The Foundation Level addresses the advanced beginner in Requirements Engineering and provides the core knowledge of this topic. Everyone working with Requirements Engineering, Business Analysis, software and systems development, who is demanding in terms of quality and professionalism, should strive for it. The Foundation Level encompasses the elicitation of requirements with appropriate documentation, requirements verification and validation as well as their management throughout the end-to-end product life cycle.
There are no prerequisites to applying for the Foundation Level.
A person with a CPRE FL certificate
The applicable syllabus for education in the Foundation Level is:
Version 3.0, is available in the following languages:
valid since October 1, 2020: English and German
valid since February 1, 2021: Dutch
valid since April 1, 2021: French, Persian, Portuguese (Brazil), Russian
valid since May 1, 2021: Italian
valid since July 1, 2021: Chinese (中国), Swedish
valid since December 1, 2021: Polish
valid since January 1, 2022: Spanish
Version 2.2, valid since 1 March, 2015 is still available during the transition period (see below) in the following languages:
Spanish. See the downloads at the bottom of this page
See the downloads at the bottom of this page
For Chinese (中国), Dutch, English, French, German, Italian, Persian, Polish, Portuguese (Brazil), Russian and Swedish: The transition periods have expired, exams can onyl be taken based on syllabus version 3.0.
For Spanish: From January 1, 2022 until June 30, 2022 exams for the CPRE Foundation Level certificate can be taken both, based on syllabus version 2.2 and syllabus version 3.0. Candidates may choose. From July 1, 2022 on, exams can only be taken based on syllabus version 3.0.
The basis for the teaching content is provided by the CPRE FL syllabus, the CPRE Glossary, the book Requirements Engineering Fundamentals (corresponding to syllabus 2.2) or the CPRE FL handbook (corresponding to syllabus 3.0).
Attending a CPRE training course is recommended but not mandatory. The training providers recognized by IREB can prepare participants optimally for the exam.
For further information see training
Especially for CPRE aspirants in countries where CPRE training providers are few and far between, an online training course can be a good alternative to classroom training.
For available online training courses see online training
It is also possible to prepare for the CPRE exam via self-study.
The examination consists of a written examination (multiple choice test).
For further information see exams
Training providers usually offer packages that include both the CPRE training course and the sitting of the subsequent exam on-site, administered by an independent certification body.
Following an online training course or a self-study course the CPRE exam can also be taken in a test center. During the COVID-19 pandemic IREB allows exceptionally remote proctored exams as well.
For possibilities to take the exam see the list of certification bodies.
Major update of the CPRE Foundation Level syllabus
Chinese, Dutch, English, French, German, Italian, Persian, Polish, Portuguese (Brasil), Polish, Russian, Spanish and Swedish
Other languages are not yet available. For transition periods, please see the notes on the CPRE Foundation Level page
The CPRE Foundation Level syllabus states IREB's requirements for candidates to pass the Foundation Level exam and become a Certified Professional for Requirements Engineering. For this purpose the detailed content of each required training section is specified, as well as key words, learning targets and the recommended duration of the lessons. This document and the handbook are meant to serve as a concept for the training provider's course material as well as a means for candidates preparing for the exam individually.
The CPRE Foundation Level syllabus states IREB's requirements for candidates to pass the Foundation Level exam and become a Certified Professional for Requirements Engineering. For this purpose the detailed content of each required training section is specified, as well as key words, learning targets and the recommended duration of the lessons. This document is meant to serve as a concept for the training provider's course material as well as a means for candidates preparing for the exam individually.
Spanish only valid until June 30, 2022!
For transition periods, please see the notes on the CPRE Foundation Level page
This handbook complements the syllabus for the Foundation Level 3.0
The handbook addresses training providers who want to offer training courses for the Foundation Level according to the IREB standard, as well as trainees and interested practitioners who want to get a detailed insight into the content of the Foundation Level.
This handbook does not replace a training course!
The practice examination comprises 46 questions in the same form, structure and style as the live examination (approximately 45 questions).
The downloads also contains solutions and correction aids.
Aligned to the CPRE Foundation Level syllabus version 3.0
The practice examination comprises 46 questions in the same form, structure and style as the live examination (approximately 45 questions).
The downloads also contains solutions and correction aids.
Aligned to the CPRE Foundation Level syllabus version 2.2
This document lays out the IREB's conditions for the CPRE Foundation Level examination. It contains detailed information on duration, structure and types of questions, with some representative examples as well as special regulations.
This document guides you through the registration process for CPRE Foundation Level online exams at PEARSON VUE test centers.
Aligned to the CPRE Foundation Level syllabus version 3.0
The CPRE glossary is available in Chinese, Dutch, English, French, German, Italian, Persian, Polish, Portuguese (Brazil), Russian, Spanish and Swedish.
Languages other than Chinese and English contain cross references for the terms plus the definition of terms in English
Aligned to the most recent edition of the book Requirements Engineering Fundamentals, the CPRE Glossary aims to collect existing knowledge on Requirements Engineering terminology and define core terminology carefully and consistently.
Aligned to the CPRE Foundation Level syllabus version 2.2
The CPRE glossary is available in English and Chinese (Mandarin).
The English document includes - in addition to the definition of terms in English - cross references in Dutch, French, German, Hungarian, Italian, Polish, Portuguese (Brazil), Russian, Spanish and Swedish.
This glossary defines the terms which are relevant in the context of the RE@Agile.
The RE@Agile glossary is available in English and Chinese (Mandarin).
The English document includes - in addition to the definition of terms in English - cross references in French, German, Italian, Persian and Portuguese (Brazil).
Yes, it is possible. Ideally refer to both the CPRE Foundation Level syllabus and to the book Requirements Engineering Fundamentals.
Check out the practice examination to verify whether you are sufficiently well-prepared for the exam.
The CPRE Foundation Level certificate - or an equivalent - is the prerequisite for admission to the CPRE Advanced Level examination.
The British Computer Society (BCS) offers a variety of diplomas for professional development. Within the diploma Business Analysis there is a certificate Requirements Engineering. This certificate has a large overlap with the CPRE Foundation Level certificate. Therefore BCS and IREB have closed an agreement that candidates who have completed the BCS Certificate in Requirements Engineering will be exempt from taking the IREB CPRE Foundation level to progress to the Advanced level.
The exam in the Foundation Level is a multiple choice questionnaire. For details see the exam regulations of the Foundation Level.
The exam in the Advanced Level consists of a multiple choice questionnaire and a written assignment. For details see the exam regulations of the Advanced Level.