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Best software test engineer certifications
Software test engineer certifications allow job seekers to demonstrate their competency as an software test engineer to employers. However, not all software test engineer certifications provide the same value for job seekers.
The best certifications for a software test engineer are Certified Manager of Software Testing (CMST), Certified Scrum Master (CSM), and ISTQB Certified Tester Foundation Level (CTFL).
Below is a list of the best software test engineer certifications. Obtaining an software test engineer certification will give you a leg up when you apply for jobs and increase your potential salary.
11 best certifications for software test engineers
| Rank | Software test engineer certification | Organization |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Certified Manager of Software Testing (CMST) | ISCB |
| 2 | Certified Scrum Master (CSM) | Scrum Allianc... |
| 3 | ISTQB Certified Tester Foundation Level (CTFL) | ASTQB |
| 4 | Software Engineering Master Certification (SEMC) | IEEE |
| 5 | Certified Quality Assurance Professional (CQAP) | MBA |
| 6 | Certified Software Tester (CSTE) | ISCB |
| 7 | Certified Software Quality Engineer (CSQE) | ASQ |
| 8 | Certified Systems Engineering Professional (CSEP) | INCOSE |
| 9 | Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE) | Global Knowle... |
| 10 | Engineer In Training Certification (EIT) | NCEES |
| 11 | Certified Planning Engineer (CPE) | AAPM |
11 best software test engineer certifications
1. Certified Manager of Software Testing (CMST)
The Certified Manager of Software Testing (CMST) certification establishes a worldwide standard for the assessment of the capabilities and competencies of software testing professionals that are working at, or soon will work at, the software testing management level.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 3 year(s)
2. Certified Scrum Master (CSM)
A Certified ScrumMaster helps project teams properly use Scrum, increasing the likelihood of the project's overall success. CSMs understand Scrum values, practices, and applications and provide a level of knowledge and expertise above and beyond that of typical project managers. CSMs act as "servant leaders," helping the rest of the Scrum team work together and learn the Scrum framework.
- 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?
3. ISTQB Certified Tester Foundation Level (CTFL)
The Foundation Level qualification is aimed at anyone linvolved in software testing. The Foundation level qualification is also appropriated for anyone who wants a basic understanding of software testing, such as project managers, quality managers, software development managers, business analysts, IT directors and management consultants.
- 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?
4. Software Engineering Master Certification (SEMC)
This professional competency certification requires successful completion of Certificates of Proficiency in twelve key knowledge areas: Software Engineering Requirements, Software Engineering Design, Software Engineering Construction, Software Engineering Testing, Software Engineering Maintenance, Software Engineering Configuration Management, Software Engineering Quality, Software Engineering Processes, Software Engineering Models & Methods, Software Engineering Management, Software Engineering Project Management, Software Engineering Economics and the successful completion of two advanced applied modules.
- 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? Every 3 year(s)
5. Certified Quality Assurance Professional (CQAP)
The Certified Quality Assurance Professional (CQAP) designation gives you the training you need to be a leader in quality assurance. With specialized high level knowledge, you move forward with the confidence and experience required to develop quality control processes that are finely tuned to work efficiently within your company's current environment. Plus, as a CQAP you join a new network of the highest level of quality assurance experts - a group that your peers regard with supreme professional respect. The CQAP program builds upon your experience and knowledge. The first two levels - the achievement certificate and professional certificate - lay a foundation for the final level, the specialist designation program.
- 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? No
6. Certified Software Tester (CSTE)
The Certified Software Tester (CSTE) certification is intended to establish standards for initial qualification and provide direction for the testing function through an aggressive educational program. Acquiring the designation of Certified Software Tester (CSTE) indicates a professional level of competence in the principles and practices of quality control in the IT profession. CSTEs become members of a recognized professional group and receive recognition of their competence by business and professional associates, potentially more rapid career advancement, and greater acceptance in the role as advisor to management.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 3 year(s)
7. Certified Software Quality Engineer (CSQE)
The Certified Software Quality Engineer understands software quality development and implementation, software inspection, testing, verification and validation; and implements software development and maintenance processes and methods.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 3 year(s)
8. Certified Systems Engineering Professional (CSEP)
Targeted towards systems engineers with five or more years of systems engineering work experience
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 5 year(s)
9. Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE)
Global Knowledge can get you on your way to your MCSE! Global Knowledge will help you create a development track suitable to your job responsibilities and career advancement goals. Our real-world training will provide you with the knowledge needed to obtain your MCSE certification.This certification includes the following tracks: Microsoft 2003 MCSE Boot Camp, Microsoft Windows 2003 MCSE Upgrade Boot Camp, MCSE: Messaging Specialization, and Windows 2003 MCSE.
- 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? No
10. Engineer In Training Certification (EIT)
The EIT Certification, which is formally known as the Engineer In Training Certification, is simply a document, a number, granted by the individual’s state engineering board after they pass the Engineer In Training Exam. The Engineer in Training Exam (EIT Exam) is the first of two exams you will take as you move towards obtaining your Professional Engineering License (PE). This exam, which you may also hear referred to as the Fundamentals of Engineering exam (FE Exam), is developed and administered in all states (and a number of locations outside the US) by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES). The FE Exam is offered to eligible students year-round in four different testing windows.
- 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? No
- Renewal required? No
11. Certified Planning Engineer (CPE)
Our AAPM Global Board of Standards issues the CPE Certified Planning Engineer - Board Certification to qualified applicants who have met our commission requirements of: Education, Training, Experience, Industry Knowledge, Ethics, and Continuing Education.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 2 year(s)
What is the best certification for a software test engineer?
The best software test engineer certification is Certified Manager of Software Testing (CMST). The Certified Manager of Software Testing (CMST) is awarded by the International Software Certification Board. This certification is great to have as it shows an improvement in your competency to perform your role. You can earn this certification at the beginning of your career, as it often doesn't require a minimum education level and work experience.
Here's a bit more background on how to obtain this software test engineer certification:
- To become a certified Certified Manager of Software Testing (CMST), you need to pass the exam.
- This certificate requires more than two years of work experience.
- Renew certification every 3 year.
What are some of the most in-demand certifications for software test engineers?
The most in-demand software test engineer certification is Certified Scrum Master based on all active job postings. Having this software test engineer certification will give you access to more software test engineer jobs with higher salaries.
What certifications can impact a software test engineer career and salary?
The Software Engineering Master Certification certification will help you to secure a software engineer position, which will increase your pay and career trajectory. A software engineer's average salary is $86,157 whereas software test engineers make an average salary of $85,338.
The most common combination of software test engineer certifications include: Certified Manager of Software Testing (CMST), Certified Scrum Master (CSM), and ISTQB Certified Tester Foundation Level (CTFL).
Online courses for software test engineers to earn certifications
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