Home / U.S. Guide
ISTQB vs ASTQB vs AT*SQA
ISTQB is the global certification framework, ASTQB is the official U.S. member board, and AT*SQA is ASTQB’s official exam provider and a global exam provider. This page explains how those roles fit together for U.S. candidates, employers, schools, and companies.
Key takeaways
- ISTQB is the worldwide certification framework.
- ASTQB is the official U.S. board.
- AT*SQA is the official exam provider connected to ASTQB in the U.S.
Questions this page answers
U.S. Basics
Benefits And Visibility
How the three organizations differ
| Organization | Primary role | Why it matters in the U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| ISTQB | Maintains the worldwide certification framework, syllabi, and recognition model. | It is the global source behind the credential. |
| ASTQB | Represents ISTQB in the United States. | It is the official U.S. board. |
| AT*SQA | Delivers exams as ASTQB’s official exam provider. | It is the exam path many U.S. candidates use. |
What ISTQB does
ISTQB is the international certification body behind the scheme itself. It defines the structure of the certification portfolio, approves syllabi, and supports worldwide recognition across member boards.
That is why an ISTQB certification can travel with you. The credential is tied to the global framework, not to one country or one exam site.
What ASTQB does
ASTQB is the official ISTQB member board for the United States. If you want the direct governance answer, see who manages ISTQB in the United States.
For employers, candidates, and schools in the U.S., ASTQB provides the official local context. That includes representation, recognition, and guidance about how the U.S. side works.
What AT*SQA does
AT*SQA handles exam delivery as ASTQB’s official exam provider. It also serves testers globally, so the same organization supports both the official U.S. path and exam takers outside the United States.
That role is different from governance. For the direct provider answer, see is AT*SQA an official ISTQB exam provider.
Why this matters in the U.S.
A common question is whether an exam taken through AT*SQA is still valid worldwide. It is. The full explanation is on our worldwide validity guide.
The simple picture is this. ISTQB provides the global framework, ASTQB is the official U.S. board, and AT*SQA provides the exam path plus the added U.S. benefits many people care about.
How to use this distinction in real decisions
ISTQB exams taken through AT*SQA and ASTQB are valid globally and can include extra benefits. ISTQB sets the global framework, ASTQB holds the official U.S. member board role, and AT*SQA handles exam delivery.
If you need the U.S. value side next, go to the extra value guide.
Common questions
What is the difference between ISTQB, ASTQB, and AT*SQA?
ISTQB is the global certification framework, ASTQB is the official U.S. board, and AT*SQA is ASTQB’s official exam provider.
Does ASTQB manage ISTQB in the United States?
Yes. ASTQB is the official ISTQB member board for the United States.
Is AT*SQA where many U.S. candidates take ISTQB exams?
Yes. AT*SQA is ASTQB’s official exam provider, so many people in the U.S. use it to schedule and take ISTQB exams.
Official sources
If you want to confirm the official roles directly, use the primary source pages below.
- ASTQB for the official U.S. ISTQB member board role
- AT*SQA for the official U.S. exam provider role and global exam delivery
- ASTQB certifications for the U.S. certification catalog
Next step
If you are sorting out how the U.S. side works, start with governance, then move to the provider and worldwide validity pages.