BH0-004: Complete Guide to the ISEB/ISTQB Certificate in Software TestingPassing the BH0-004 exam (ISEB/ISTQB Foundation Certificate in Software Testing) is a common first step for anyone building a career in software testing. This guide explains the exam structure, core topics, study strategy, typical question types, and practical tips to help you prepare efficiently and perform confidently on test day.
What is BH0-004?
BH0-004 is the exam code used for the ISEB/ISTQB Foundation Certificate in Software Testing (sometimes referenced in vendor/syllabus revisions). The Foundation level certifies understanding of fundamental testing concepts, testing lifecycle, static and dynamic techniques, test management basics, and commonly used terminology. It’s globally recognized and useful for testers, developers, business analysts, and project managers who need baseline testing knowledge.
Who should take it?
- New or junior testers starting a career in software testing.
- Developers and business analysts who want to better understand testing principles.
- Project and QA managers seeking a solid foundation to manage testing activities.
- Students and career-changers wanting a formal credential that’s widely recognized.
Exam format and passing criteria
- Format: Multiple-choice questions.
- Number of questions: Typically 40–40+ (depends on the exact syllabus version).
- Time allowed: Usually 60 minutes (non-native English speakers often have extra time).
- Passing score: Usually around 65% (e.g., 26 out of 40).
- Delivery: Available via accredited training providers, sometimes online proctored or at exam centers.
Always check the exact details with the exam provider or the latest ISTQB/ISEB syllabus you’re using — formats and numbers can change slightly across syllabus versions.
Core syllabus topics
The Foundation syllabus organizes knowledge into a few major areas. Study each area thoroughly and link concepts to real-world examples.
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Fundamentals of testing
- Purpose of testing: defect detection, quality assurance, risk reduction.
- Testing principles (e.g., exhaustive testing is impossible, early testing saves cost).
- Seven testing principles from ISTQB.
- The psychology of testing: roles, ethics, independence.
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Testing throughout the software lifecycle
- Test levels: component/unit, integration, system, acceptance.
- Test types: functional vs non-functional (performance, usability, security), regression, confirmation testing.
- Maintenance testing and confirmation testing after fixes.
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Static techniques
- Reviews and walkthroughs: roles, entry/exit criteria, review types (informal, walkthrough, technical review, inspection).
- Static analysis (tools, benefits, limitations).
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Test design techniques
- Specification-based (black-box): equivalence partitioning, boundary value analysis, decision table testing, state transition testing, use case testing.
- Structure-based (white-box): statement and branch coverage, decision coverage, condition coverage basics.
- Experience-based techniques: exploratory testing, error guessing, checklist-based.
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Test management
- Test organization and roles (test manager, tester, test analyst).
- Test planning and estimation: test plan elements, test effort estimation techniques (top-down, bottom-up, work breakdown).
- Risk-based testing, prioritization of test conditions.
- Test progress monitoring and control: metrics, test report content, defect lifecycle and severity/priority.
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Tools support for testing
- Test tool categories: test management, static analysis, test execution, performance testing, defect tracking, automation frameworks.
- Benefits and risks of tool usage, success factors for test automation (ROI, maintainability, stable test objects).
Study plan (8–10 weeks, adaptable)
Week 1–2: Syllabus overview and fundamentals
- Read the official syllabus completely. Note definitions and principles.
- Learn the testing lifecycle and levels.
Week 3–4: Static techniques and reviews
- Study review types and static analysis.
- Practice identifying issues in simple documents.
Week 5–6: Test design techniques (core)
- Master equivalence partitioning and boundary values with many examples.
- Do decision table and state transition exercises.
- Practice a few white-box basics (what coverage means).
Week 7: Test management and tools
- Learn test planning, estimation approaches, and risk-based testing.
- Familiarize with common tool categories and when to use them.
Week 8: Mock exams and consolidation
- Take timed practice tests to match exam conditions.
- Review weak areas, memorize key definitions (ISTQB glossary), and practice exam techniques.
Optional Week 9–10: Extra practice and revision
- More mock exams, revisit challenging topics, group study or course if needed.
Study resources
- Official ISTQB/ISEB Foundation Level syllabus and glossary (must-read).
- Accredited training provider course materials (if you take a course).
- Practice question banks and mock exams (timed).
- Books: “Foundations of Software Testing” (syllabus-aligned textbooks) and other beginner-friendly titles.
- Forums and study groups for clarifying tricky concepts and sharing practice questions.
How to approach exam questions
- Read the question fully before looking at answers. Identify what is being asked (definition, technique, best practice).
- Eliminate clearly wrong choices first.
- For technique-based items, visualize an example (e.g., choose partitions or boundaries) to confirm.
- Watch out for qualifiers like “always,” “never,” or “only” — they often indicate false statements.
- Manage time: aim for ~1.5 minutes per question; flag and return to difficult items.
Common pitfalls and how to avoid them
- Memorizing definitions without understanding application — practice with examples.
- Confusing test levels or mixing test types — create a quick reference chart.
- Over-relying on shortcuts during practice — do full end-to-end mock exams under timed conditions.
- Ignoring the ISTQB glossary — many questions use exact glossary definitions.
Sample practice questions (brief)
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Which of the following is NOT a principle of testing?
- A: Testing shows the absence of defects.
- B: Exhaustive testing is impossible.
- C: Early testing saves time and money.
- D: Defect clustering occurs.
(Correct: A — testing can show defects but cannot prove their absence.)
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Equivalence partitioning is used to:
- A: reduce the number of test cases while maintaining reasonable coverage.
- B: measure code coverage.
- C: automate UI tests.
- D: track defects.
(Correct: A)
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A review that follows a formal process with entry/exit criteria and roles is called:
- A: Informal review
- B: Walkthrough
- C: Inspection
- D: Technical review
(Correct: C)
Exam-day tips
- Get a good night’s sleep and arrive early (or set up your environment if testing online).
- Bring permitted ID and materials as required by the test center.
- Read questions carefully and pace yourself. Don’t get stuck on one item.
- If allowed, use scrap paper for quick notes and calculations (or the online whiteboard).
- After finishing, quickly scan flagged questions if time permits.
After the exam
- If you pass: update your résumé/LinkedIn with the certification and describe key competencies gained. Apply for roles where testing fundamentals are required.
- If you don’t pass: review your score breakdown if provided, study weaker areas, take more timed practice tests, and retake when ready.
Final tips
- Focus on understanding concepts and practicing many example questions.
- Use the ISTQB glossary — many exam questions hinge on exact definitions.
- Learn to map techniques to real test situations rather than memorizing rules without context.
Good luck with BH0-004 — study systematically, practice with timed mock exams, and you’ll increase your chances of success.
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