, and source references. If related exam questions are included, their rich formatting (lists, bold, italic) and source PDF references are preserved.
When a search result has a Learning Objective (LO) that is covered by a published sample exam, a "Related exam questions" button appears below the LO code.
When enabled, an AI-generated summary appears at the top of your search results. This provides a concise overview of the most relevant findings based on your query.
When your search matches an official ISTQB® term, a Glossary card appears at the top of your results — above the syllabus sections — showing the term's definition and the syllabi that use it.
When exporting results to PDF, the Glossary card is included automatically (if the Include Glossary option is enabled in the export dialog). The PDF version shows the term as a clickable link, its definition, and all syllabus badges — no truncation.
ISTQB® uses Knowledge Levels (K-Levels) to classify Learning Objectives by cognitive depth:
| Level | Name | What It Means |
|---|---|---|
| K1 | Remember | Recall facts and definitions. You should be able to recognise and identify terms and concepts. |
| K2 | Understand | Explain and summarise concepts. You should be able to describe, compare, and distinguish ideas. |
| K3 | Apply | Use knowledge in practice. You should be able to apply techniques and methods to a given situation. |
| K4 | Analyse | Break down information and draw conclusions. You should be able to evaluate, assess, and propose solutions. |
| K5 | Evaluate | Make judgements based on criteria and standards. You should be able to critique, justify, and recommend approaches. |
| K6 | Create | Produce new or original work. You should be able to design, construct, and develop new solutions or frameworks. |
Use the K-Level filter on the search results page to focus on the cognitive level you need.