Top 11 Manual Tester Certifications

Certifications are important for manual testers in the job market because they demonstrate a level of proficiency and expertise to potential employers. They also show that the candidate has taken the initiative to invest in their own professional development, which is highly valued in any profession. Certified manual testers are more likely to be seen as reliable and knowledgeable professionals who can hit the ground running on a project. Furthermore, certifications provide a way for manual testers to stand out from other applicants, as many software companies prioritize certified testers when hiring.

The purpose of this article is to review some of the top certifications for Manual Testers and explain how they can help manual testers advance their careers.

What are Manual Tester Certifications?

Manual tester certification is a type of professional certification that focuses on the skills and knowledge required to perform manual testing. Manual testing involves creating test plans, designing test cases, executing tests, and analyzing the results. The certification process typically includes an exam that covers topics such as software development life cycles, software quality assurance processes, debugging techniques, black box and white box testing methods, and test documentation standards.

Having a manual tester certification can help individuals demonstrate their commitment to quality assurance and their proficiency in manual testing. It can also provide advantages when applying for jobs or promotions in the software industry. In addition to providing credibility to employers, certified testers may also benefit from increased job opportunities and higher salaries than non-certified testers. Finally, manual tester certification can help individuals stay up-to-date with the latest trends in software development and testing practices.

Pro Tip: Before investing in a manual tester certification, consider the specific job requirements of the role you are applying for and research the skills and competencies that employers value. This will help ensure that your certification is relevant and valuable to potential employers.

Related: What does a Manual Tester do?

Top 11 Manual Tester Certifications

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

1. ISTQB Foundation Level Certification

ISTQB Foundation Level Certification is an internationally recognized qualification for software testers. It is designed to provide a basic understanding of the principles and processes of software testing, and to ensure that all software testers have a common understanding of the fundamentals of software testing.

The ISTQB Foundation Level Certification consists of a one-day exam, which tests knowledge in the areas of test design techniques, test management, static techniques, test tools and more. The exam is based on the ISTQB syllabus and requires a minimum score of 65% to pass.

It usually takes about two months to prepare for the exam. Candidates should familiarize themselves with the ISTQB syllabus and practice taking sample exams before attempting the real exam. There are also various online courses available that can help candidates prepare for the exam.

The cost of taking the ISTQB Foundation Level Certification exam varies depending on location, but typically ranges from $200-$400 USD.

2. Certified Software Tester (CSTE)

Certified Software Tester (CSTE) is a professional certification program offered by Quality Assurance Institute (QAI). It is designed to provide software testers with the knowledge and skills necessary to become an effective software tester. The certification is based on the International Software Testing Qualifications Board (ISTQB) syllabus, which covers topics such as testing techniques, test management, and quality assurance.

To get the CSTE certification, you must first complete a training course that covers the ISTQB syllabus. This course can be taken online or in-person at a QAI-approved training center. After completing the training course, you must pass an exam to earn your CSTE certification.

The cost of the CSTE certification varies depending on where you take the course and how long it takes to complete it. Generally speaking, it costs between $1,000 and $2,000 USD for the entire process.

It typically takes several months to prepare for and pass the exam required for CSTE certification. However, some experienced testers may be able to finish in as little as three months or less if they are well-prepared and have sufficient study time available.

3. ASTQB Mobile Application Tester Certification

ASTQB Mobile Application Tester Certification is a certification program for mobile application testers. It is designed to help professionals demonstrate their knowledge and skills in the field of mobile application testing. The certification covers topics such as mobile app design, development, testing, and deployment.

The certification process takes approximately 4-6 weeks to complete. To get certified, applicants must first pass an online exam which consists of multiple-choice questions on topics related to mobile app testing. After passing the exam, applicants must submit a portfolio of work samples demonstrating their proficiency in the field. Once approved, applicants will receive their ASTQB Mobile Application Tester Certification.

The cost of the ASTQB Mobile Application Tester Certification varies depending on the country you are located in. Generally, it costs around $150 USD to register for the exam and another $100 USD for the portfolio review fee.

4. International Software Testing Qualifications Board (ISTQB) Advanced Level Test Analyst Certification

The International Software Testing Qualifications Board (ISTQB) Advanced Level Test Analyst Certification is a globally recognized software testing certification. It is designed to demonstrate an individual’s knowledge and skills in software testing and quality assurance. The certification is divided into two parts: the Foundation level, which provides a general understanding of software testing principles, and the Advanced level, which focuses on the practical application of those principles.

The ISTQB Advanced Level Test Analyst Certification requires a minimum of two years of experience in software testing and quality assurance. Candidates must also pass an exam that covers topics such as test analysis, test design techniques, test management, and risk-based testing. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and has a maximum duration of three hours.

