In this article, we have listed the 8 best software testing certifications based on experience for QA Testing Professionals. Read on and find out which one is the best suited for you.
In the last topic we had discussed – Is it worth getting a QA Software Testing certification? Certification is very much important if we want to have holistic growth in our professional life.
Certification not only adds to your profile but also acts as a catalyst to boost knowledge and change your way to think “the other way”. When implemented correctly, it helps to think strategically, and has a long-term vision.
Table of Contents:
- Best Software Testing Certifications Based on Your Experience Level
- Here are some of the top recommended certification courses
- Level #1 – Beginner (0 – 5 Year Experience)
- Level #2 – Intermediate (5 – 8 Years Experience)
- Level #3 – Advance Level (8 – 11 Years Experience) – If Aspiring for a Test Architect kind of role
- Level #4 – Advance Level (8 – 11 Years Experience) – If Aspiring for a Test Manager kind of role
- Level #5 – (Expert Level11+ years) If aspiring for Delivery manager – QA / OA Leaders kind of a role
- Certification for Foundation Level Extension – Agile Tester
- Certified Agile Software Test Professional Practitioner Level (CASTP-P)
- Certified Agile Software Test Professional Master Level (CASTP-M)
- Professional Scrum Developer certification
- Advanced Level Test Automation Engineer
- Certified Automation Functional Testing Professional
- Certified Software Test Automation Specialist
- Certified Software Test Automation Architect
- Was this helpful?
- Recommended Reading
Best Software Testing Certifications Based on Your Experience Level
Learning should never stop.
Keeping this thought in mind, here I am trying to list the top certifications available for QA professionals based on their experience, right from the beginning of their career to later stages. But we should keep in mind that the certification you do should be well mapped to your experience level.
Please note that these are just recommendations. The choice of selecting a certification/course is based on one’s personal aspirations.
Here are some of the top recommended certification courses
#1) Certified Tester ISTQB Foundation Level (CTFL)
Who is this course best for?
This course from Udemy is a perfect crash course for beginners who want to master the basic techniques and principles associated with software testing. The course is especially ideal for those who wish to prepare for the ISTQB Foundation level certification exam.
Features of the course
- Lessons explaining key issues in software testing
- Spearheaded by Industry recognized experts
- Lessons on designing tests to cover business requirements adequately.
- 5 Articles and 1 practical test
- 16 Downloadable resources
Duration: 8.5 hours of on-demand video
Price: $19.99
#2) Certified ISTQB® Agile Tester Foundation Level Exam
This online course at Udemy walks you through all testing techniques associated with various Agile methodologies.
Who is this course best for?
This is the perfect course for those who aspire to become skilled ISTQB-certified agile testers. By the end of this course, you will be able to master the skills required from a tester for handling Agile projects.
Features of the course
- Learn Fundamentals of Agile Software Development
- Learn Between Traditional and Agile Testing Approach
- Learn tools, techniques, and methods of Agile testing processes.
- 4 Downloadable resources
- Learn to Assess Product quality risks
Duration: 3.5 hours of on-demand video
Price: $19.99
#3) Certified ISTQB® Test Analyst Advanced Level (CTAL-TA)
This is an online course designed to help students prepare for the ISTQB advanced-level test analyst certification exam. By the end of this course, you will learn how to identify and implement test designs for varying applications.
The course also teaches you how to create good quality test design specifications by leveraging effective testing techniques.
Features of the course
- Learn how to determine domain validity
- Learn how to test quality characteristics by applying suitable techniques.
- 7 Downloadable resources
- 1 Practice test
- Covers the latest ISTQB Test Analyst Advanced level syllabus
Duration: 9.5 hours of on-demand video
Price: $19.99
#4) Certified ISTQB® Test Manager Advanced Level Exam (CTAL-TM)
This course was designed to help students prepare for the ISTQB advanced-level test manager certification. The online course covers some of the best and most relevant testing methods being used today for software testing.
Moreover, you will be learning the concept of project management, software testing, and quality management from an industry-recognized expert.
Features of the course
- Learn up-to-date software testing methods
- 1 Article
- 22 Downloadable Resources
- Covers full syllabus for Advanced Test Management certification
Price: 10 Hours On-Demand Video
Duration: $19.99
#5) Agile Scrum Master Certification
You will learn about the key characteristics of Agile Scrum Master and understand the difference between predictive and adaptive approaches to development among many other things.
