The ISTQB was officially founded as an International Software Testing Qualifications Board in Edinburgh in November 2002.  The international recognition of the certification is due to the participation of many countries as opposed to any country-specific scheme.

The main aims, tasks, and responsibilities of the ISTQB are:
•    To define and maintain all aspects of the ISTQB Certified Tester scheme such as core syllabi, examination structure, regulations, and certification guidelines.
•    To ensure that each successful participant receive the "ISTQB Certified Tester" certificate (or the local variant with the added "ISTQB compliant" logo).
•    To promote testing as a profession, increase the number of qualified testers, and develop a common body of understanding and knowledge about testing, through the syllabus & terminology.
•     To approve, monitor compliance, or expel national boards.
 Some advantages offered by the ISTQB Certified Tester scheme are:
•    Testers don't need to know English in order to gain a recognized qualification with less cultural bias. It also allows them to move across country borders.
•    Economic benefits accrue to testing-related suppliers such as training providers, consultants, etc. in all participating countries.
•    European/multinational/international projects can have a common understanding of testing issues.
 
Three level of exams

1.    Foundation Level (CTFL)
2.    Advanced Level (CTAL)
3.    Expert Level (CTEL)

For more details, please visit their official website mentioned below
http://www.istqb.org/