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Best software tester certifications
The best certifications for a software tester are ISTQB Certified Tester Foundation Level (CTFL), Certified Manager of Software Testing (CMST), and Certified Quality Assurance Professional (CQAP).
Software tester certifications demonstrate your competency as a software tester to employers. However, not all software tester certifications provide the same value.
Below is a list of the best software tester certifications. Obtaining a software tester certification will give you a leg up when you apply for jobs and increase your potential salary.
6 best certifications for software testers
| Rank | Software tester certification | Organization |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | ISTQB Certified Tester Foundation Level (CTFL) | ASTQB |
| 2 | Certified Manager of Software Testing (CMST) | ISCB |
| 3 | Certified Quality Assurance Professional (CQAP) | MBA |
| 4 | Certified Scrum Master (CSM) | Scrum Allianc... |
| 5 | Software Engineering Master Certification (SEMC) | IEEE |
| 6 | Certified Software Tester (CSTE) | ISCB |
6 best software tester certifications
1. 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?
2. 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)
3. 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
4. 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?
5. 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)
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)
What is the best certification for a software tester?
The best software tester certification is ISTQB Certified Tester Foundation Level (CTFL). The ISTQB Certified Tester Foundation Level (CTFL) is awarded by the American Software Testing Qualifications 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 tester certification:
- To become a certified ISTQB Certified Tester Foundation Level (CTFL), you need to pass the exam.
- Lucky you - certification doesn't require more than two years of work experience.
- Renew certification every year.
What are some of the most in-demand certifications for software testers?
The most in-demand software tester certification is Certified Software Tester based on all active job postings. Having this software tester certification will give you access to more software tester jobs with higher salaries.
What certifications can impact a software tester career and salary?
The Certified Quality Assurance Professional certification will help you to secure a quality assurance tester position, which will increase your pay and career trajectory. A quality assurance tester's average salary is $68,546 whereas software testers make an average salary of $78,580.
The most common combination of software tester certifications include: ISTQB Certified Tester Foundation Level (CTFL), Certified Manager of Software Testing (CMST), and Certified Quality Assurance Professional (CQAP).
Online courses for software testers to earn certifications
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3. Full Stack Web Developer
Design and develop modern web applications.Students will also learn how to deploy a Flask-based web application to the cloud using Docker and Kubernetes...
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Meet the growing demand for full stack developers and learn to build rich web experiences using a modern architecture and technology stack...
8. Cloud Developer using Microsoft Azure
The Developer for Microsoft Azure Nanodegree program teaches students how to deploy, build, migrate, and monitor applications on Azure, thereby preparing learners for success on Microsoft’s AZ-204 Azure Developer Associate Expert certification...
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