As a software tester, you know the importance of staying updated with the latest tools, techniques and trends. Though hands-on experience is key, obtaining a testing certification can give you an edge in your industry.
The right certification for testers can help improve your technical knowledge and increase your employability. In this blog post, we'll explore the 10 most software testing certifications in demand and how to achieve them to boost your efficiency.
1. ISTQB Certified Tester – Foundation Level (CTFL)
One of the best software testing certification options, CTFL is the gateway to becoming a certified tester. It serves as a stepping stone for advanced testing concepts and proves to be perfect for beginners.
How it Benefits Your Career
1. Base of knowledge: Helps to understand the testing terminologies and process confidently.
2. Global recognition: Since it’s recognized worldwide, having this certification helps when applying to multinational companies or remote positions.
3. Career advancement: This paves your way to the next level of certifications such as ISTQB Test Analyst and Technical Test Analyst.
Cost: Around $150.
Study Material:
- ISTQB Official Syllabus
- Sample Exams
Exam Procedure:
- 40 multiple-choice questions.
- Duration: 60 minutes.
- Passing score: 65%.
2. Certified Software Tester (CSTE) Certification
Ideal for those who have worked in testing a number of years and want to validate their abilities which makes Certified Software Tester the most suitable certification.
How it Benefits Your Career
1. Showing your experience off: This cert is a way of showing others that you, in fact, know what you are doing with real-world application.
2. Leverages credibility: You demonstrate you are not just a theory tester but that you follow through with operational test applications, making your resume all the more powerful.
Cost: $350.
Study Material: CSTE Study Guide
Exam Procedure:
- Two-part exam: multiple-choice and essay questions.
- Exam duration: 4 hours.
- Passing score: Based on individual assessment.
3. ISTQB Advanced Level Test Analyst Certification
As you progress through your career, this certification keeps up-to-speed with additional aspects of testing techniques.
How it Benefits Your Career
1. Advanced techniques: It strengthens your skills for planning, monitoring and controlling test activities that are crucial for a higher profile of role.
2. Lead/Manager Roles in Testing: After this certification, you will be preferred for lead manager roles in the testing domain.
Cost: Around $250.
Study Material: ISTQB Advanced Syllabus
Exam Procedure:
Partner with Us for Success
Experience seamless collaboration and exceptional results.
- Scenario-based questions.
- Duration: 120 minutes.
- Passing score: 65%.
4. Certified Agile Tester (CAT) Certification
With most of the software development teams following Agile, this CAT certification in testing has made testers aware and adapt to Agile processes.
How it Benefits Your Career
1. Fitting in Agile: It will show how well you are skilled by the Agile testing methods and helps you standout as a Useful team member in an Agile project.
2. Team collaboration: Not only does this certification push the tester to be part of a team, rather than on it, but also help in improving the communication and working directly with developers and product owners.
Cost: Around $350.
Study Material: Agile Testing Guide
Exam Procedure:
- The exam consists of three parts:
- Written theory exam.
- Practical test.
- Soft skills assessment.
- Duration: 5 days of classroom training, followed by the exam.
5. Certified Test Manager (CTM) Certification
If leadership roles in QA are your goal, having the CTM certification will tell others that you can manage teams and testing processes.
How it Benefits Your Career
1. QA leadership: Demonstrates the ability to lead a testing team or manage complete testing processes.
2. Upscale responsibility: Make you ready for roles as QA supervisor where not just testing, but also part of the strategy and a resourceful person is involved.
Cost: $450.
Study Material: CTM Body of Knowledge
Exam Procedure:
- Two-part exam:
- Multiple-choice questions.
- Essay questions.
- Duration: 4 hours.
- Passing score: Based on individual performance.
6. ISTQB Advanced Level Security Tester Certification
Every organization is concerned about security and this certification will show that you can test for vulnerabilities.
How it Benefits Your Career
1. Specialization in security: Adds a specialized skill to your profile, hence increasing the probabilities to be proposed for security-oriented projects.
2. In-demand expertise: Security testing is an area that can only be mastered by professionals with technical skills.
Cost: Around $300.
Study Material: Security Tester Syllabus
Exam Procedure:
Partner with Us for Success
Experience seamless collaboration and exceptional results.
- Scenario-based questions related to security testing.
- Duration: 90 minutes.
- Passing score: 65%.
