- What TMMi is: Test Maturity Model integration, a free test maturity model from the TMMi Foundation, a non-profit organization and ISTQB alliance partner. TMMi is not an ISTQB certification.
- Current version: TMMi model V2.0 (June 2026), with five maturity levels: Initial, Managed, Defined, Measured and Optimization.
- Credentials for individuals: TMMi Professional (a knowledge exam on the model), Certified TMMi Test Process Improver (based on evidence of certificates and experience) and accreditation as a TMMi Assessor or Lead Assessor.
- TMMi Professional exam: 40 multiple-choice questions, 60 minutes (75 in a non-native language), pass with 26 points (65%). No prerequisites.
- For organizations: a formal assessment led by an accredited lead assessor can give your company a formal TMMi maturity rating.
- Who it's for: test managers, QA leaders, consultants, process improvement team members and anyone who uses the model.
If your organization wants to know how mature its testing process is, or needs a clear, recognized path to improve it, TMMi is the reference model the TMMi Foundation itself describes as the leading model for test process improvement. This guide explains what TMMi is, how its model is structured, which credentials exist for individuals, what the TMMi Professional exam looks like and how it relates to ISTQB.
All information comes from the official documents published on tmmi.org (TMMi model V2.0, release notes and the TMMi Professional syllabus V2.3) and from exam providers recognized by the TMMi Foundation.
What TMMi is and where it fits
TMMi (Test Maturity Model integration) is a freely available software quality and test maturity model maintained by the TMMi Foundation, a non-profit organization that helps organizations improve their software and system testing processes. Beyond the model, the Foundation defines how assessments are done and accredits assessors.
TMMi isn't ISTQB, but they're allies
It's worth clarifying because people often mix them up:
- ISTQB certifies individuals in testing knowledge (Foundation, Advanced, Expert, specialist).
- The TMMi Foundation maintains a maturity model for organizations and certifies individuals in using that model.
The two organizations have had a strategic alliance since 2019, renewed in February 2025. According to ISTQB.org, through that alliance several ISTQB Member Boards also act as TMMi Local Chapters (30 active at the time of the announcement), and TMMi includes ISTQB certifications in the criteria for its Test Process Improver credential.
Within the ISTQB scheme itself, TMMi appears in the Advanced Test Management syllabus and is studied in depth in Expert Level Improving the Test Process.
The current version: TMMi model V2.0
In June 2026 the TMMi Foundation released version 2.0 of the model. According to its release notes, the main changes are:
- Agile and DevOps focus: new examples, work products and sub-practices drawn from "TMMi in the Agile world" and "TMMi in the DevOps world."
- A leaner model: roughly 30% fewer pages than release 1.3.
- The specific/generic goal and practice distinction was removed. Institutionalization is now covered by dedicated process areas.
- A business value statement for each process area.
- Automation and AI: the People, Process and Technology (PPT) framework defines the model's scope, and an annex covers artificial intelligence.
- Quality engineering: an annex maps quality engineering topics to the process areas.
- Level 1 was revised and a section was added clarifying that "TMMi is NOT a checklist."
The TMMi model: levels and process areas
TMMi is a staged model: an organization moves up level by level, and each level lays the groundwork for the next. From level 2 onward, each level has process areas with goals and practices. Its structure is largely based on CMMI, which makes adoption easier for organizations already familiar with that model.
| Level | Process areas (model V2.0) | Core idea |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Initial | No process areas | Testing depends on individual effort and there's no stable process. |
| 2. Managed | Test Policy and Strategy · Test Planning · Test Monitoring and Control · Test Design and Execution · Test Environment · Implementation and Habit | Testing becomes a managed process on each project: policy, strategy, plans, monitoring and environments are in place. |
| 3. Defined | Test Organization · Test Training Program · Test Process and Integration · Non-Functional Testing · Peer Reviews | The process is standardized organization-wide, integrated into the lifecycle, and covers non-functional testing and reviews. |
| 4. Measured | Test Measurement · Product Quality Evaluation | Testing and product quality are measured quantitatively. |
| 5. Optimization | Defect Prevention · Quality Control · Test Process Optimization | Data-driven continuous improvement and defect prevention. |
Source: TMMi model V2.0 release notes. Compared with release 1.3, "Test Lifecycle and Integration" was renamed "Test Process and Integration," "Implementation and Habit" was added at level 2 and "Advanced Reviews" was removed from level 4.
