Top 07 Software Testing Certifications In Demand For 2024

TOC:

Discover essential software testing certifications of 2024, their roles, and the career impact on professional growth in testing.

• Overview
• Top Software Testing Certifications in 2024
• CAST (Certified Associate in Software Testing) Certification
• CSQA (Certified Software Quality Analyst Certification)
• International Software Testing Qualifications Board (ISTQB) Certification
• Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) Certification
• Certified Manager of Software Testing (CMST) certification
• Certified Software Tester (CSTE) certification
• ISTQB Foundation Level (CTFL) certification
• Summary

Overview

Software Testing plays a crucial role in assessing software components and ensuring their responsiveness to stakeholder inputs. However, testing techniques carry risks that must be proactively addressed, emphasizing the necessity for businesses to understand risk analysis within Software Testing. The objective of this blog is to cover the top 07 software testing certifications in demand for 2024 and beyond.

Discover the Best Software Testing Certifications in Demand (2024)

The demand for skilled software testers remains high, essential for software creation and maintenance. Certified testers equipped with recognized certifications mitigate risks and enhance quality, securing both lucrative roles and global customer acceptance for businesses.

1. CAST (Certified Associate in Software Testing) Certification

The CAST (Certified Associate in Software Testing) certification assesses candidates' foundational understanding of software testing principles and practices. Qualification requires meeting certain prerequisites:

• A 3 or 4-year degree from an accredited institution, or
• A 2-year degree from an accredited institution plus 1 year of IT services experience, or
• 3 years of IT services experience.

The certification fee is $100, payable online. The exam covers various skill areas including software testing ecosystem creation, project management, risk assessment, test case design, checkpoint reviews, specialized technology testing, and data interpretation for reporting metrics and graphs.

2. CSQA (Certified Software Quality Analyst Certification)

The CSQA (Certified Software Quality Analyst Certification) acknowledges professional competence in Quality Assurance practices within Software Testing. Qualification requires meeting specific criteria:

• A 4-year, 3-year, or 2-year degree from an accredited institution, coupled with varying years of experience in IT services, or
• 6 years of IT services experience.

The certification fee ranges from $350 to $450, with detailed payment terms available in the policy section. The exam evaluates competencies in assessing software products, implementing quality control leadership, measuring customer satisfaction, understanding outsourcing and COTS in internal control audits, and refining quality assurance plans.

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3. International Software Testing Qualifications Board (ISTQB) Certification

The International Software Testing Qualifications Board (ISTQB) Certification holds recognition both at foundational and advanced levels, with an upcoming expert-level certification. ISTQB's global working groups prepare candidates for roles like software testers, test managers, IT directors, and QA managers.

The foundational level offers Core or Specialist certifications, while the Advanced level includes Core and Specialist certifications. Advanced-level candidates must hold the Foundational certification. Fees: $229 for Foundational and $249 for each Advanced level module.

The certifications cover testing fundamentals, defect analysis, software testing lifecycle (STLC), agile testing, risk estimation, work product development tracking, and strategic test planning for global applicants aiming to enhance project deliverables.

4. Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) Certification

The Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) certification costs $533 and offers two exam modes. The computer-delivered test (in English) comprises 175 questions, including 160 multiple-choice (MCQ) and 15 unscored questions within 5 hours and 18 minutes. Alternatively, the paper-and-pencil exam (available in multiple languages) consists of 160 questions to be completed in 5 hours.

To qualify, applicants need 8 years of experience in CQE areas or 3 years in a decision-making role involving quality inspection processes. Topics cover service quality control, statistical modeling, human factors, metrology in management information systems, and proficiency in validation, verification, sampling, distributions, capability studies, and statistical risk assessment.

5. Certified Manager of Software Testing (CMST) certification

The Certified Manager of Software Testing (CMST) certification evaluates individuals gearing towards software testing management roles. To qualify, applicants need to meet one of three criteria: a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or a related field plus 4 years of ST experience, an Associate Degree plus 6 years of ST experience, or 8 years of ST experience.

The exam comprises 100 Multiple Choice Questions, requiring 70 correct answers to pass. The certification, priced at $450, assesses resource planning, test process traceability and control, product design aligned with customer requirements, and maintenance of releases adhering to competitive market quality standards.

6. Certified Software Tester (CSTE) certification

The Certified Software Tester (CSTE) certification sets initial qualification standards and offers a guided educational program for effective testing practices. To qualify for CSTE, candidates must meet one of four prerequisites, involving specific degrees and years of IT industry experience.

CSTE comprises two parts, conducted at Pearson Vue Testing Centers. Enrolees receive the Software Testing Body of Knowledge for CSTE (STBOK), a 557-page PDF covering the exam syllabus.

7. ISTQB Foundation Level (CTFL) certification

ISTQB Foundation Level (CTFL) certification suits various software delivery practices (Agile, DevOps, Waterfall, Continuous Delivery). Ideal for demonstrating fundamental Software Testing concepts, it benefits quality managers, business analysts, project managers, and software development managers.

The CTFL exam includes 40 multiple-choice questions to be completed in 60 minutes, with a passing mark of 65% and a fee of $250. This certification caters to foundational testing roles like test consultants and analysts, without specific eligibility criteria.

You May Also Read: Software Testing Interview Questions 

Final Thoughts:

In conclusion, numerous top-tier Software Testing Certifications in demand cater to different needs, providing opportunities to develop essential skills. Choose based on personal goals or consult your company for specific certification recommendations aligned with professional growth.

For individuals seeking to excel in these certifications, Croma Campus offers comprehensive programs designed to impart the necessary knowledge and expertise essential for success in the field of software testing.