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Introduction

0.1 About the Syllabus​

This syllabus serves as both a guidance document for participants and a requirement specification for Accredited Training Providers preparing candidates for the "Robot Framework® Certified Professional" (RFCP®) exam. It outlines the structure, learning objectives, and knowledge areas essential for certification.

This syllabus is not a training manual, tutorial, or comprehensive learning resource but instead defines the scope of knowledge that must be taught in a Robot Framework training and acquired by participants to meet the certification requirements.

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For further explanation, complementary examples, and practical exercises beyond the scope of this syllabus, participants are encouraged to consult additional resources, such as the official documentation at docs.robotframework.org.

The syllabus is divided into chapters that progress logically from basic concepts to more advanced topics of Robot Framework.

The learning objectives (LOs) specified within this document are binding, meaning they define the specific knowledge and skills participants are expected to acquire during the course in order to pass the exam. Therefore, trainers are required to effectively cover the syllabus within their course. Additionally, the recommended sequence of topics in this syllabus helps guide the order of learning, but the specific teaching methods, order and pace may be adapted by the instructor based on class dynamics or need.

0.2 About "Robot Framework® Certified Professional"​

The Robot Framework® Certified Professional (RFCP®) certification represents the foundational level of expertise in Robot Framework. It provides participants with a strong understanding of the core principles, syntax, and basic control structures needed to develop effective automation scripts.

While the RFCP® includes an introduction to advanced features such as FOR-Loops and IF statements, the focus is primarily on awareness rather than in-depth mastery, leaving detailed exploration of these topics to the more advanced future certification levels.

RFCP® concentrates on essential concepts such as keyword-driven automation, script execution, and integrating external libraries. It is designed for those seeking proficiency in Robot Framework’s core functionalities while gaining an overview of its broader capabilities. This certification does not require or teach domain-specific automation knowledge, such as web, API, or database automation.

0.3 Business Outcomes​

Upon completing this course, participants will achieve the following capabilities:

  • Understand the architecture and mechanics of Robot Framework: Gain a clear understanding of how Robot Framework® operates, including its core components, execution flow, and interaction with external libraries.

  • Develop and maintain stable automation scripts: Learn how to create automation scripts that are robust, easy to maintain, and adaptable to different scenarios.

  • Develop user keywords and build keyword repositories for reuse: Understand how to create reusable keywords and build keyword repositories to improve efficiency and maintainability in automation projects.

  • Write documentation: Learn best practices for documenting keywords, suites and tests or tasks to ensure clarity and ease of use for future script maintenance or collaboration.

  • Integrate external automation libraries: Leverage external libraries to enable Robot Framework® to interact with a wide range of technologies, such as APIs, user interfaces (Web, Mobile, others), databases, and many more.

  • Understand the flow of more complex automation scripts: Gain insights into how to structure and manage automation scripts that involve flow control, conditional executions or more intricate workflows.

  • Run automated executions: Develop skills in executing automation tasks efficiently.

  • Understand, analyze, and debug automation results/protocols: Learn how to interpret automation execution results, identify issues, and debug scripts effectively.

0.4 About Learning Objectives and Knowledge Levels​

The learning objectives (LOs) are a critical component of this syllabus, as they define what participants are expected to know and be able to do by the end of the course. To ensure a clear understanding of these objectives, we apply Knowledge Levels (K-Levels) as a framework for assessing learning progress. These levels are based on Bloom's Taxonomy of Educational Objectives. See Bloom's taxonomy

  • K1 (Remember): Basic knowledge of terminology and facts. At this level, participants are expected to recall essential terms, concepts, and definitions.

  • K2 (Understand): Comprehension of concepts. Participants should demonstrate an understanding of the principles behind Robot Framework, such as its mechanics, syntax and architecture.

  • K3 (Apply): Practical application of knowledge. Participants are expected to be able to write and execute automation scripts, develop keywords, interact with external libraries, and find errors in their automation scripts.