Practical example: a company that tests each release "however it can," with no plan or metrics, is at level 1. If it defines a test policy and strategy, plans testing for each project, monitors progress, designs test cases with techniques and manages its environments, it's on its way to level 2. If it also standardizes all of that across teams, creates a training program and adds performance testing, security testing and reviews, it's aiming for level 3.
Which TMMi credentials exist
The TMMi Foundation offers a career path with several credentials. These are the ones described on tmmi.org:
| Credential | What it shows | How you get it |
|---|---|---|
| TMMi Professional | Knowledge of the TMMi model and how to apply it | A formal multiple-choice exam with a recognized provider. No prerequisites. |
| Certified TMMi Test Process Improver | Professional competence in test process improvement | Based on evidence: TMMi Professional + advanced testing certificates + process assessment competence. Requires TMMi Foundation membership. |
| Accredited TMMi Assessor | Ability to take part in TMMi assessments | TMMi Professional + assessor training (TAM) + accreditation criteria. Requires membership. |
| Accredited TMMi Lead Assessor | Ability to lead formal assessments | The Foundation's accreditation criteria ("TMMi (Lead) Assessor Accreditation Criteria"). Requires membership. |
TMMi Professional
The entry point, and the only credential on the path earned through an exam. According to tmmi.org, it's open to anyone interested in the model and aimed at those who use it: test process improvers, consultants, assessors, business stakeholders, test managers and Test Process Group members. It's also a prerequisite for assessor training and for the Test Process Improver credential.
Certified TMMi Test Process Improver
You don't earn it through an exam but by proving competence in four areas with recognized certifications. According to tmmi.org, you need:
- TMMi model: the TMMi Professional certificate.
- Testing processes, roles and practices: two ISTQB certificates other than Foundation (any Advanced, Agile or specialist module) or equivalents. Other certificates demonstrating in-depth testing knowledge are also accepted.
- Process assessment: one of the following: accredited TMMi Assessor or Lead Assessor status; accredited SCAMPI Appraiser or Lead Appraiser status; the ISTQB Expert Level "Improving the Testing Process – Part 1: Assessing Test Process" certificate; completing a TMMi assessor course with a recognized provider; or at least 24 hours assisting on a TMMi assessment led by an accredited assessor.
You apply by submitting your certificates and evidence to a recognized exam provider, and membership in the TMMi Foundation is required.
TMMi Assessor and Lead Assessor
These are accreditations for people who assess organizations. Assessor training on the TAM (TMMi Assessment Method) requires the TMMi Professional certificate first; after completing it successfully you can apply for TMMi Assessor accreditation, subject to criteria. The full assessor and lead assessor criteria, including re-accreditation, are in the "TMMi (Lead) Assessor Accreditation Criteria" document. There's also the independent assessor role, which can perform informal but not formal assessments.
Assessing and certifying organizations
Organizations don't "take an exam"; they get assessed.
- Informal assessment: a quick diagnosis that doesn't require corroborating sources. Useful to know where to start.
- Formal assessment: must use an accredited assessment method and can result in a formal maturity rating against the TMMi model.
- Assessments are carried out by Assessment Service Providers with accredited lead assessors, and results are reported to the Foundation.
Who it's for and prerequisites
- Test managers and QA managers who want a recognized framework to improve their function and measure progress.
- Quality leaders whose companies are seeking a formal TMMi maturity assessment, for example to stand out with clients.
- Consultants and process improvement team members.
- Experienced testers who want to understand what a mature testing process looks like.
TMMi Professional prerequisites: none formally. iSQI states there are no mandatory prerequisites or prior certifications, although basic testing knowledge, such as ISTQB Foundation Level, helps. A course isn't required to sit the exam.
