ISTQB® Mission

• We promote the value of software testing as a profession to individuals and organizations.
• We help software testers to be more efficient and effective in their work, through the certification of competencies.
• We enable testers to progress their career through a Professionals' Code of Ethics and a multi-level certification pathway that provides them with the skills and knowledge they need to fulfil their growing responsibilities and to achieve increased professionalism.
• We continually advance the Testing Body of Knowledge by drawing on the best available industry practices and the most innovative research, and we make this knowledge freely available to all.
• We set the criteria for accrediting training providers, to ensure consistent delivery of the Body of Knowledge, world-wide.
• We regulate the content and coverage of exam questions, the examination process, and the issuing of certifications by official examination bodies.
• We are committed to expanding software testing certifications around the world, by admitting member boards into the ISTQB®. These boards adhere to the constitution, bylaws, and processes defined by the ISTQB®, and participate in regular audits.
• We nurture an open international community, committed to sharing knowledge, ideas, and innovations in software testing.
• We foster relationships with academia, government, media, professional associations and other interested parties.
• We provide a reference point against which the effectiveness of testing services can be evaluated, by maintaining our prominence as a respected source of knowledge in software testing.

ISTQB® Code of Ethics for test professionals

Involvement in software testing enables individuals to learn confidential and privileged information. A code of ethics is necessary, among other reasons to ensure that the information is not put to inappropriate use. Recognizing the ACM and IEEE code of ethics for engineers, the ISTQB® states the following code of ethics:

PUBLIC - Certified software testers shall act consistently with the public interest.

CLIENT AND EMPLOYER - Certified software testers shall act in a manner that is in the best interests of their client and employer, consistent with the public interest.

PRODUCT - Certified software testers shall ensure that the deliverables they provide (on the products and systems they test) meet the highest professional standards possible.

JUDGMENT - Certified software testers shall maintain integrity and independence in their professional judgment.

MANAGEMENT - Certified software test managers and leaders shall subscribe to and promote an ethical approach to the management of software testing.

PROFESSION - Certified software testers shall advance the integrity and reputation of the profession consistent with the public interest.

COLLEAGUES - Certified software testers shall be fair to and supportive of their colleagues, and promote cooperation with software developers.

SELF - Certified software testers shall participate in lifelong learning regarding the practice of their profession and shall promote an ethical approach to the practice of the profession.