Who is this course best for?
This is an effective online course for those who wish to prepare for the Agile Scrum Master Certification exam. The course serves as a guide that explains the detailed process of preparing an Agile Scrum Master.
Features of the course
- 4 Articles
- 2 Practical Tests
- 4 Downloadable resources
- Covers key concepts associated with Agile Scrum Master
Price: $19.99
Duration: 4.5 hours
Level #1 – Beginner (0 – 5 Year Experience)
1) Institute: QAI (Quality Assurance Institute – Florida – USA)
Certification: CAST – Certified Associate In Software Testing
How to Prepare: Once you register and pay the fee, you would receive the ” Software Testing Body of Knowledge (STBOK) for CAST (367 pages) book. That should be sufficient to prepare for the exam.
Exam Format: 100 multiple choice questions in 75 minutes’ time
Eligibility: One of the below:
- 3 Year or 4 Year degree from an accredited college
- 2 Year degree in college with 1 year of experience.
- 3 Year experience in IT.
Pass%: 70
Fee: $100
How to Apply: To apply for the CAST certification candidates must first log in to their Customer Portal account. If new to the Portal then need to create one by clicking on the Register Now link, and then the Register as a New User tab.
Link to Register: Register here
2) Institute: ISTQB (International software testing qualification board)
Certification: ISTQB – Foundation Level
How to Prepare: Click here to get the study material.
Recommended: We have 100% sure to pass the study guide on the ISTQB foundation level exam. It contains 800+ practice questions, 200+ premium questions, and many eBooks based on the ISTQB exam syllabus. If you are interested in getting this study guide please check this page. It’s a premium study guide.
Exam Format: 40 multiple choice questions in 60 minutes
Pass%: 65%
Eligibility: None
Fee: Rs 4500 – India (Approx.), The US $250 – For the USA
How to apply: Connect with your National or Regional Board for information on Exam Providers, exam dates, applicable fees, and booking information.
If there are more than 10 candidates from the same company for the exam, then the exam can be conducted in the company by ITB.
Link to register: Register here
Level #2 – Intermediate (5 – 8 Years Experience)
#1) Institute: QAI ( Quality Assurance Institute – Florida – USA)
Certification: CSTE – (Certified Software Test Engineer)
How to Prepare: CBOK (Common Body of Knowledge) book is sufficient to prepare for the exam. Read the book thoroughly and take up some mock tests available on the internet to prepare for the exam.
Exam Format: The exam is divided into 2 parts:
100 Multiple choice questions in 75 minutes; 12 essay-type questions in 75 minutes.
Pass%: 70% which is the average of both the parts.
Eligibility: One of the below:
- A 4-year degree from an accredited college-level institution & 2 years experience in the information services field
- A 3-year degree from an accredited college-level institution & 3 years experience in the information services field
- A 2-year degree from an accredited college-level institution & 4 years experience in the information services field
- Six years of experience in the information services field
AND
Are working, or have worked at any time within the prior 18 months, in the field within covered by the certification designation?
Fee: $350 – Includes fee and pdf format book; $420 – Includes fee, Book, and CD
How to apply: To apply for CSTE certification candidates must first log in to their Customer Portal account. If new to the Portal then need to create one by clicking on the Register Now link, and then the Register as a New User tab.
Link to register: Register here
#2) Institute: HP
Certification: HP HP0-M102 for UFT version 12.0
How to Prepare: Self-study, practice, and take up the mock exam.
Exam Format: Total of 69 questions of multiple-choice, drag-and-drop, and point and click
Pass%: 75%
Fee: $350 approx.
How to apply: You need to have a HP Learner ID.
Create an account with PearsonVUE. Once you submit the form, you will need to schedule your exam through the Schedule Proctored Exam link. You will find the details of the cost and language of the exam and need to select a date, time, and up to 3 centers to give the exam.
Link to register: Check this link to get learners’ IDs; and this link to create an account with PearsonVUE.
Level #3 – Advance Level (8 – 11 Years Experience) – If Aspiring for a Test Architect kind of role
Institute: ISTQB (International software testing qualification board)
Certification: ISTQB – Advanced Level – Test Analyst, ISTQB – Advanced Level – Technical Test Analyst
How to Prepare: Study material + self-study and knowledge gained through experience would all combine to prepare for the exam.
