There is always another certification for software testing or quality assurance; they seem to expand endlessly in multiple directions, depending on where candidates look.
Software testing certifications aren’t required to be a professional, but they can help candidates stand out from the crowd and land them a better job or a higher-paying contract. Certifications validate professional skills and provide a common understanding of quality assurance principles and methodologies.
Software testing certification programs also provide recognition and verification of testing expertise. Many certifications provide specific training on different testing tasks, tools, or skills. For example, if testers have no experience with test automation, they can take a certification course and receive training in addition to certification.
Benefits of a software testing certification
Certifications can function similarly to a specialized level and give potential employers a better understanding of the depth of a tester’s experience. Certifications are not required; many QA test managers, directors and testers have very successful careers without them. However, certifications can help get a foot in the door for higher-quality employers by demonstrating a known set of standard skills. When looking for a testing job, testers with one or more certifications can stand out. Certifications can be a deciding factor, especially for higher-level or better-paying testing positions.
In some cases, a software testing certification is preferable to a full degree.
Obtaining a respected certification offers several benefits, including:
Access to ongoing training and training materials.
A credible and standardized knowledge base for testing.
Better access to jobs and top employers.
Career opportunities.
Diversification of skills to keep a testing portfolio up to date.
Most certifications are updated regularly, but candidates should verify this before selecting one. Choose certifications that are updated at least every two years or more. Certifications can help candidates build credibility and a complete knowledge base, but they must be current. A testing knowledge base includes skills and understanding of common testing standards and practices.
How to Choose a Software Testing Certification
For all certifications, always read the fine print and understand the reimbursement implications. Plan enough time to learn the material or take a course that covers this material. Many testers form study groups or take exams as a team within an organization for better learning and support.
For all certifications, always read the fine print and understand the reimbursement implications.
Start with a basic-level certification and then add specialized certifications in Agile testing, test automation, and other areas that validate specialized skills. Always check with employers and see if they pay for additional certifications. Often organizations pay for certification materials and exam fees if the tester passes.
Top 7 Software Testing Certifications
These certifications were chosen based on reviews of credible software testing knowledge sites, tester experience surveys, and experience with ISTQB/ASTQB certification testing. The author has chosen to include some atypical certifications based on their immediate usefulness for a typical software testing career. For example, the LambdaTest Bootcamps and the Simplilearn Automated Test Engineer certifications offer additional software testing training that is more intensive and personalized beyond the post-completion certification. The number order is not indicative of the ranking.
Below are seven of the best software testing certifications available today.
1. ASTQB ISTQB Foundation Level Certification (CTFL)
Requirements: None required.
Costs: $229
Skills covered: Basic test development, execution, test strategy and planning, and defect identification. In addition, it covers general testing tasks, test-related definitions and risk management skills. Testers learn general information about managing tests, creating effective tests, Agile testing, and the SDLC.
Value: The CTFL is the foundational or initial certification that testers must obtain before obtaining advanced certifications. An advantage of obtaining a CTFL certification is that testers who fail are given at least one more attempt before having to pay additional fees. Find more details or view the exam at atsqa.org.
2. ASTQB ISTQB Advanced Test Analyst Certification (CTAL-TA)
Requirements: CTFL Certification
Costs: $249
Skills covered: The advanced test analyst certification is the same as the CTFL, but includes more details on choosing test techniques, team management, problem solving, Agile testing, and more advanced testing tasks such as regression suite management and test execution management.
Value: The CTAL-TA is intended for testers who are interested in expanding their knowledge to more advanced testing techniques, including team management and planning. When obtaining CTAL certification, testers who fail are given at least one more attempt before incurring additional fees. Consider taking the ISTQB Test Manager Advanced certification to build skills in manager positions after passing the Advanced Test Analyst. Find more details or view the exam at atsqa.org.
3. ASTQB ISTQB Advanced Technical Test Analyst Certification (CTAL-TT)
Requirements: CTFL Certification
Costs: $249
Skills covered: This exam covers the same general skills as the CTFL exam, but with more detail on working with code, troubleshooting problems, and helping troubleshoot problems with the testing team.
Value: The CTAL-TT helps when testers want to learn test automation, technical support, or other advanced testing skills. The CTAL-TT includes advanced knowledge of test management, testing techniques, troubleshooting skills and risk management. Testers who fail will be given at least one more attempt before incurring additional fees. Find more details or view the exam at atsqa.org.
4. LambdaTest Bootcamp for manual, automated and AI testing
Requirements: Basic software testing skills or experience are helpful, but not required.
Costs: Free
Skills covered: Testers can choose one or take all three. LambdaTest offers certification for manual testing, automated testing, and HyperExecute, its proprietary AI testing tool.
Value: Excellent value for the price. Testers receive online training materials and can register for exams on the LambdaTest certifications page. Testers can take other exams to demonstrate testing skills. For example, testers can take a course and test to get certified in Selenium, Playwright and Cypress. Read more on the certifications page.
5. Simplilearn Automated Test Engineer Certification
Requirements: Graduates looking for hands-on experience and test automation training.
Costs: $1499
Skills covered: 200 hours of applied learning in more than 15 tools. This course trains testers to a master level of test automation engineers. It includes training in Selenium WebDriver, TestNG, Maven, AutoIT, Selenium Grid, Appium, and Docker, which prepares testers to build a test automation framework after certification.
Value: The costs are high, but include 8 to 10 months of training in all the skills needed to plan, develop, and execute automated testing. Testers who want to get serious about test automation need this level of training and certification. Read more on Simplilearn.
6. Certified Software Tester (CSTE)
Requirements: A university degree or work experience of two to four years.
Costs: $150-$270
Skills covered: Covers general testing principles and techniques with a focus on quality control. Testers learn online through a syllabus and training materials, or can enroll in a course that covers the materials. The certification covers general software testing skills, including test management, strategy, test development and defect management.
Value: Reasonable price. It provides practical knowledge intended to give testers faster career development. The CSTE offers program options at various price points. More information can be found on the GAQM website.
7. Certified Software Quality Engineer (CSQE)
Requirements: Full-time employee with managerial experience, eight years of work experience or a mix of higher professional education and work experience.
Costs: $533
Skills covered: Full understanding of software quality development and implementation and software inspection skills, including validation and verification testing. The certification involves building an understanding of software development and maintenance procedures.
Value: Reasonable price. The certification provides practical knowledge intended to give testers faster career development. The CSTE offers program options at various price points. More information can be found at asq.org.
Amy Reichert has been a professional QA tester and writer for over 25 years. As a tester, she specializes in test development and Agile team management.
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