Top 11 Functional Tester Certifications

Certifications are important for functional testers in the job market because they demonstrate a level of expertise, knowledge, and experience. They can help employers quickly identify qualified candidates who have the necessary skills to perform their duties. Certifications also provide assurance that tester has the ability to comprehend complex technical concepts and principles related to software testing, which is essential for effective testing. By having certifications, testers can stand out from other applicants and show potential employers that they are committed to the profession and dedicated to learning more about it.

The purpose of this article is to review the top certifications for Functional Testers and explain how they can help a functional tester advance their career.

What are Functional Tester Certifications?

Functional tester certification is a form of professional certification that validates the knowledge, skills, and abilities of functional testers. It demonstrates to employers that a person has the necessary qualifications to perform functional testing and troubleshoot software applications. Functional tester certification can help IT professionals in several ways. Firstly, it provides recognition for their expertise in this area. Secondly, it can be used as a tool to demonstrate their qualifications when seeking employment or promotions within the IT industry. Thirdly, it can provide assurance to employers that an individual has the appropriate skills and knowledge needed to perform functional testing effectively. Finally, having functional tester certification can help individuals stand out from other applicants when seeking jobs in the IT industry.

Pro Tip: Make sure your functional tester certification is up to date and relevant to the current trends in functional testing. It's important to stay on top of the latest techniques, technologies and tools available in order to be a successful functional tester. Additionally, ensure that you are familiar with the various frameworks and processes related to functional testing, such as Agile, Scrum, Waterfall, and so forth.

Related: What does a Functional Tester do?

Top 11 Functional Tester Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Functional Testers today.

1. ISTQB Certified Tester

ISTQB Certified Tester is a certification program for software testers. It is an international qualification scheme that provides a framework for the testing profession. The ISTQB certification is designed to ensure that software testers have the knowledge and skills necessary to perform their job effectively and efficiently.

The ISTQB Certification Program consists of three levels: Foundation Level, Advanced Level, and Expert Level. Each level has its own set of exams and requirements. To become certified at any level, you must pass all the exams associated with that level.

It typically takes 12-18 months to complete the entire program depending on your study habits and dedication to learning the material covered in each exam.

To get started, you will need to register for an ISTQB account on their website and purchase an exam voucher from one of their approved training providers or directly from ISTQB. The cost of the exam voucher depends on which level you are attempting to obtain certification at.

The Foundation Level exam voucher costs approximately $250 USD, while the Advanced Level exam voucher costs around $400 USD, and the Expert Level exam voucher costs around $800 USD.

2. ISTQB Advanced Level Test Manager

ISTQB Advanced Level Test Manager is an advanced certification in software testing, designed to recognize the expertise of experienced test professionals. It is a globally recognized certification that demonstrates knowledge and understanding of the principles and practices of test management.

The ISTQB Advanced Level Test Manager exam consists of 40 multiple-choice questions, which must be completed within 90 minutes. The passing score is 65%.

To get the ISTQB Advanced Level Test Manager certification, you must first pass the Foundation Level exam and then pass the Advanced Level Test Manager exam. You can take the exams online or at a local testing center.

The cost for taking the ISTQB Advanced Level Test Manager exam varies depending on your location. In some countries, you may need to pay an additional fee for administering the exam. Generally speaking, it costs around $300 USD to take this exam.

3. ISTQB Advanced Level Technical Test Analyst

ISTQB Advanced Level Technical Test Analyst is a certification program designed to provide test professionals with the skills and knowledge necessary to design, implement, and maintain effective software testing processes. It is an advanced level qualification that builds on the foundation of the ISTQB Certified Tester Foundation Level syllabus. The program focuses on topics such as test analysis, test design techniques, test management, and defect management.

The exam for the ISTQB Advanced Level Technical Test Analyst consists of 40 multiple-choice questions that must be completed within 90 minutes. To pass the exam, candidates must obtain a minimum score of 65%.

To get certified as an ISTQB Advanced Level Technical Test Analyst, candidates must first complete the prerequisite coursework for the Foundation Level certification. After completing this coursework, they can then apply to take the Advanced Level exam by submitting an application form and paying a fee of $250 USD.

The entire process from start to finish usually takes between 6-12 months depending on how quickly you are able to complete your coursework and take your exam.

4. ASTQB Mobile Application Tester Certification

ASTQB Mobile Application Tester Certification is a certification program designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated the knowledge and skills needed to test mobile applications. The certification is offered through the American Software Testing Qualifications Board (ASTQB), an independent non-profit organization dedicated to improving software testing qualifications worldwide.

The ASTQB Mobile Application Tester Certification consists of two parts: a written exam and a practical demonstration of mobile application testing skills. The written exam tests your knowledge of mobile application testing, including topics such as mobile device platforms, user interface design principles, test automation tools, and security considerations. The practical demonstration requires you to demonstrate your ability to create test plans, execute tests, analyze results, and document findings.

It typically takes about 8-12 weeks to complete the ASTQB Mobile Application Tester Certification program. During this time you will need to study for and pass the written exam as well as complete the practical demonstration. You can find study materials online or through ASTQB approved training providers.

