6 software quality assurance certifications to consider

Software testing is the process of evaluating the quality of a software product. Additionally, it improves the product and lessens all of its flaws and issues. The STLC, or Software Testing Life Cycle, is a framework for professional software testing projects.

Software testers are typically the professionals in charge of the testing process. A dedicated testing team is required for complex, full-featured software products, whereas smaller, simpler software products can get by with just a few or even one tester.

Software testing encompasses a variety of job roles, from testers and test analysts to testing managers and test designers. There are many software testing certifications available for both professionals and aspirants, in addition to software testing courses.

Software Testing Certification – ISTQB CSTE CSQA Testing Certifications Detaisl

International Software Testing Qualification Board (ISTQB) Tester

Professionals with common software testing credentials are recognized globally by the International Software Testing Qualification Board (ISTQB) Tester certification. It is a globally recognized certification that adheres to a standard curriculum. The entry-level exam costs $250. For those with more experience, ISTQB also offers additional certification levels.

Although there are no enrollment requirements for this specific certification, it is advised that people obtain at least six months of work experience before finishing it.

What is a software quality assurance certification?

A certification program for software quality assurance (QA) is a free service to assist experts in this field in maintaining their knowledge of the market. These programs expand on basic knowledge of the QA field. Typically, they involve a test upon completion of the training. A certification title may be obtained by those who achieve a certain score.

Why are software quality assurance certifications important?

Software quality assurance certifications are crucial opportunities for professional growth that support the industry’s goal of maintaining consistent quality. A software QA certification can enhance your knowledge and help you build your resume. Benefits of earning a software QA certification include:

Top Software & Manual Testing Course Certifications

One of the top certifications for software testing is included in the list of software testing certifications below:

ISTQB: International Software Testing Qualification Board is a standardized qualification for beginner software testers. ISTQB is one of the best software testing certifications in demand that consists of 58 members board worldwide represents 81 testing certification courses for certified Agile tester.

CSTE: CTSE stand for certified Test engineer. This certification is best suited for the tester who wants to prove his/her expertise in the field of Quality control.

CSQA: Certified Software Quality Analyst, also known as CSQA. This is a specially designed course for an experienced tester who is working as a Quality Control or Quality Assurance Professional.

CQA: CQA (Certified Quality Auditor) is a QA tester certification course. The software testing certification helps professionals to enhance their testing skills. They are also able to learn the standards and principles associated with auditing.

CQE: Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) is a QA certification for testers which allows testing professionals to learn the important principles of product and service quality evaluation control.

CSTP: CSTP stands for Certified Software Test Professional Level (CSTP). It is one of the best testing certifications course which helps professionals to develop higher level software testing skills.

CSQE: Certified Software Quality Engineer is a manual tester certification course for a quality managers. It helps them to handle various types of testing projects.

CQIA: Certified Quality Improvement Associate (CQIA) is a course for Understanding the quality basic for Quality managers and testers. It helps them to understand various quality concepts.

CSPM: Certified Security Project Manager Certification is the only Quality management certification which addresses the unique demands of the security project manager.

CTM: Certified testing management is a testing certificate for senior testing professionals. It gives them training for test management.

Best Software Testing Certification

There are a variety of software testing certifications available, including entry-level credentials for beginners, intermediate credentials for testers with some experience, and master- and expert-level credentials for testers with extensive backgrounds.

Certifications give people the opportunity to assess their knowledge and learn more about their craft, in addition to making a portfolio look appealing. Consider looking at these top 10 software testing certifications if you’re searching for a relevant certification:

Level: Beginner Offered by: Quality Assurance Institute (QAI)

Exam Details:

Format – Multiple-choice

Total Questions – 100

Total time – 75 minutes

Passing Score – 70%

Fee:$100

A software testing-based certification called CAST, or Certified Associate in Software Testing, demonstrates a basic comprehension of the ideas and procedures involved in quality testing.

For those wishing to enter the software testing field, it is a suitable software testing certification. Candidates must fulfill one of the following requirements in order to be qualified to pursue the software testing certification:

A 3- or 4-year degree from an accredited institution.

A 2-year degree from an accredited institution along with 1-year of experience working in the IT industry.

At least a 3-year experience of working in the IT industry.

At Pearson VUE Testing Centers, the CAST certification test is given. Candidates who submit their CAST applications successfully will receive a 367-page PDF titled Software Testing Body of Knowledge (STBOK) for CAST. It is ample to prepare for the CAST exam.

You can buy this book here.

Level: Intermediate Offered by: QAI

Exam Details:

Format – Multiple-choice + Essay-type

Total Questions – 100 + 12

Total Time – 75 minutes + 75 minutes

Passing Score – 70% (average of scores in both exams)

Fee:$350

$420 (includes a book version of the STBOK PDF)

Having a Certified Software Tester certification guarantees professional-level proficiency in quality control (QA) principles and procedures. The CSTE certification is suitable for obtaining the position of a software testing or quality control manager.

