ISTQB Foundation Level learning objectives.
Learning objectives describe the level at which a candidate is expected to know or use a topic. ISTQB Foundation Level uses K1, K2, and K3 levels.
K-level overview
K1 means Remember, K2 means Understand, and K3 means Apply. K3 topics require applying a procedure to a familiar task, so they often need more practice than terms that only need recall.
| K-level | Meaning | What it asks you to do | Example preparation |
|---|---|---|---|
| K1 | Remember | Recognize or recall a term, fact, or basic idea | Use glossary review and short recall checks |
| K2 | Understand | Explain, compare, classify, or interpret a concept | Practice explaining terms in your own words |
| K3 | Apply | Use a procedure in a familiar task | Work through examples such as selecting test cases from a technique |
Depth varies by topic
Do not assume every syllabus topic has the same depth. A definition at K1 is different from a technique at K3. The learning objective level is one of the best signals for how to study a topic.