ISTQB Certified Tester Security Tester (CT-SEC)

About the course

The ISTQB Certified Tester Security Tester (CT‑SEC) course is an advanced certification designed for software testing professionals seeking specialist expertise in security testing. This course equips delegates with the knowledge and skills required to identify vulnerabilities, manage security risks, and enhance software resilience in both traditional and Agile development environments.

Through structured instruction, hands-on exercises, and practical examples, participants will gain a deep understanding of how to integrate security testing into the software development lifecycle. Delegates will explore human error mitigation, external threat management, and secure development practices to ensure software systems are robust and compliant with industry security standards.

By the end of the course, participants will be prepared to take the ISTQB Security Tester certification exam, demonstrating their ability to apply advanced security testing techniques, lead security testing initiatives, and contribute to organisational software security strategies. The CT‑SEC certification is internationally recognised, providing career advancement opportunities in high-demand security roles.

What’s Included

Accredited Security Tester training
Exam fee included
Comprehensive course materials and manuals
Practical exercises and scenario-based learning
Tutor support throughout the course
Access to practice exams and simulations

Delivery Options & Pricing

Virtual – Delivered by TSG
Interactive online learning with expert tutors, scenario-based exercises, and exam preparation. Duration: 4 days. Exam included. Course materials included. Price: From £2100 + VAT

Classroom – Delivered by TSG
In-person instructor-led training with workshops, practical exercises, and exam preparation. Duration: 4 days. Exam included. Course materials included. Price: From £2340 + VAT

eLearning – Delivered by TSG
Self-paced online learning with full access to course materials and the certification exam. Duration: variable. Exam included. Course materials included. Price: From £995 + VAT.

What you'll learn

Participants will be able to evaluate system vulnerabilities and design test strategies that mitigate potential risks.
Delegates will apply security testing techniques across the software development lifecycle, including integration with Agile and DevOps practices.
Learners will assess human errors and lapses in testing procedures and implement corrective strategies.
Participants will identify and prioritise security risks, ensuring secure software development.
Delegates will analyse security testing results and communicate findings effectively to stakeholders.
Learners will implement secure practices in software development processes, reducing reliance on technology alone.
Participants will gain practical experience in managing security test infrastructure and tools.
Delegates will integrate security testing into continuous testing and continuous integration pipelines.
Learners will develop skills to lead security testing initiatives within project teams.
Participants will understand regulatory, compliance, and organisational requirements for security testing.
Delegates will monitor and optimise automated and manual security testing activities.
Learners will improve overall software quality by embedding security considerations into test planning and execution.

Key facts

Facts

Course Level: Advanced
Certification: ISTQB Certified Tester Security Tester (CT‑SEC)
Duration: 3 days (Live Virtual Classroom / Classroom), 20 hours (eLearning)
Exam Duration: 120 minutes
Pass Mark: 60%
Prerequisites: ISTQB Foundation Level certificate; minimum three years of software testing experience recommended
Delivery Methods: eLearning 20 hours, Live Virtual Classroom 3 days, Classroom 3 days

Who It’s For

This course is suitable for experienced testers, security testers, test managers, IT security professionals, developers with security responsibilities, project managers, quality managers, business analysts, and IT directors. It is ideal for professionals who aim to incorporate advanced security testing practices into their software development and testing processes.

Exam Information

Exam Duration: 120 minutes
Number of Questions: 45 multiple-choice
Question Type: Multiple-choice, closed book
Pass Mark: 60%
Delivery Method: Online (eLearning), remote proctoring (Live Virtual), in-class (Classroom)

Pre-Course Requirements

Participants must hold the ISTQB Foundation Level certificate. It is recommended that delegates have a minimum of three years of practical experience in software testing to fully benefit from the course content.

FAQ

What prerequisites are required for the ISTQB Security Tester course?
Candidates must hold the ISTQB Foundation certificate and have a minimum of three years of software testing experience to maximise the benefit of this advanced training.

Who should take the ISTQB Security Tester course?
The course is designed for software testers, security testers, test managers, IT security professionals, developers with security responsibilities, project managers, and QA leads aiming to strengthen security testing expertise.

What is the duration of the ISTQB Security Tester course?
Live Virtual Classroom and Classroom formats run for 3 full days, 7 hours per day. The eLearning option is self-paced and comprises approximately 20 hours of interactive learning.

Is the exam fee included in the course price?
Yes, the ISTQB Security Tester exam fee is included in all delivery formats.

How is the ISTQB Security Tester exam structured?
The exam consists of 45 multiple-choice questions with a pass mark of 60%. The duration is 120 minutes. Non-native English speakers may receive additional time as per ISTQB guidelines.

What will I learn in this course?
Participants will develop advanced skills in identifying system vulnerabilities, designing security test strategies, mitigating human and technical risks, integrating security practices into software development lifecycles, and communicating findings effectively.

Does this course include practical exercises?
Yes, delegates engage in scenario-based exercises, real-world simulations, and practice exams to apply security testing principles.

What are the benefits of obtaining ISTQB Security Tester certification?
It validates advanced security testing competence, enhances career opportunities, and equips professionals to implement secure software development practices.

Can I attend the course without taking the exam?
Yes, the course may be taken for learning purposes, but certification requires passing the ISTQB Security Tester exam.

What tools and techniques are taught?
Delegates will use industry-standard security testing tools, risk assessment frameworks, and methods for evaluating vulnerabilities and optimising testing strategies.

Does this course cover regulatory and compliance requirements?
Yes, participants learn to align security testing practices with organisational policies, legal obligations, and industry standards.

Is prior security experience required?
While a foundation in software testing is required, the course introduces advanced security testing concepts suitable for delegates with limited prior exposure to security-specific practices.

Can this course support career progression?
Yes, it prepares professionals for roles such as Security Tester, Security Analyst, Test Manager, and other security-focused positions.

How do I register for the ISTQB Security Tester course?
Participants can register online or by contacting the ILX or DrTutor team, who will provide guidance on course options and scheduling.

Are there follow-on certifications after CT‑SEC?
Yes, participants may pursue ISTQB Advanced Level Test Manager, Technical Test Analyst, or Specialist certifications, including Security Testing or Agile streams.

Is this course internationally recognised?
Yes, the ISTQB Security Tester certification is accredited by UKITB on behalf of ISTQB and recognised worldwide.

Enrolment options

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