Candidates must be employed in software testing (quality control) or have held a position in this field within the previous 18 months of the time of application in order to be eligible to enroll in the Certified Software Tester program. Moreover, the candidates must meet one of the following prerequisites:

A 4-year degree from some accredited institution + At least a 2-year working experience in the IT field.

A 3-year degree from an accredited institution + At least a 3-year working experience in the IT field.

A 2-year degree from an accredited institution + At least 4 years of experience in working in the IT industry.

At least 6-year experience of working in the IT field.

Two exams are required for CSTE certification, both of which are offered at Pearson Vue Testing Centers. Candidates will receive Software Testing Body of Knowledge for CSTE (STBOK), a 557-page PDF covering the entire exam syllabus, after successfully registering for the certification program.

You can buy this book here.

Level: Advanced Offered by: QAI

Exam Details:

Format – Constructed response/essay type

Total Questions – 7 + 5

Total Time – 75 minutes + 75 minutes

Passing Score – 70% (average Score of both exams)

Fee:$450

A global-level certification appropriate for management-level software testing positions is the Certified Manager of Software Testing (CMST). CMST exams are administered at Pearson Vue Testing Centers, just like other QAI offerings.

CMST shows that the holder has the necessary skill set to manage software testing projects in addition to guaranteeing that the certification holder has working-level proficiency in the principles and practices of software testing.

Candidates must be employed full-time in the field of software testing and satisfy one of the following requirements in order to be eligible to apply for the certification exam:

A bachelor’s degree from any accredited institution + At least 4 years of working experience in software testing.

An associate degree from an accredited institution + At least a 6-year working experience in software testing.

At least 8 years of working experience in the software testing field.

Eligible candidates receive the 609-page Software Testing Body of Knowledge for CMST (STBOK) PDF to prepare for the exam. The test consists of two exams and a 10-minute break that evaluate a candidate’s expertise in the following four areas:

Test Management

Test Analysis

Test Planning and Execution

Communications and Relationships

You can buy this book here.

Level: Beginner Offered by: International Software Testing Qualifications Board (ISTQB)

Exam Details:

Format – Multiple-choice

Total Questions – 40

Total time – 60 minutes (15 additional minutes for participants taking the examination in a non-native language.)

Passing Score – 65%

Fee:$250

Anyone seeking to demonstrate their understanding of fundamental software testing concepts, such as different types of software testing, test planning and designing, defect management, and evaluating project and product risks, should pursue the ISTQB Foundation Level (CTFL) certification.

The foundational testing positions of tester, test analyst, and testing consultant are suitable candidates for this certification. The ISTQB Foundation Level (CTFL) certification has no prerequisites.

You can buy this book here.

Level: Intermediate Offered by: ISTQB

Exam Details:

Format – Multiple-choice

Total Questions – 40

Total time – 60 minutes

Passing Score – 65%

Fee:$150

Agile testing is a more recent method of software testing that has recently gained popularity. It is based on the Agile software development methodology. This certification is intended for:

Entry-level testers are interested in Agile testing.

Experienced testers in traditional approaches to software development.

Expert developers tied to Agile projects with basic knowledge of testing.

The ISTQB Foundation Level (CTFL) certification is supplemented by the ISTQB Agile Tester certification. In order to apply for the ISTQB Agile Tester certification, interested candidates must first hold a current ISTQB Foundation Level (CTFL) certification.

You can buy this book here.

Level: Advanced Offered by: ISTQB

Exam Details:

Format – Multiple-choice

Total Questions – 60

Total time – 180 minutes

Passing Score – 75%

Fee:$250

The ISTQB Advanced Level Test Analyst certification is one of the best software testing certifications for individuals working in mid-range job profiles in the software testing industry to demonstrate their mettle as a professional test analyst.

It is designed for software engineers, automation engineers, and other related professionals. Candidates must possess the ISTQB Foundation Level (CTFL) certification and fulfill one of the requirements listed below in order to successfully apply for the advanced-level software testing certification.

A degree in computer science or related field from an accredited institution + 24 months of software testing experience for taking *2 sub-modules or 36-month experience for taking all the three sub-modules.

A non-bachelor degree from an accredited institution + At least 60-month experience working in software testing.

The three sub-modules are:

Technical Test Analyst

Test Analyst

Test Manager

You can buy this book here.

Level: Advanced Offered by: ISTQB

Exam Details:

Format – Multiple-choice

Total Questions – 45

Total time – 120 minutes (30 minutes extra for candidates giving the examination in a non-native language.)

Passing Score – 65%

Fee: $249

For testing professionals who have accumulated years of experience and are now seeking to advance significantly in their careers, the Advanced Level Security Tester certification is designed. A certified Advanced Level Security Tester is capable of:

Analyzing and documenting security test needs.

Assisting an organization in building information security awareness.

Evaluating an existing security test suite and suggesting additional security tests.

Identifying security test objectives for a project.

Planning, evaluating, and performing security tests from various perspectives, including policy-based, risk-based, and vulnerability-based.

On the official ISTQB website, you can access the syllabus for the certification in advanced software testing. Requisites for the Advanced Level Security Tester certification are:

Having a valid ISTQB Foundation Level (CTFL) certification, and

At least 3 years of relevant academic, practical, or consulting experience.