Throughout this syllabus, participants will progress through these knowledge levels—from basic recall (K1) to understanding and explaining concepts (K2), and ultimately applying their knowledge to practical automation tasks (K3). This structured approach ensures participants gain a comprehensive and practical understanding of Robot Framework fundamentals and their application in real-world scenarios.

0.5 About Accredited Training Providers​

Accredited Training Providers are organizations officially accredited by the Robot Framework Foundation to offer certified training programs for a specific certification level. These partners shall deliver high-quality, structured courses designed to prepare candidates for the Robot Framework® Certified Professional (RFCP®) exam and other future Robot Framework certifications.

All training providers are members of the Robot Framework Foundation, and their training materials have been reviewed by independent Robot Framework experts chosen by the Robot Framework Foundation to ensure the Foundation's quality standards. Only these Accredited Training Providers are permitted to refer to their courses as "Robot Framework®" training or use the term "Robot Framework® Certified Professional" or "RFCP®" in connection with their programs, due to the trademark on these terms.

Trainings can be exclusively pursued through these partners, but obtaining a certificate is not dependent on completing their courses, allowing flexibility for candidates to self-study if desired.

0.6 About Exam Providers​

Exam providers are independent organizations responsible for administering certification exams for the Robot Framework® certification program. These providers manage the entire examination process, from scheduling and conducting the exams to handling participant data and maintaining certification records.

An exam provider ensures that the certification process is handled professionally and securely. They are tasked with delivering a seamless exam experience, including remote proctoring services, technical support, and other logistical elements. In addition to overseeing the exam itself, they maintain strict confidentiality and compliance with data privacy regulations, ensuring the secure management of all participant information.

The exam provider is also responsible for storing and managing certification data. This includes tracking which participants have earned certifications, maintaining certification validity, and providing verification services if needed.

Global Association for Software Quality (GASQ)​

Our current exclusive exam provider is the Global Association for Software Quality.

Global Association for Software Quality , abbreviated GASQ, is an international exam provider and a leading association in the software quality industry. GASQ was founded by experts from Europe, Asia and America as an independent, international non-profit association aiming to advocate and promote software quality in research, teaching and industry.

0.7 Acknowledgment of Contributors​

The Robot Framework syllabus and the corresponding "Robot Framework Certified Professional®" (RFCP) certification would not have been possible without the efforts of its author and contributors. This chapter acknowledges their valuable contributions to the development of this syllabus.

The Author

The primary author of this syllabus is René Rohner.

Contributors

The following individuals have contributed to the development of this syllabus:

Alena Drebezgova, Alex Read, Christoph Singer, Elout van Leeuwen, Frank van der Kuur, Gerwin Laagland, Ilmari Salmela, Jörg Irle, Krzysztof Żminkowski, Lydia Peabody, Michael Biech, Miikka Solmela, Pekka Klärck, Pyry Hartman, Sami Pesonen, Simon Meggle, Tatu Kairi, and Tomáš Hák.

Special Mentions

Special recognition is given to Gerwin Laagland, Simon Meggle, and Frank van der Kuur, whose thorough reviews and insightful suggestions greatly enhanced the clarity, structure, and overall quality of the syllabus.

Krzysztof Żminkowski, and Simon Meggle contributed significantly to the creation of the exam by proposing thoughtful and challenging questions.

Sami Pesonen laid the groundwork for this syllabus by assembling the initial collection of topics to be covered, forming the foundation upon which the syllabus was built.

Acknowledgment

The creation of the "Robot Framework Certified Professional®" syllabus stands as a testament to the dedication and generosity of its contributors. Most of the work has been done pro bono, reflecting a deep commitment to the principles of open-source collaboration and knowledge sharing. Each contributor—from those who meticulously reviewed and refined the content to those who laid its very foundation—has left a lasting impact. Their combined efforts have ensured that this document serves as a meaningful and accessible resource. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone involved for their invaluable contributions.