Exam Format: Total of 65 multiple choice questions in 180 minutes. For the Technical test Analyst – Total 45 multiple choice questions in 120 minutes.
Pass%: 75%
Eligibility: Foundation level certification/scorecard AND anyone from below:
- For Degree holders in computer science or related fields, you need 24 months of testing experience if you want to take 2 sub-modules and 36 months of experience is mandatory if you want to take all three sub-modules.
- For a non-bachelor degree in computer science, 60 months of experience
Fee: India – Rs-4500 approx. for each of the sub papers; USA- $250 for each of the sub papers
How to apply: You need to find your exam provider and freshly enroll yourself in the ISTQB site for the advanced module. The enrollment is the same as that for the foundation level.
- Click here to download the syllabus for Test Analyst
- Click here to download the syllabus for Technical Test Analyst
Link to register: For the Indian board, register here or go through this link.
Check out these links for the US board and For the UK board.
Level #4 – Advance Level (8 – 11 Years Experience) – If Aspiring for a Test Manager kind of role
Institute: ISTQB (International software testing qualification board)
Certification: ISTQB – Advanced Level – Test Manager
How to Prepare: Study material + self-study and knowledge gained through experience would all combine to prepare for the exam.
Click here to download the material.
Exam Format: Total of 65 multiple choice questions in 180 minutes
Pass%: 75%
Eligibility: Foundation level certification/scorecard. AND
Anyone from below:
- For Degree holders in computer science or related fields, you need 24 months of testing experience if you want to take 2 sub-modules and 36 months of experience is mandatory if you want to take all three sub-modules.
- For a non-bachelor degree in computer science, 60 months of experience
Fee: India – Rs-4500 approx. for each of the sub papers; USA- $250 for each of the sub papers
How to apply: You need to find your exam provider and freshly enroll yourself in the ISTQB site for the advanced module. The enrollment is the same as that for the foundation level.
Link to register: For the Indian board or go through this link.
For the US board and for the UK board.
Level #5 – (Expert Level11+ years) If aspiring for Delivery manager – QA / OA Leaders kind of a role
Institute: ISTQB (International software testing qualification board)
Certification: ISTQB – Expert Level – Test Manager
How to Prepare: Study material + self-study, referenced books, and knowledge gained through experience would all combine to prepare for the exam.
Click here for the Syllabus.
Exam Format
- 25 multiple-type questions in 45 minutes
- 2 out of 3 Essay type questions in 90 minutes
Click here for more details.
Pass%: 75%
Divided into 3 sub-modules:
- Strategic management
- Operational Test Management
- Managing the test team
ISTQB – Expert Level – Improving the testing process
Divided into 2 sub-modules
- Assessing the test process
- Implementing test process improvements.
Eligibility: Foundation level certification/score card.
- Advanced Certificate depending upon the expert module desired
- Minimum 5 years of testing experience.
- Minimum 2 years of experience in the selected Expert level
Fee: US $375 for each exam
How to apply: You need to find your exam provider and freshly enroll yourself in the ISTQB site for the advanced module. The enrollment is the same as that for the foundation level.
Link to register: For the Indian board or go through this link.
For the US board, register here and for the UK board here.
As we all know that Agile methodology is widely used these days and gaining a lot of popularity, let us now talk about some Agile certifications for software testers.
Certification for Foundation Level Extension – Agile Tester
Institute: ISTQB (International software testing qualification board)
Certification: ISTQB Agile Tester Certification
No doubt, a tester working in an Agile team will work differently than the one working in a traditional team. For a tester to work effectively in an Agile Environment, this certification is very useful. This certification is an add-on to the ISTQB Foundation Level certification.
Who can benefit from this certification?
- Testers experienced with traditional SDLCs
- Entry-level testers who are interested in Agile Testing
- Experienced developers with some knowledge of testing who work on Agile projects
- Roles include testers, test analysts, test engineers, test consultants, test managers, user acceptance testers, software developers
How to Prepare: To prepare for the Agile Tester extension, you can review the free resources on ASTQB which include syllabus, Agile tester extension overview, PPT on ‘Summary: Agile Tester in a Nutshell’, webinar, ISTQB Agile Foundation Introduction Video, Sample Exam, answer sheet and more sample questions. If you wish then you can also attend two days of accredited training for foundation-level Agile certification.
