ISTQB Advanced Test Manager Certification Training
Build strategic test management capability. 3-day intensive training by accredited ISTQB ATM trainer.
The ISTQB Advanced Test Manager certification is the internationally recognised standard for test management competency. Learn the frameworks, techniques, and knowledge to lead testing effectively in any SDLC model.
Why ISTQB Advanced Test Manager Training Matters
Most test managers are promoted from technical roles without formal management training. They're great testers but struggle with:
- Developing test strategies aligned with business goals
- Managing risk-based testing approaches
- Selecting and justifying test tools with ROI
- Estimating test effort accurately
- Building and motivating test teams
- Demonstrating the value of testing to stakeholders
The ISTQB Advanced Test Manager certification addresses all of these gaps with internationally recognised frameworks and best practices.
Who should attend
Ideal for test managers, test leads, QA managers, and senior testers moving into leadership roles.
You'll gain:
✓ Strategic test planning and risk-based approaches
✓ Test estimation and metrics for decision-making
✓ Tool selection with ROI justification
✓ Test process improvement frameworks
✓ Team building and leadership skills
Prerequisites: ISTQB Foundation Level certification + practical testing experience
What's Covered - ISTQB ATM Syllabus
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DAY 1
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DAY 2
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DAY 3
Day 1: Test Process, Context & Risk-Based Testing
Morning: The Test Process & Context
- Test planning, monitoring, and control activities
- Test completion and stakeholder management
- Adapting test management to different SDLC models (Agile, Waterfall, Hybrid)
- Managing testing across various test levels and types
- Test management activities to plan, monitor, and control
Afternoon: Risk-Based Testing
- Testing as a risk mitigation activity
- Quality risk identification and assessment techniques
- Risk-based test prioritisation and mitigation
- Techniques for risk-based testing
- Measuring success and effectiveness of risk-based approaches
Day 2: Test Strategy, Process Improvement & Test Tools
Morning: Test Strategy & Process Improvement
- Choosing appropriate test approaches
- Analysing organisational test strategy and project context
- Defining test objectives aligned with business goals
- Test process improvement using IDEAL model
- Model-based improvement (TMMi, CMMI)
- Analytical-based improvement approaches
- Retrospectives for continuous improvement
Afternoon: Test Tools & Test Metrics
- Good practices for tool introduction
- Technical and business aspects of tool decisions
- Tool selection process and ROI evaluation
- Tool lifecycle management
- Metrics for test management activities
- Effective test reporting to stakeholders
Day 3: Test Estimation, Defect Management & Test Teams
Morning: Test Estimation & Defect Management
- Formal test estimation techniques
- Factors influencing test effort
- Selecting appropriate estimation approaches
- Defect lifecycle management
- Cross-functional defect management
- Defect management in Agile and hybrid contexts
- Using defect information for process improvement
Afternoon: Building & Leading Test Teams
- Analysing required test team competencies (technical, methodological, social, personal)
- Assessing and developing team member skills
- Management skills required for test team leadership
- Motivating and demotivating factors for test teams
- Cost of quality and cost-benefit analysis of testing
Course Delivery & Certification
Format: 3 consecutive days, classroom or virtual delivery
Duration: 21 hours of instruction
Assessment: 3-hour exam (65 multiple choice questions)
Pass Mark: 65%
Certification: ISTQB Certified Tester Advanced Level - Test Manager (internationally recognised)
Training Includes:
✓ Comprehensive ISTQB ATM course materials
✓ Practical exercises and real-world examples
✓ Practice exam questions
✓ Exam preparation guidance
✓ Post-course support
Why Train with TestPilot?
Real-World Experience, Not Just Theory
Our training draws on 20+ years of implementing ISTQB frameworks across enterprises in 4 continents. The training includes practical examples from real projects, not just textbook scenarios.
ANZTB Associate Board Member
TestPilot contributes to testing standards through ANZTB board membership, ensuring training reflects both international standards and local context.
Consulting Background
We're not just trainers - we're testing consultants who help organisations implement these practices. We understand the challenges you'll face when applying this ISTQB knowledge in your environment.
Post-Training
Implementation Support
After ISTQB certification, you'll have access to guidance on implementing what you've learned in your specific context. Many clients combine training with consulting for maximum impact.
Training + Consulting = Maximum Impact
1. ASSESSMENT
Free maturity assessment identifies gaps in your testing capability
2. ISTQB ATM TRAINING
Team gets certified in ISTQB frameworks and best practices
3. IMPLEMENTATION CONSULTING
TestPilot helps embed ISTQB practices in your specific context
This approach ensures your team has both the knowledge (ISTQB training) and the practical application (consulting) to succeed.
Learn more about TestPilot consulting services
Not sure if training is right for your team?
Start with a free testing maturity assessment
Next public course
Date: 15-17 December 2025 (Monday-Wednesday)
Location: Christchurch, New Zealand (classroom)
Booking: Through The Knowledge Academy
In-House Corporate Training
Prefer training delivered to your team (5+ people)?
Benefits:
- Tailored to your context and challenges
- Flexible scheduling and location (onsite or virtual)
- Examples drawn from your industry
- Post-training implementation planning included
Common Questions
Is ISTQB ATM certification worth it?
Yes, if you're managing testing. It provides internationally recognised frameworks for all aspects of test management.
Do I need ISTQB Foundation first?
Yes, Foundation Level is a prerequisite.
Can I attend if I work in Agile/DevOps?
Absolutely. The syllabus covers test management in Agile, hybrid, and traditional contexts.
What if I can't make the public course date?
Contact me about in-house training - we can schedule around your availability.
Christchurch-Based, Serving Businesses Nationally
TestPilot is a boutique testing consultancy focused on strategic guidance and capability transformation. We work with New Zealand businesses that need senior-level testing expertise without the overhead of large consulting firms.
We're founder-led by Wil Samuels, who brings 20+ years of testing experience across ERP implementations, SaaS platforms, and enterprise applications. As an ANZTB Associate Board Member, ISTQB Advanced Test Manager, and accredited training provider, we bring recognized expertise and active involvement in testing standards and professional development.
Previous engagements include test strategies and independent reviews for Vodacom, MTN, Woolworths (S.A), and Infinite Software across telecommunications, energy, retail, and enterprise software sectors.
Our approach is collaborative, practical, and results-focused.
Christchurch-Based, Serving Businesses Nationally
TestPilot is led by Wil Samuels, a senior testing consultant with 20+ years of experience across ERP implementations, SaaS platforms, and enterprise applications. As an ANZTB Associate Board Member, ISTQB Advanced Test Manager, and accredited ISTQB Advanced Test Management training provider, Wil brings proven expertise to every engagement.
Through previous consulting ventures, Wil has delivered test strategies and independent reviews to Infinite Software, Volograms, Engen, Vodacom, MTN, and Woolworths (S.A) across telecommunications, energy, retail, and enterprise software sectors.
Our approach is collaborative, practical, and results-focused.
Get Started
Next public course: 15 December 2025, Christchurch
In-house training: Available on request