The cost of getting certified varies depending on whether you take self-study courses or use an ASTQB approved training provider. Self-study courses typically range from $400-$600 while using an approved training provider can cost up to $1,500 depending on the provider and course type chosen.

Once you have completed all requirements for certification you will receive your official ASTQB Mobile Application Tester Certificate which is valid for three years from the date of issue.

5. ISQI Certified Agile Tester

ISQI Certified Agile Tester is an internationally recognized certification program designed to help software testers become proficient in agile testing practices. This certification is aimed at helping professionals gain the knowledge and skills needed to effectively test in an agile environment. The program is offered by the International Software Quality Institute (ISQI).

The ISQI Certified Agile Tester program consists of two levels: Foundation and Advanced. The Foundation level focuses on the basics of agile testing, while the Advanced level covers more advanced topics such as automation, performance, and security testing. To earn the certification, you must pass both levels with a score of 70% or higher.

The Foundation level can be completed in 2-4 days depending on your experience with agile testing. The Advanced level takes 3-5 days to complete. Both levels require a fee for registration and exam fees. The Foundation level costs approximately $400 USD and the Advanced level costs approximately $600 USD.

To get certified, you must first register for the course online through ISQI’s website. Once registered, you will receive access to study materials and practice exams that will help prepare you for the actual exam. After passing both exams with a score of 70% or higher, you will receive your certificate from ISQI via email within two weeks of completing the exams.

6. ISQI Automotive SPICE Practitioner Certification

ISQI Automotive SPICE Practitioner Certification is a certification program that recognizes professionals who have demonstrated knowledge and understanding of the Automotive SPICE process assessment model. The certification was developed by ISQI, an international organization dedicated to promoting best practices in software quality assurance and process improvement.

The certification requires the successful completion of a two-day training course, which covers topics such as Automotive SPICE framework, processes and models; process assessment methods and techniques; and implementation strategies. Upon successful completion of the course, candidates must pass an online exam to earn their certification.

The cost of the training course varies depending on location, but typically ranges from $1,000 to $2,500. The exam fee is approximately $200.

In order to get certified as an ISQI Automotive SPICE Practitioner, you must first register for the two-day training course offered by ISQI or one of its approved partners. Once you have completed the training course, you can then take the online exam to obtain your certification. The entire process typically takes up to three weeks from registration to receiving your certificate.

7. IREB Certified Professional for Requirements Engineering

IREB Certified Professional for Requirements Engineering is a certification program offered by the International Requirements Engineering Board (IREB). The purpose of this certification is to provide professionals with a comprehensive understanding of requirements engineering and its related processes. It is designed to help professionals develop their skills in eliciting, analyzing, documenting, validating, and managing requirements.

The certification process consists of two levels: Foundation Level and Advanced Level. To receive the IREB Certified Professional for Requirements Engineering certification, candidates must pass both levels.

The Foundation Level exam consists of multiple-choice questions and takes approximately 90 minutes to complete. The exam covers topics such as fundamentals of requirements engineering, stakeholder management, requirements elicitation, analysis and modeling techniques, project management techniques for requirements engineering projects, and validation techniques.

The Advanced Level exam also consists of multiple-choice questions and takes approximately 120 minutes to complete. This exam covers topics such as advanced techniques for requirements engineering processes, advanced stakeholder management methods, advanced analysis and modeling techniques, advanced project management techniques for requirements engineering projects, and advanced validation techniques.

To get the IREB Certified Professional for Requirements Engineering certification you must register with IREB first. After registering you will be able to access the study material which includes books on the subject matter as well as practice exams that can help you prepare for the actual exams. Once you have studied all the material it is time to take the exams which are administered online at designated test centers around the world.

The cost of getting certified depends on your location but generally ranges from $500 - $1000 USD including registration fees and examination fees.

8. ISEB Foundation in Software Testing

The ISEB Foundation in Software Testing is a qualification offered by the British Computer Society (BCS). It provides an understanding of the principles and processes of software testing, enabling individuals to develop their skills and knowledge in this area.

The qualification consists of two parts: the Foundation Certificate and the Practitioner Certificate. The Foundation Certificate is designed for those who are new to software testing or have limited experience with it. It covers topics such as types of testing, test techniques, test management, and quality assurance. The Practitioner Certificate is aimed at those who already have some experience with software testing and want to further develop their skills. It covers topics such as risk-based testing, defect management, automation and performance testing.

It typically takes around three months to complete the Foundation Certificate and six months to complete the Practitioner Certificate. However, this can vary depending on how much time you are able to dedicate to studying each week.

To get the ISEB Foundation in Software Testing qualification you will need to register with BCS for an exam voucher which costs £150 (GBP). You will then need to book your exam via Pearson VUE’s website which costs £125 (GBP). You also have the option of taking both exams together for a discounted price of £200 (GBP).

Once you have registered for your exams you will need to study from approved course materials or attend training courses provided by accredited training providers in order to prepare for them. Once you feel ready you can then take your exams at a Pearson VUE test centre near you.