Click here for Syllabus.
Eligibility:
- ISTQB Foundation Level Certification is a pre-requisite
Fee: US $150
How to apply: First, you need to create an account at the ASTQB registration site. If you already have an account, you can log in with your existing credentials. There are four ways to take the exam:
- Via the Online exam center
- Via an accredited Training Provider course
- Onsite at your company
- Onsite at your college or University
Detailed instructions to apply for the exam are available at the link to register (below).
Link to register: Click this link to register for the exam.
Exam Format
- 40 multiple-choice questions to be answered in 60 minutes
Pass%: 65%
Note: In the future, two Advanced Agile module certifications will also be available.
Certified Agile Software Test Professional Practitioner Level (CASTP-P)
Institute: IIST (International Institute for Software Testing)
Certification: CASTP – P Certified
This certification is designed to help test professionals in adapting to the culture of agile projects. It will aid you in developing the skills required to work in an agile environment. This certification will enhance your communication and team dynamics skills, and enable you to work in a fast-paced, incremental, and iterative project model.
Who can benefit from this certification?
- All testing professionals who want to skill themselves to work on agile projects.
- Test leads & test managers who work on managing the test efforts in Agile projects. After acquiring this certification, they will be able to manage the test efforts more effectively.
- Developers who want to perform effective testing in agile projects.
Exam Format
There will be a written exam associated with each module. So, in total there will be 3 exams. The time duration to complete each module and exam is up to 30 days.
Pass%: 80%
Click here for complete details.
Eligibility:
There are two prerequisites before attempting CASTP – P certification exam:
- You should be a Certified Software Test Professional – Associate level or equivalent.
- At least one year of work experience in a software testing-related job. You need to provide a letter signed by your supervisor describing the responsibilities you had on that job.
Formal Education Requirements:
You need to cover 3 days of training that will cover the following areas of ATBOB:
- Agile Development Methodologies (CASTP #1)
- Agile Requirement Exploration and Requirement Management (CASTP #2)
- Agile Test Design and Test Execution (CASTP #3)
Click here to check on the training options.
Fee: In the US $885 per person (this covers both training and certification exams) for the online mode of training & certification.
There will be an additional $50 non-refundable graduation fee after passing the exams.
A $100 fee for an exam retake.
How to apply: You need to register to attend the training modules. Upon registration, you will be receiving access codes for all the above three modules and their associated exams.
Detailed instructions to apply for the exam are available at the link to register (below).
Link to register: Click this link to register for the course.
Certified Agile Software Test Professional Master Level (CASTP-M)
The prerequisite to obtaining this certification is that you should be CASTP-P certified & must hold 2 years of work experience in the field of software testing. It is very helpful for experienced test professionals who want to do even better in their agile projects.
Click here to explore further details on this certification regarding training options, exam format, etc.
The validity of this certification is 3 years i.e. it will expire in 3 years after it is granted. You will have to complete recertification requirements before that time.
Professional Scrum Developer certification
Apart from the above certifications in Agile testing, you can also go for the professional scrum developer certification offered by Scrum.
This certification is mainly meant for developers, however, since testers are part of the development team and overall agile team, this certification can prove very useful for testers as well. This certification course has very rich content for agile testing as well.
It costs you $200.
Click here for the complete details on the certification.
Having said enough about agile testing certifications, let’s now explore some automation testing certifications that will help you stand out in the field of automation testing:
Advanced Level Test Automation Engineer
This certification offered by ISTQB is meant for professionals who have already reached an advanced point in their software testing career and want to further develop expertise in automation testing.
If you equip yourself with this certification, you will be able to contribute greatly toward building automation solutions for business and designing test automation architecture (TAA).
Click here for more information.
The exam consists of 40 MCQs to be completed in 90 mins with a 65% passing percentage.
You may go through the below-embedded pdf for end to end details on this certification:
Certified Automation Functional Testing Professional
This certification is provided by V Skills -A government of India & govt. of NCT Delhi joint venture.
It is a government certification and there is no minimum education qualification required. It is beneficial for both professionals and students who are engaged (or want to engage) in the field of software testing.
This course covers a lot of automation testing & QTP.
