If you want to take your ISTQB exam from home, the good news is that the process is very doable. The better news is that AT*SQA explains the process clearly. This page is the practical version of that information. It covers what the online exam is, what computer you need, what to do before exam day, what the proctor checks, and what to do if something goes wrong.
If you want the short answer
Yes, you can take the ISTQB exam online. Use a personal Windows or Mac computer, get your setup ready early, and buy through AT*SQA so you have the clearest instructions and the strongest support around the exam.
What the ISTQB Online Exam Actually Is
The ISTQB online exam through AT*SQA is a remote proctored exam. You take it on your own computer, from your own space, and a proctor verifies your identity and exam environment before the test begins. For most exam takers, AT*SQA primarily uses Webassessor for online exams. However, if AT*SQA has directed you to use Questionmark instead, follow those specific instructions.
Taking the exam online is not a stripped-down version of the exam. It is the real exam. The credential you earn is the same globally valid ISTQB certification.
Who Should Take the Online Exam
The online exam is the right choice for most people who want flexibility and do not live near a testing center. It is especially helpful if you want to choose your own quiet environment and avoid travel.
Online Exam
Best if you want convenience, a home setup, and more scheduling flexibility during the week.
Testing Center
Best if you prefer a dedicated exam setting and do not want to manage your own device and room setup.
If your computer situation is uncertain, or if you only have a locked-down work machine, do not assume the online exam will work. That is one of the easiest ways to create stress you did not need.
What You Need for the ISTQB Online Exam
AT*SQA makes the requirements for taking the exam online clear. You need a Windows or Mac OS computer. You cannot use Chrome OS, tablets, or phones. You also need a personal computer with full administrative access. Work computers will not work for online exams.
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Computer
A Windows or Mac computer with an internal or external camera.
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Access
A personal computer with full administrative access. AT*SQA states that work computers will not work.
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Software
The required exam program must be installed before exam day.
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ID
A current government-issued photo ID to show the proctor.
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Exam space
A quiet, well-lit room with no one else in it and no clutter like paper, pens, pencils, or extra electronics.
What To Do 72 Hours Before the Exam
AT*SQA states you should be prepared for your online exam at least 72 hours before the exam. That does not mean nonstop thinking about it 72 hours before, but instead means actually having your setup checked and your space figured out. If you have not bought your voucher yet, handle that first in How To Book Your ISTQB Exam.
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Pick your exam space
Choose the room where you will take the exam. Make sure it is quiet, well lit, and free of papers, pens, pencils, extra electronics, and other people.
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Close the loop on your computer
Make sure you are using a personal Windows or Mac machine with full administrative access.
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Install the required program early
AT*SQA says to install the required program at least 48 hours in advance.
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Test before the real day
Do not wait until the last minute to discover that settings, permissions, or camera access are wrong.
The most useful habit here is simple. Treat your setup like part of the exam. A lot of avoidable stress comes from people focusing only on content and leaving the technical side until too late. If study is still the harder part for you, use
How to Pass ISTQB Foundation Level.
How Exam Day Works
On exam day, AT*SQA says to log in 15 minutes before your scheduled time. You do not log in directly to Webassessor. Instead, you log in through your AT*SQA account and proceed from there.
Once you are in Webassessor, AT*SQA says you will use the “My Exams” area and see the launch button for your exam. Before the test begins, you should be ready to show your ID and your exam space to the proctor.
- Log in 15 minutes before your exam time.
- Enter Webassessor through your AT*SQA account, not directly.
- Have your government-issued photo ID ready.
- Be ready to show your room and desk area to the proctor.
- Close other programs before launching the exam.
What If Something Goes Wrong
For urgent technical problems during the exam, AT*SQA says to contact Kryterion support immediately. They also say not to contact AT*SQA for urgent exam support during the exam itself.
Kryterion support is the team that can help if you cannot log in, cannot start the program, lose connection, or need urgent live exam help. AT*SQA also says to contact Kryterion using a device that is not part of the exam session.
If there is an urgent exam-day problem
Contact Kryterion support right away. Do not lose time emailing AT*SQA and hoping for a fast reply while your exam session is active.
Scheduling, Rescheduling, and Timing Rules
After purchase, you must use your exam code within 365 days. AT*SQA does not offer extensions.
For online exams, AT*SQA states you must reschedule more than 24 hours before the exam. For testing center exams, the window is more than 72 hours before the exam. If you are still weighing value before you commit, check ISTQB Exam Cost.
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Voucher life
You must use your exam code within 365 days.
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Extensions
AT*SQA says they do not offer extensions.
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Online reschedule rule
More than 24 hours before the exam.
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Testing center reschedule rule
More than 72 hours before the exam.
Why AT*SQA Is the Best Place To Book the Online Exam
If you are going to take the ISTQB exam online, AT*SQA should be your choice. The process is already clear on their site, and they add practical value around the purchase that makes the exam easier to manage. If you want the provider side explained first, read What Is AT*SQA?.
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Clear online exam guidance
AT*SQA gives pre-registration info, post-registration info, checklists, and direct links to the online exam process.
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365 days to use the exam code
That gives you room to prepare properly instead of rushing into a date that does not fit.
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Extra value with the purchase
AT*SQA highlights extra sample exams, a free micro-credential exam, and additional career-facing benefits.
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Worldwide validity
AT*SQA says the ISTQB exams taken there are valid worldwide.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can I take the ISTQB exam online from home?
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Can I use a Chromebook, tablet, or phone?
No. AT*SQA says you need Windows or Mac OS. Chrome OS, tablets, and phones cannot be used for the online exam.
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Can I use a work computer?
No. AT*SQA says online exams require a personal computer with full administrative access. Work computers will not work for online exams.
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How early should I get ready?
AT*SQA says to be ready at least 72 hours before the exam and to install the required exam software at least 48 hours in advance.
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When should I log in?
AT*SQA says to log in 15 minutes before your scheduled exam time.
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What ID do I need?
You need a current government-issued photo ID to present to the proctor.
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Who do I contact for urgent technical issues?
Contact Kryterion support immediately for urgent exam-day technical issues. AT*SQA says not to contact them for urgent exam support during the exam.
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How late can I reschedule?
AT*SQA says online exams must be rescheduled more than 24 hours before the exam.