What you'll be able to do
The TMMi Professional syllabus V2.3 defines six business outcomes. A certified person can:
| Code | Business outcome |
|---|---|
| BO1 | Explain to management the business importance of test process improvement. |
| BO2 | Guide and advise an organization, project or team using the TMMi model as the basis for test process improvement. |
| BO3 | Advise on successfully applying artificial intelligence with TMMi. |
| BO4 | Support the interpretation and understanding of the TMMi model. |
| BO5 | Act as a co-assessor in informal TMMi assessments. |
| BO6 | Participate in test process improvement programs within an organization, project or team. |
The TMMi Professional syllabus chapter by chapter
The TMMi Professional syllabus V2.3 (June 2026), updated for model V2.0, requires at least 720 minutes (12 hours) of instruction, typically over two days. These are its topics, with the number of exam questions for each:
| Topic | Time | Questions | Key topics |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Introduction to the TMMi model | 70 min | 4 | Business reasons, background, costs and benefits, sources, scope, the PPT framework, relationship with quality engineering |
| 2. Maturity levels | 60 min | 4 | The five levels and their process areas |
| 3. Structure of TMMi | 60 min | 4 | Required, expected and informative components; institutionalization; relationship with CMMI |
| 4. The TMMi model | 270 min | 12 | Process areas, goals and practices for levels 2 to 5 |
| 5. TMMi in Agile and DevOps contexts | 70 min | 4 | How TMMi complements Agile and DevOps, with interpretation examples |
| 6. Artificial intelligence | 60 min | 4 | Testing AI-based systems vs. using AI for testing; TMMi and GenAI |
| 7. TMMi assessments | 60 min | 4 | Formal and informal assessments, process and rating, accreditation criteria |
| 8. Implementing TMMi | 70 min | 4 | The IDEAL phases and "TMMi is not a checklist" |
1. Introduction to the TMMi model
Why organizations invest in improving testing, where TMMi comes from, its costs and benefits, its scope (independent of lifecycle) and the People, Process and Technology (PPT) framework: improving testing isn't only about changing processes, but also about training people and adopting tools. It closes by comparing TMMi with quality engineering.
2. Maturity levels
What characterizes each of the five levels and which process areas you need to master to reach them. It's the basis for understanding why TMMi is staged: there's no point optimizing with advanced metrics (level 5) if test planning and monitoring (level 2) aren't in place yet.
3. Structure of TMMi
The model's components and how they're classified as required (goals), expected (practices) and informative (sub-practices, examples, typical work products). Also what institutionalization means and how TMMi relates to CMMI.
4. The TMMi model
The largest block of both the course and the exam (12 of 40 questions). You need to understand each level's process areas and goals (K2) and recognize their practices (K1). Example: in level 2's "Test Monitoring and Control," the organization tracks test progress and product quality against the plan and takes corrective action when there are deviations.
5. TMMi in Agile and DevOps contexts
How TMMi complements Agile and DevOps, how an Agile implementation differs from a traditional one and how to interpret process areas with examples. For instance, test planning in Scrum can live in refinement and sprint planning instead of a lengthy document.
6. Artificial intelligence
It distinguishes testing AI-based systems from using AI for testing, how to apply TMMi to AI systems, how it connects with the PPT framework and which process areas can be supported by AI and GenAI. If you're interested in this topic from the ISTQB side, see AI Testing (CT-AI) and Testing with Generative AI (CT-GenAI).
7. TMMi assessments
What assessments are for, the differences between informal and formal ones, how the process works and how model components are rated, and what accreditation criteria apply to assessors.
8. Implementing TMMi
How to run an improvement program through the five IDEAL phases: initiating, diagnosing, establishing, acting and learning. And why "TMMi is not a checklist": the goal is to improve business outcomes, not tick boxes.
Download the official syllabus
The official TMMi documents (model V2.0, its release notes, the TMMi Professional syllabus V2.3 and two sample exams) are free to download from the TMMi Foundation website:
To prepare, the TMMi Foundation also points to the TMMi model itself, the book The Little TMMi and the document TMMi in the Agile world.
The TMMi Professional exam
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Format | 40 multiple-choice questions, 1 point each |
| Duration | 60 minutes; 75 minutes if the exam isn't in your native language |
| Pass mark | 65% (26 points or more) |
| Prerequisites | None; a course isn't required |
| Version | Based on TMMi model V2.0 (syllabus V2.3) |
Sources: TMMi Professional syllabus V2.3 and the iSQI exam page.