The study material is sent once you enroll for the certification. The exam consists of 50 questions to be completed in 1 hour with a 50% passing percentage.
It will cost you Rs. 3,499.
Click here for complete details on this certification.
Certified Software Test Automation Specialist
This certification offered by IIST aims at those test automation personnel who want to further enhance their test automation skills and become an expert in this area.
Click here for complete details on prerequisites, exam structure, certification requirements, fees, etc.
Certified Software Test Automation Architect
If you are CSTAS certified, then you are eligible for this certification.
This is intended for those test professionals who want to engage themselves in developing TAA (test automation architecture) and database frameworks.
Click here for complete details on prerequisites, exam structure, certification requirements, fees, etc.
These days mobile software testing is also in great demand. So, one of the certifications which can help you in that area is Certified Mobile Software Test Professional (CMSTP) which is again offered by IIST.
Click here to explore all the certifications offered by IIST.
With the growing technologies and expansion in the field of software testing, there are a lot of certifications and courses which can help you to move forward. Furthermore, you need to choose the best certification for yourself based on your experience level and the kind of job role you are in or want to be in.
I was recently reading a job description at an organization for Test Analyst with 3-5 years total exp. They were demanding any of the Technical/Business/Quality Certification: CSTE, ISTQB, CMMI, LOMA.
So, what I will suggest to you is to stay up to date with the market demands and check out what certifications are most demanded by the job roles. Then, you can go for those certifications!
Conclusion
The learning does not stop here. Post expert level, one can opt for PMP (Project Management Professional) certification and/or move to Agile certifications like CSM (Certified Scrum Master) / CSPO (Certified Product Owner).
After completing your CSM certification, you can continue your learning by moving on to the next level which is CSP (Certified Scrum Professional), and gradually towards Agile Coach or Trainer.
Suggested reading =>> Top Certifications for IT Security Professionals
As I have already discussed before, whatever certification you do, it should map your experience. Though you become eligible for many advanced/expert level certifications at an initial stage of your career, merely doing the certification would not guarantee better growth, both in terms of personal learning and professional aspirations.
For example, in spite of having a Test manager certification from ISTQB, organizations won’t prefer to give you the role and designation of QA manager if you have only 5 years of experience. Similarly, a PMP-certified professional with 5 -6 years of experience would not be fit to perform a project manager kind of role. Hence, one should be really careful while choosing a certification.
Please see that the recommendations and thoughts made by me are all based on personal experience and observations and may have a disparity in opinions.
Author: This certification guide is written by STH team member Shilpa Roy.
If you still have any questions about pursuing your certification, feel free to post them in the comments section below. We would love to hear from you.
Hi Shilpa,
I have 5 years of experience as a QA Engineer and want to do a certification. Which certification would be better? Also, I have a fair idea about the Agile methodology and Scrum. Should I go for ISTQB foundation level. My organisation has put certification as a part of my PLP. Please guide me.
Dear Vijay and Shilpa Roy,
Thanks a lot for your detailed explanation about certifications related to Testing. It will be very useful to choose the right certifications.
Hi, Can you pls confirm the exam fee and schedule details for Adv level ISTQB Automation Engg certification?
The exam cost for ISTQB Advanced Level Test Automation Engineering is $249. You can take the exam any time because it is offered online. See the syllabus and samples exam questions/answers: https://astqb.org/certifications/test-automation-engineer-certification/
Thanks for the above info .
Kindly let me know which certification should I go for now , I’ve recently cleared ISTQB Agile Extension . Assuming that I’m having 4.2 years of experience in Manual and Application testing
We get that question frequently, so here is a software testing career path graphic that ASTQB created that will help you make your decision:
https://astqb.org/benefits/road-map/
Best wishes for your career!
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Hi QA community People, I am in Testing career for past 10 plus years. I have completed PRINCE2 & ASM certifications. I want to move from Testing to Business Analyst side. What kind of Certifications you guys will recommend with the current trend in the market.
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For the ISTQB Foundation Level Certification, here are two updates for the text, if you would be so kind:
1) The price via ASTQB is now $229.
2) The link to register for the U.S. exam via ASTQB is now https://astqb.org/registration/
Thanks!
Very imp. article.. This help me to understand all testing certification and their value at one place.
Good Keep it up.
