ISTQB® Testing Cup
The Premier International Software Testing Competition
Empowering ISTQB®-certified professionals worldwide through practical, collaborative testing excellence
What is the ISTQB® Testing Cup?
An international software-testing competition designed for ISTQB®-certified professionals, providing a realistic, hands-on environment where testers apply their skills to a real System Under Test (SUT) under time pressure.
Competition Promotes
- Practical application of ISTQB® testing knowledge
- International collaboration across member boards
- Professional excellence, fairness, and transparency
- Innovation in testing, including responsible AI usage
Local competitions are organized by ISTQB® Member Boards worldwide, culminating in a Global Final held during the ISTQB® General Assembly.
Competition Structure
Team Composition
Two ISTQB®-certified participants per team
One Team per Country
Each Member Board submits one team
Fair & Independent
No board members or company representatives
Single Participation
Each participant in only one competition
Eligibility Requirements
- Must be ISTQB®-certified
- Must not be ISTQB® board members or executives
- Must not represent a company or board
- May participate in only one Testing Cup competition
Competition Day Overview (Global Final)
All teams work simultaneously under identical conditions
Phase 1: Planning & Design
Test planning, analysis, and design activities
Lunch Break
Rest and recharge
Phase 2: Execution & Reporting
Test implementation, execution, and reporting
Judges' Debriefing
Review and evaluation session
System Under Test (SUT)
The competition uses a web-based System Under Test, selected according to defined ISTQB® criteria to ensure fairness, relevance, and testability.
Key SUT Characteristics
Web-Based
Accessible without local installation
Stable & Testable
Suitable for comprehensive testing within time limits
Free & Compliant
Legally compliant and free to use
Testing Types Supported
Tools, Environment & Platform Rules
Provided by Organizers
- Shared table per team
- Stable Wi-Fi or LAN access
- One monitor, keyboard, and mouse
Brought by Participants
- Laptops and required adapters
- Headphones (optional)
Allowed During Competition
Reporting Platform
Defects and reports are submitted using official online forms with standardized fields:
Scoring & Evaluation
| Category | Points |
|---|---|
| Test Plan Quality | 20 |
| Test Analysis & Design | 20 |
| Test Implementation | 20 |
| Test Execution | 20 |
| Summary Test Report | 20 |
| Non-Functional Testing | 20 |
| AI Usage | 5 |
| Bonus Points | 5 |
Judges Assess
- Risk-based thinking
- Coverage and prioritization
- Quality and clarity of defect reporting
- Appropriate and effective use of AI
- Professional conduct
- Traceability and documentation
Note: Negative points may be applied for false positives, poor traceability, misuse of tools, or unprofessional behavior.
Judging, Fairness & Governance
Expert Judges
Experienced ISTQB® professionals from multiple countries
Conflict of Interest
All judges must declare conflicts
Confidentiality
Strict confidentiality maintained
Code of Conduct
Strict Judge Code of Conduct followed
Governance
A Testing Cup Committee oversees consistency and governance. An independent Appeals Officer manages complaints to ensure fairness.
Appeals & Complaints
Who Can Appeal
Only official team representatives may submit an appeal
Time Limit
Must be filed within 60 minutes after competition end
Appeal Requirements
- Must be submitted in writing
- Must concern scoring, rule application, or judge conduct
- All decisions by the Appeals Committee are final and binding
Confidentiality is strictly maintained
Professional Conduct & Compliance
Participants and judges are expected to uphold the highest standards of professionalism
Respect
Act respectfully and professionally at all times
No External Help
Avoid external assistance or unauthorized tools
Brand Neutrality
No company or board promotion allowed
Violations
May result in disqualification
Purpose & Benefits
Competition Aims To
- Strengthen applied testing skills
- Encourage innovation and learning
- Promote the ISTQB® certification ecosystem
- Build a strong global testing community
Participants Gain
International Recognition
Visibility within the global ISTQB® network
Practical Experience
Real-world testing under pressure
Professional Network
Connect with testing professionals worldwide