You can buy this book here.

Level: Advanced Offered by: ISTQB

Exam Details:

Format – Multiple-choice

Total Questions – 40

Total time – 90 minutes (23 minutes extra for candidates giving the examination in a non-native language.)

Passing Score – 65%

Fee: $249

The Advanced Level Agile Technical Tester certification is one of the best options for individuals looking to advance their careers in agile testing. Requisites for the software testing certification are:

A valid ISTQB Foundation Level (CTFL) certification,

A valid ISTQB Agile Tester certification,

A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, and

Some professional experience in software testing (determined by the Exam Board through which candidates undertake the course).

An Advanced Level Agile Tester certified by the Agile Alliance can use agile techniques to define testable requirements, create and implement multiple Agile testing approaches, and ensure adequate testing coverage. Syllabus for the Advanced Level Agile Tester Certification includes:

Aspects of Code Quality.

Deployment and Delivery.

Requirement Engineering.

Test Automation.

Test-Driven Development (TDD).

Testing in Agile.

You can buy this book here.

Level: Intermediate Offered by: Micro Focus Education

Exam Details:

Format – Multiple-choice

Total Questions – 45

Total time – 2 hours

Passing Score – 70%

Fee:$200

The most recent certification for the well-known testing tool UFT (Unified Functional Testing), formerly known as QTP, was introduced recently. Based on the latest Micro Focus UFT v14. This software testing certification examination evaluates a candidate’s proficiency in:

Software testing,

Knowledge of software testing principles and practices, and

Expertise in UFT.

The certification exam was previously provided for three additional levels, but is now only available at the ASP (Accredited Software Professional) level:

ASE – Accredited Software Expert,

CSE – Certified Software Expert and

CSP – Certified Software Professional.

To champion the Unified Functional Testing v14. x Certified Professional exam. Micro Focus offers the UFT120-Unified Functional Testing 14. x Essentials training course via its Micro Focus Education platform. The exam’s entire syllabus is broken down into 6 modules:

Module 1: MF UFT Overview

Module 2: MF UFT GUI Testing

Module 3: Working with Objects

Module 4: Enhancing GUI Tests

Module 5: UFT API Testing

Module 6: Setting up and Viewing Run Results in UFT

You can buy this book here.

Level: Beginner Offered by: International Institute for Software Testing (IIST)

Exam Details:

Format – N/A

Total Questions – N/A

Total Time – N/A

Passing Score – 80%

Fee: $120

In 1991, IIST first began providing Certified Software Test Professional (CSTP) certification. A suitable software testing certification for those looking to begin their careers in the lucrative field of software testing is the Associate-level CSTP.

While CSTP-A is geared toward newcomers, Practitioner-level and Master-level are two other CSTP levels that are appropriate for product managers, QA specialists, and other professionals with a multi-year background in software testing. CSTP-A covers:

Principles and practices involved with software testing.

Defect tracking.

Requirements definition, refinement, and verification.

Static testing.

Test automation, design, and management.

You can buy this book here.

6 Best Certifications For Software Quality Engineers

In order to properly implement Scrum, project teams need the assistance of a Certified ScrumMaster. CSMs provide a level of knowledge and expertise above and beyond that of typical project managers because they are familiar with the Scrum values, practices, and applications. CSMs serve as “servant leaders,” facilitating collaboration and Scrum framework learning for the rest of the Scrum team.

In order to properly implement Scrum, project teams need the assistance of a Certified ScrumMaster. CSMs provide a level of knowledge and expertise above and beyond that of typical project managers because they are familiar with the Scrum values, practices, and applications. CSMs serve as “servant leaders,” facilitating collaboration and Scrum framework learning for the rest of the Scrum team. Certification Details.

More than two years of education or training after high school required? No

More than two years of work experience required? No

Oral or Written Exam Required? Yes

Renewal Required?

Certifying Website

FAQ

What certifications should I get for quality assurance?

• Certified Test Engineer (CSTE) …
• Certified Software Quality Analyst (CSQA) …
• Certified Associate in Software Testing (CAST) …
• CMSQ (Certified Manager of Software Quality) …
• ISTQB (International Software Testing Qualifications Board)

What are 5 QA best practices?

• develop a clear-cut plan;
• set SMART QA goals and objectives;
• employ a multi-directional testing strategy;
• conduct external quality reviews;
• maintain thorough documentation;
• maintain a healthy atmosphere in the team;
• don’t underestimate errors;
• keep learning.

What certifications should a software tester have?

• Advanced Level Test Analyst. …
• Advanced Level Test Automation Engineer. …
• Advanced Level Test Manager. …
• Foundation Level Agile Tester Certification. …
• CASTP Practitioner Level Certified. …
• Certified Associate In Software Testing (CAST) …
• Certified Software Test Automation Architect.

What is software quality certification?

A certification program for software quality assurance (QA) is a free service to assist experts in this field in maintaining their knowledge of the market. These programs expand on basic knowledge of the QA field. Typically, they involve a test upon completion of the training.