9. HP Quality Center/ALM Certification

HP Quality Center/ALM Certification is a professional certification program designed to help IT professionals demonstrate their knowledge of HP Quality Center/ALM (Application Lifecycle Management) software. This certification is offered by HP and provides individuals with an opportunity to demonstrate their expertise in the use of the software.

The HP Quality Center/ALM Certification program consists of two exams: the Foundation Exam and the Advanced Exam. The Foundation Exam covers topics such as basic concepts, terminology, architecture, installation, configuration, and user interface. The Advanced Exam covers topics such as customization, scripting, reporting, integration with other tools, and advanced administration.

It typically takes about four months to complete both exams and obtain the certification. During this time you will need to study for both exams using materials provided by HP or third-party vendors. You will also need to register for each exam separately on the HP website and pay a fee of $150 per exam. Once you have passed both exams you will receive your official HP Quality Center/ALM Certification certificate in the mail.

To maintain your certification status you must renew it every three years by taking an additional exam which costs $150.

10. Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA) – Software Testing Fundamentals

Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA) – Software Testing Fundamentals is a certification program designed to provide an introduction to the fundamentals of software testing. It covers topics such as test planning, test design, test execution, and defect tracking. The certification also provides an overview of the various types of software testing such as unit, integration, system, and acceptance testing.

The MTA – Software Testing Fundamentals certification exam takes approximately one hour to complete and consists of 40 multiple choice questions. To get certified, you must pass the exam with a score of 700 or higher out of 1000 points.

You can take the MTA – Software Testing Fundamentals exam online through Microsoft’s official website. The cost for taking the exam is $127 USD. Upon successful completion of the exam, you will receive an official Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA) certificate in Software Testing Fundamentals.

11. Oracle Application Testing Suite 11g Certified Implementation Specialist

Oracle Application Testing Suite 11g Certified Implementation Specialist is an Oracle certification that demonstrates a professional’s ability to install, configure, and maintain the Oracle Application Testing Suite. This certification is designed for IT professionals who have experience in software testing, application development, and/or database administration.

The Oracle Application Testing Suite 11g Certified Implementation Specialist exam consists of multiple-choice questions and lasts for two hours. The exam covers topics such as installation, configuration, maintenance, troubleshooting, and performance tuning of the Oracle Application Testing Suite.

To become an Oracle Application Testing Suite 11g Certified Implementation Specialist, you must pass the corresponding exam. You can register for the exam through Pearson VUE or Prometric. The cost of the exam varies depending on your location but typically ranges from $150 to $200 USD.

It typically takes around four weeks to prepare for the Oracle Application Testing Suite 11g Certified Implementation Specialist exam. To prepare for the exam, you should review all of the topics covered in the official study guide and practice with sample questions. Additionally, it is recommended that you have at least six months of hands-on experience with the Oracle Application Testing Suite before attempting this certification.

Do You Really Need a Functional Tester Certificate?

When it comes to becoming a functional tester, a certification is not always necessary. It may be helpful when applying for certain positions but there are many ways to become a successful tester without one.

Having knowledge of the software development process and understanding the various types of testing such as unit, integration, system and acceptance testing is essential for any aspiring functional tester. This can be done through reading books or taking courses related to software development and testing. Additionally, having hands-on experience with different kinds of software is also beneficial as it gives testers an opportunity to gain real-world experience in using the tools they will need in their job.

In addition to this knowledge, there are other skills that are important for a functional tester such as strong problem solving skills, attention to detail and excellent communication skills. These can be developed through practice and by learning from mistakes made while working on projects.

A functional tester certificate may provide some added benefit when applying for certain jobs but it isn’t always necessary. As long as you have the right knowledge and skills, you can become a successful functional tester without one.

Related: Functional Tester Resume Examples

FAQs About Functional Tester Certifications

1. What is a Functional Tester Certification?

Answer: A Functional Tester Certification is an industry-recognized certification that certifies an individual’s skills and knowledge in the areas of software testing, such as software development, quality assurance, and automation testing.

2. What are the benefits of obtaining a Functional Tester Certification?

Answer: Obtaining a Functional Tester Certification will demonstrate to employers that you have the necessary skills and knowledge to successfully carry out software testing tasks. It can also help you stand out from other applicants in the job market and increase your chances of being hired.

3. How do I become certified as a Functional Tester?

Answer: To become certified as a Functional Tester, you must pass an exam administered by an accredited organization such as the International Software Testing Qualifications Board (ISTQB).

4. How long does it take to become certified as a Functional Tester?

Answer: The length of time it takes to become certified depends on how much study and preparation you put into it. Generally speaking, most people who pass the exam take several weeks or months of studying before they are ready to take the exam.

5. What type of jobs can I apply for with a Functional Tester Certification?

Answer: With a Functional Tester Certification, you can apply for positions at software companies in quality assurance departments or software test automation teams. You may also be qualified for roles such as system analyst or technical support specialist in IT departments at various organizations.