Hi,
Could you please confirm which post graduation courses can a QA/software tester do?
Thanks in advance!!
Any reason we are leaving out those certifications offered by the International Institute for Software Testing (testinginstitute.com? there are 12 different certifications that address every level of experience and every role in software testing. These certifications are different from all other certifications in the sense that they are education based NOT exam based.
Please let me know I have 2 years of testing experience(manual) now which certification I should opt for career point of view. Thanks.
@ Seetha – PSM would demonstrate your knowledge as a Scrum master. Now here are 2 choices:- If you want to continue your carrier / of have aspirations to move to Agile – continue with your advance PSM levels. But if you want to go for higher level in QA discipline, Go for Test manager certifications and eventually move towards PMP.
Hi, Can you pls confirm the exam fee and schedule details for Adv level ISTQB Automation Engg certification?
Wow… Very impressive, I really gain from your advice, God bless u guys.
Hi Shilpa,
i have 6+ years exp as a software tester, i am to achieve testing certification and also aspire to be a BA.
please guide me which certification would be best for me as on today.
Once again, Very impressively explained.
Thank You Vijay and Shilpa Roy.
Hi
I am 7 years experienced and i am completely into functional & manual testing. Does taking a csm or psm helps my career??
Hi Shilpa,
I have 9+ years exp , and currently i am working as a PM.
I am interested in CSPO. Please guide me if i need to do PMP and CSM also in order to reach the CSPO ?
You can have better option to do PGDCA from Acme Collins School
Although the post is informative but the way PMP, CSM and other Agile related certificated is described here is questionable …
Specially “Post Expert Level ” PMP and CSM .. no way .. Anyone can go for CSM and any other Agile related Certifications & for that there is no need to go for Outdated Certifications from ISTQB or QAI.. Going forward Certifications from ISTQB would be of no benefits because they teach sequential method of Development and the need of the time is being Agile.
Regards,
Samrat
Samrat, I strongly disagree with your assessment and recommend not presenting your opinion as fact. This has the potential to mislead, at least misinform, less experienced or inexperienced testers.
-Your statements appear to be equivocating CSM and “any other Agile related Certifications” with ISTQB and QAI certifications. Being certified in Agile in no way demonstrates a level of knowledge in testing software; they are mutually exclusive. Of course exceptions exist for when a certification is specifically written for a development methodology; e.g. ISTQB’s Agile Tester Extension.
-ISTQB and QAI are not designed or tailored to particular development methodologies. The material is such that it may be applied to various approaches to development.
-Your perspective of development appears narrow. There are teams, systems, products, etc where Agile is not an appropriate approach and examples may easily be found.
Correct Michael
Hello samrat,
Since you said certificate from ISTQB would be no longer benefits, what advice would you give to new people like us that just started learning QA?
I Applied For CAST Exam Online but you not mentioned here that CAST Certificate only valid for 3 years I need refund that money You need to also mention that how many times it’s valid like life time or 3 years
Really a great article. I am a beginner and doing automation testing. May i know if for automation there are any other certification available or same certification hierarchy applys there also.
Hi, I would like to add BBST courses by Caner and RST courses by Bach
Er, Ralf
Thats a good information but is all the courses available in mumbai(india)
Hi, I am a fresher and I’m jobless. I have interest in software testing. I am learning software testing online. Which software testing exam is suitable for me? please advice. Thank you.
Hi,
I am from a Non-technical background, I have done MBA but not interested in going into it further and want to be a Automation testing expert and did a Selenium automation testing course from an local Institute with certificate of the institute.. I want to know which would be a recognized certification that would be helpful for me in getting a job in a good MNC on a good package?
Hello to my QA family, I am working as a Quality analyst since last 3 years (manual testing), i need growth in my career. I am not having any certification till date. Please guide me which is the best certification course i should take for switch and career growth point of view.
Waiting for your reply. Thanks for all the information.
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Certification exam will be conducted online or else in pro metric center?
Hi,
I have 12 years of experience in softwaretesting and currently working as a ETL test lead. I want to grow as test manager or a test consultant role. Please suggest best certification to do apart from ISTQB advanced levels as I didn’t do ISTQB any levels so far. Is PMP suitable for testing professionals. Suggest any other quick relevant certification if exists.
