Who is it for?

  • Aimed at anyone involved in software testing who wishes to broaden their knowledge of performance testing or anyone who wishes to start a specialist career in performance testing. The qualification is also aimed at anyone involved in performance engineering who wishes to gain a better understanding of performance testing.

Entry requirements

  • The ISTQB® Foundation Level certificate must be obtained before taking this exam.

What will I learn?

The expected business outcomes for candidates who achieve the Foundation Level in Performance Testing certification are:

  • Understand the basic concepts of performance efficiency and performance testing
  • Define performance risks, goals, and requirements to meet stakeholder needs and expectations
  • Understand performance metrics and how to collect them
  • Develop a performance test plan for achieving stated goals and requirements
  • Conceptually design, implement, and execute basic performance tests
  • Analyse the results of a performance test and state implications to various stakeholders
  • Explain the process, rationale, results, and implications of performance testing to various stakeholders
  • Understand categories and uses for performance tools and criteria for their selection
  • Determine how performance testing activities align with the software lifecycle

The syllabus includes training objectives, details of modules and learning hours:

Download the syllabus (PDF)

How do I get this certification?

Training and exam (recommended)

Take this course with one of our accredited training providers.

How long will it take?

Classroom courses normally last two days.

Where can I study?

  • At an approved provider near you
  • At your computer via e-learning or web conference learning

How much does it cost?

Prices for courses vary depending on your chosen training provider and course format.

Exam only (self study)

Ideal if you’re self-motivated and already know something about usability testing.

How long will it take?

It usually takes a minimum of 15 hours to prepare for the exam.

Where do I sit my exam?

At any Pearson VUE test centre across the world.

How much does it cost?

UK price: £192 (£160 + VAT).
International prices may vary by region, please check international pricing via our partner Pearson VUE.

Book your exam with Pearson VUE

What format is the exam?

  • One hour 'closed book' with 40 multiple choice questions
  • Pass mark is 65% (26/40)

Download the specimen paper (PDF)

Download the answer key (PDF)

What's next?

Practitioner level certifications

Candidates wishing to progress their career pathway may wish to consider the BCS range of practitioner certifications, each of which will enhance your skills in their specific area of specialism.

This qualification is not regulated by the following United Kingdom Regulators - Ofqual, Qualifications Wales, CCEA Regulation or SQA.