The Certified Software Tester Intermediate Level (CSTIL) is a software testing credential from the Global Association for Quality Management (GAQM), taken under exam code CTIL-001. It sits one step above the Foundation Level and focuses on how testing is actually planned, documented, executed and reviewed. It suits working testers, test analysts, QA managers and developers who want a more practical grounding in test process, defect handling and test types. This page summarizes the official details GAQM publishes.
GAQM positions CSTIL as the second step in its software testing track. Where a foundation exam covers core vocabulary and principles, the intermediate exam asks for a more practical approach to the same material. GAQM describes the exam as a blend of theory and practical applicability, relevant whether your work leans toward test analysis or test management. Passing shows you can work through the test process in an organized way rather than only recall definitions.
GAQM lists the target audience as software testers involved in any aspect of testing, candidates moving into testing after a foundation certification, and professionals such as test analysts, test designers, test managers, project managers, QA managers and development managers. There are no formal prerequisites. Completing the GAQM course is not mandatory, though GAQM says most exam questions are drawn from that course material, so candidates who skip it should study the outline carefully.
The exam has 40 multiple choice questions and a 60 minute time limit. You need 70 percent, which is 28 correct answers, to pass. Sessions are AI proctored and delivered online, so you can sit the exam from any location with a suitable device and connection. Candidates can schedule it at any time within the validity period of the voucher, which GAQM lists as 240 days, or about eight months.
You can see the question style before committing by downloading the sample exam that GAQM links from its certification page.
GAQM organizes the content into five modules. It does not publish percentage weightings per module on its certification page, so treat any weighting figures you see elsewhere as unofficial.
Overview of Testing: testing principles, the value of testing, skills and responsibilities of test professionals, SDLC and STLC, Agile and Scrum basics, builds, business requirements, the code of ethics, and the trade offs between manual and automated testing.
Test Plan: the purpose, scope and strategy of a test plan, plus test case specifications, test procedure specifications, test logs, incident reports, summary reports and software metrics.
Test Case and Execution: writing and reviewing effective test cases, traceability matrices, the bug lifecycle, priority versus severity, causes of defects, and tracking and reporting.
Test Review: formal, informal, technical and peer reviews, their objectives and value, and the factors that make reviews succeed.
Types of Testing: manual and automated testing, black box, white box and grey box methods, levels of testing and nonfunctional testing.
Priority versus severity, traceability and the distinction between review types are the kinds of topics where candidates tend to confuse similar terms, so it pays to practice them with scenarios.
Registration runs through the GAQM website. You buy an exam voucher, or a package that includes it, and the code appears in your GAQM login profile under the vouchers section. GAQM states that voucher codes arrive within 24 business hours. You then apply the code from the exam section of your profile to start. Cancellation, rescheduling and voucher usage rules are published on GAQM’s policy pages, so read those before purchase. GAQM lists three purchase options: an exam voucher alone, a Standard package with 20 days of course access and no voucher, and a Premium package with 40 days of access that includes a voucher. Prices and package contents can change, so confirm them on the official site.
One voucher covers two attempts. If you pass on the first attempt, the second attempt is not available. If you fail both, you can buy a new voucher, which gives you two more attempts.
CSTIL is most useful for people already working in or near QA who want a recognized step beyond the foundation level. Its modules map directly to day to day tasks such as writing test plans, producing test summary reports, running defect triage and taking part in reviews. That makes it relevant for roles such as test analyst, QA engineer and test lead, and for developers or business analysts who work closely with testers. GAQM certificates are valid for four years, after which you should check GAQM’s current renewal or recertification options. It is a vendor credential from a certification body, so how much weight it carries varies by employer and region.
Reading the module outline tells you what is covered, but scenario questions test whether you can apply it. The free practice tests on AllExamQuestions.com give you a way to rehearse that application and spot weak modules before you pay for a voucher. Use them alongside GAQM’s own sample exam and course material, and treat any practice test as a study aid rather than a preview of the live question set.
Last updated on Oct, 15 2026