7. Certified Associate in Software Testing (CAST) Certification
For individuals who are looking to prove their credibility this course is ideal.
How it Benefits Your Career
1. Beginner-friendly: Gets you started from scratch and covers all over the testing process all the way to get a job in testing.
2. You get a toe-hold edge: This signals to other newbies that you are committed to learning.
Cost: $100.
Study Material: CAST Study Guide
Exam Procedure:
- 100 multiple-choice questions.
- Duration: 90 minutes.
- Passing score: 70%.
8. Certified Mobile Tester (CMT) Certification
As mobile applications are ubiquitous, you can embrace the future by getting yourself certified in testing which is related to this emerging market.
How it Benefits Your Career
1. Mobile skills: Helps you in testing mobile applications, which is becoming one of the fastest growing areas.
2. Low supply, moderate demand: Companies are still in early stages of adopting mobile apps so if you master this skill today, you will be well positioned years somewhere down the line when such skills will be needed.
Cost: $200.
Study Material: Mobile Tester Study Guide
Exam Procedure:
- 60 multiple-choice questions.
- Duration: 90 minutes.
- Passing score: 65%.
9. Automation Testing Engineer – Selenium WebDriver Certification
Selenium Automation Testing is the future of testing and being certified in Selenium can boost your career.
How it Benefits Your Career
1. Hot skill: Automation testing is one of the highly-demanded skills in the industry, and therefore you are a very strong candidate.
2. Career: Automation is a key specialization that by its nature pushes you into more white-collar and higher paying jobs.
Cost: Varies (Courses range from $50-$300).
Study Material: Selenium Documentation
Benefits:
- Increases demand for roles in test automation.
- Prepares you for automating testing processes using Selenium.
- Enhances your profile as a technical tester.
10. Certified Software Quality Analyst (CSQA)
CSQA as the name suggests is for testers who want to move to quality management and assurance.
How it Benefits Your Career
1. Assuming leadership roles in QA: Affirms you possess command over knowledge and power to maintain quality from starting till the end of the software development lifecycle.
2. Higher-level responsibility: CSQA commonly leads to roles such as QA Lead or QA Manager, where you supervise testing within the context of an overall quality assurance effort.
Cost: $350.
Study Material: CSQA Study Guide
Exam Procedure:
- Two-part exam:
- Multiple-choice questions.
- Written components.
- Duration: 4 hours.
- Passing score: Based on assessment.
Why Certifications Matter for Software Testers
A software tester certification isn't just proof of your knowledge. As a tester, they help you:
- Remain relevant: Testing certifications display your dedication to your career and staying current with best practices
- Acquire special skills: Recognized certifications for testers help you focus on specific exciting fields like Agile, automation, and security testing
- Stand out in the job market: When competing with other candidates, having the best certification for testers could be what sets you apart
- Advance your career: These credentials can enable you to work as a test lead, test manager, or even more advanced roles
And every certification held by you means — you are a step ahead in becoming a versatile, proficient software tester.
Our Final Words
The right testing certificate can significantly enhance your knowledge and employability. Whether you're a complete beginner or looking to advance your career, investing in appropriate software testing certifications can be hugely beneficial. Find the certification that aligns with your career goals and get started!
Need Expert Help?
While these root cause analysis tools are powerful, implementing them effectively requires expertise. F22 Labs offers comprehensive QA and software testing services, helping organizations choose and implement the right RCA tools while ensuring robust quality assurance processes. Contact our testing experts to enhance your defect management strategy.
Frequently Asked Questions?
Which certification for testers is best for beginners?
The ISTQB Certified Tester Foundation Level (CTFL) is ideal for beginners. It provides fundamental knowledge, is globally recognized, and costs around $150. It's an excellent starting point for your testing certification journey.
What's the difference between CSTE and CSQA software testing certifications?
CSTE focuses on practical software testing skills and methodologies, while CSQA emphasizes quality management and process improvement. CSQA is more suited for those aiming for leadership roles in QA.
How long does it take to prepare for these testing certifications?
Preparation time varies by certification: CTFL typically takes 2-3 months of part-time study, CSTE requires 3-4 months, and advanced certifications like ISTQB Advanced Level may need 4-6 months of dedicated preparation.
Binju K O
Software Test Engineer, specializing in ensuring software quality and reliability