Where to take it
You book it with one of the exam providers recognized by the TMMi Foundation: Brightest, iSQI, GASQ or Certible. For example, iSQI, our partner, offers it online with remote proctoring (test center delivery is listed as "coming soon") and in English. If your company is paying or you need an invoice, message us on WhatsApp and we'll point you in the right direction.
How to prepare
- Download model V2.0 and syllabus V2.3 and make sure you study the new version, not release 1.3.
- Memorize the structure: the five levels, their process areas and the difference between required, expected and informative components.
- Spend a third of your time on topic 4, which accounts for 12 of the 40 questions. Make a card for each process area with its purpose, goals and business value.
- Connect it to your work: run an informal assessment of your own process with the TMMi Lightning Scan tool available on tmmi.org and see which level you're at.
- Review the new topics: Agile, DevOps, artificial intelligence and the PPT framework, which weren't in earlier versions of the syllabus.
- Work through the two sample exams published by the TMMi Foundation.
Benefits and career paths
- For your organization: an internationally recognized framework to diagnose, prioritize and measure testing improvement, with the option of a formal maturity rating that can set it apart with clients.
- For you: a shared language to discuss maturity with leadership, assessors and other quality teams.
- A clear career path: TMMi Professional → assessor training → TMMi Assessor → Lead Assessor, or TMMi Professional → Certified TMMi Test Process Improver.
- Target roles: QA manager, process improvement consultant, Test Process Group lead, TMMi assessor.
- A natural complement to ISTQB: your advanced ISTQB certificates count toward the Test Process Improver credential.
Related certifications and next steps
| Certification | Relationship with TMMi |
|---|---|
| ISTQB Foundation Level (CTFL) | Recommended testing knowledge base before TMMi Professional |
| ISTQB Advanced Test Management (CTAL-TM) | Covers process improvement with models such as TMMi; counts as an advanced certificate for Test Process Improver |
| Test Analyst (CTAL-TA) and Technical Test Analyst (CTAL-TTA) | Advanced ISTQB certificates that also count toward Test Process Improver |
| ISTQB Expert Improving the Test Process (CTEL-ITP) | Studies TMMi alongside other models; its Part 1 meets the process assessment requirement for Test Process Improver |
| ISTQB Expert Test Management (CTEL-TM) | Strategic test management, aligned with TMMi levels 2 and 3 |
| Quality in DevOps (CT-QDO) | Complements the TMMi in DevOps topic |
Frequently asked questions
Is TMMi an ISTQB certification?
No. TMMi is a maturity model from the TMMi Foundation, a non-profit organization separate from ISTQB. The two have had a strategic alliance since 2019, renewed in 2025, but TMMi credentials are awarded by the TMMi Foundation through its recognized providers.
Which TMMi credentials exist for individuals?
TMMi Professional (a knowledge exam on the model), Certified TMMi Test Process Improver (based on evidence of certificates and assessment experience) and accreditation as a TMMi Assessor or TMMi Lead Assessor for those who perform assessments.
What is the TMMi Professional exam like?
It has 40 multiple-choice questions worth 1 point each. It lasts 60 minutes, or 75 if it isn't in your native language, and you pass with 26 points (65%). There are no prerequisites and a course isn't required.
What are the TMMi maturity levels?
Five: 1 Initial, 2 Managed, 3 Defined, 4 Measured and 5 Optimization. From level 2 onward, each level has process areas the organization must implement to reach it.
Can my company get TMMi certified?
Yes. A formal assessment using an accredited method and led by an accredited lead assessor can result in a formal maturity rating against the TMMi model. It's a good idea to run an informal assessment first to see where the organization stands.
What changed in TMMi model V2.0?
Model V2.0 (June 2026) is leaner, incorporates Agile and DevOps, removes generic goals and practices, adds a business value statement per process area, and adds annexes on AI and quality engineering. It also changed some process areas, such as the new "Implementation and Habit" at level 2.
Do I need ISTQB Foundation to take TMMi Professional?
It isn't mandatory. There are no formal prerequisites, although basic testing knowledge, such as ISTQB Foundation Level, makes the model much easier to understand.