Hi,
As i have done ISTQB and CP_BAT.I want to do some certification for furtre.As i am one year experience now.Can you please suggest me what are all the certification can be done for automation?
Thanks Vijay and Shilpa Roy for this useful post.
I have 10 Yrs of exp as a QA tester and doing QA lead activities. Last month I did PSM 1 certification.since I was working in an agile project for 2 years. Now I am preparing for PMP. Since I am looking to move on my carrier to next level. Is PSM right choice? Please guide me. Thanks
Hi,
I had a question on certification. I have approx. 10years experience in software testing. I have not done any previous level certifications as mentioned in the above article. Now If I want to do certification which is appropriate for my experience level – As per the above article it seems like I need to write the previous certifications to become eligible for the current level certifications. Please confirm .
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An extra, non-advertised benefit that came out of me getting my ISTQB certification is the sharing and networking of testing ideas and concepts from other testers and test managers. I did not experience this prior to working to get certified and then wanting to learn even more on my own. Thanks for the tips.
Taking an ISTQB class / certification will not make anyone a better tester. You will learn a lot of testing terminology but you will not learn any testing.
Much better is do the three day Rapid Software Testing (taught by James Bach or Michel Balton)
http://www.satisfice.com/info_rst.shtml
You will not get a “certificate” but it’s the best hands on testing training you can get anywhere.
Another very good training is the Black Box Software Testing course (BBST)
and it’s possible to attende on-line e.g.
http://bbst.info/?page_id=14
Thanks Shilpa for great article. I have 2.10+ years of exp and currently hold ISTQB CTFL certificate. I was not sure which certification to do but now I have a better idea.
@Samrat.. ISTQB has new Agile Ext Certificate. Check out the below link
http://istqb.in/index.php/istqb-foundation-2/2016-02-20-11-40-41
@Shilpa..What are your views on the Agile Tester extension certificate from ISTQB? Should it be attempted?
I did not have any testing experience and passed ISTQB Foundation and Test Analyst. I would not worry about how many years you have worked in the field. Just study hard for the exam. It helped me to get a job. Best of luck.
Very nice post.
Thank you so much for sharing this valuable information with us. Before reading this article I was also confused and wouldn’t able to decide which certification should I prefer. Now I cleared my doubts and surely start studying ISTQB – Advanced Level certification.
Hi,Iam working as QA Lead and i have 10+ Years experience in Manual testing ,please suggest me which certification should i do now .please suggest ,thanks
ISTQB requires that you start with Foundation Level certification before you can take any other ISTQB certification. You can find information on Foundation Level here: https://astqb.org/certifications/foundation-level-certification/
Hi,
I’ve 4+yr experience in Performance test engineer. I’d like to have certification in advanced Performance test engineer. What course do you recommend for me.
Education: B.tech in Electronics
Masters in Electrical Engineering
Hi,
I’ve 3+yr experience in performance testing (LoadRunner, JMeter). I would like to do certification on performance testing. what course do you recommend for me
Hi, the link for the U.S. version of ISTQB Certification is https://www.astqb.org if you could add that in the article. It’s there for advanced, but not for foundation. Thanks!
I am having around 5 yrs of experience in manual testing, Could you please assist which certification is better or automation course is better for future prospects?
I would recommend test automation as your next step. Note that ISTQB requires that you take the Foundation Level certification first, however. But test automation is a great career choice.
Please were will the certificate exam be held?
Very informative article.
Thanks everyone!!
@Samrat- yes you are right, the world is moving towards Agile. But the certifications which are provided by ISTQB or QAI, are all QA concepts and lays the foundations on which testing is done. And its very important that your foundation is is rock solid. I believe that if your foundation is rock solid, you can transform in environment of testing whether it is Agile or Non Agile. I myself is a Certified Scrum Master and have worked in both Agile and Non Agile projects and have seen and experienced the change which I have undergone after doing the certifications.
Yes, as far as eligibility is concerned, one need not have to wait till 11 years to do CSM / PMP. You can do it in 5 years. But as I have mentioned in my post – the certification should map your experience- and this is based on my experience.
wow what a certification guide. thanks to the team sth
Hi Manish,
ASTQB offers the IQBBA Business Analyst Certification in addition to the ISTQB Software Testing certification and the ASTQB Mobile Testing Certification. You can find all of them at https://www.astqb.org