In order to obtain the ISTQB Advanced Level Test Analyst Certification, candidates must first complete the Foundation level certification. After passing the Foundation level exam, they can then register for the Advanced Level Test Analyst exam. The registration fee for the exam is $250 USD. Once registered, candidates can take up to one year to prepare for the exam by studying course materials or attending training courses offered by ISTQB-accredited training providers.

Once all requirements are met and candidates have passed their exams, they will be awarded their ISTQB Advanced Level Test Analyst Certification. This certification is valid for three years from the date it was issued and can be renewed by taking additional exams or attending refresher courses offered by accredited training providers.

5. American Software Testing Qualifications Board (ASTQB) Certified Mobile Tester (CMT)

The American Software Testing Qualifications Board (ASTQB) Certified Mobile Tester (CMT) is a certification program designed to recognize the knowledge and skills of software testers who specialize in mobile application testing. The program is designed to help employers identify qualified professionals in the field of mobile application testing.

To become an ASTQB Certified Mobile Tester, applicants must pass an online exam that covers topics such as mobile device fundamentals, mobile application development lifecycle, mobile application testing techniques, and mobile test automation. The exam consists of 60 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes to complete.

To get started on your ASTQB Certified Mobile Tester certification journey, you will need to register for the exam at the ASTQB website. You can choose from a variety of payment options including credit card or PayPal. The cost for the exam is $150 USD. Once you have registered for the exam, you will receive an email with instructions on how to access it.

Once you have successfully completed the exam, you will receive your official ASTQB Certified Mobile Tester certificate within 2-3 weeks. This certificate will serve as proof of your proficiency in mobile application testing and can be used to demonstrate your expertise when applying for jobs or promotions in the field of software testing.

6. Certified Usability Analyst (CUA)

A Certified Usability Analyst (CUA) is a professional who has been trained and certified in the principles of usability engineering. Usability engineering is the practice of designing user interfaces that are easy to use, efficient, and effective. The CUA certification program is offered by the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society (HFES) and provides a comprehensive review of usability engineering topics, including user-centered design, usability testing, accessibility standards, and user interface design patterns.

The CUA certification requires completion of an online course and passing an exam with a score of 70% or higher. The course consists of 10 modules covering topics such as:

• Introduction to Usability Engineering
• User Research Methods
• Designing for Accessibility
• Evaluating Usability
• Developing User Interfaces
• Designing for Mobile Devices
• Prototyping & Testing
• Managing Projects & Teams
• Advanced Topics in Usability Engineering.

The online course takes approximately 40 hours to complete and costs $1,495 USD. After completing the course, you can take the exam at any Pearson VUE test center for $250 USD. Once you pass the exam, you will receive your official CUA certificate from HFES.

7. ISTQB Expert Level Test Manager Certification

The ISTQB Expert Level Test Manager Certification is an advanced-level certification program designed to help experienced software testers become even more proficient in their field. It is the highest level of certification offered by the International Software Testing Qualifications Board (ISTQB).

It typically takes between three and six months to complete the ISTQB Expert Level Test Manager Certification, depending on the individual’s experience and commitment. The program consists of self-study modules, online courses, and a final exam.

In order to get certified at the Expert Level Test Manager level, applicants must first pass the Foundation Level Exam and then complete two additional exams: Advanced Test Manager (ATM) and Advanced Technical Test Analyst (ATTA). Once these exams are successfully completed, applicants can apply for the Expert Level Test Manager Certification.

The cost of the ISTQB Expert Level Test Manager Certification varies depending on your location and which provider you use. Generally speaking, it costs around $1,000 USD to become certified.

8. ASTQB Automation Tester Certification

ASTQB Automation Tester Certification is a professional certification program designed to recognize the knowledge and skills of individuals in software testing automation. The certification is intended to demonstrate that an individual has a comprehensive understanding of the principles, processes, and tools associated with test automation.

The ASTQB Automation Tester Certification requires applicants to pass an online exam which consists of multiple-choice questions. The exam covers topics such as test automation fundamentals, scripting languages, automation frameworks, and tools. The exam typically takes around two hours to complete.

In order to get the ASTQB Automation Tester Certification, applicants must first register for the exam on the ASTQB website. After registering, applicants can purchase the exam voucher from ASTQB which allows them to take the exam at any approved testing center. Once they have completed their exam and passed it with a score of 75% or higher, they will receive their official certification from ASTQB.

The cost of the ASTQB Automation Tester Certification varies depending on where you take your exam and how many exams you need to take in order to get certified. Generally speaking, it costs around $200-$400 USD for each attempt at passing the certification exam.

9. International Software Testing Qualifications Board (ISTQB) Technical Test Analyst Certification

The International Software Testing Qualifications Board (ISTQB) Technical Test Analyst Certification is an internationally recognized certification program designed to assess the knowledge and skills of software test analysts. The ISTQB Technical Test Analyst certification is aimed at professionals who are responsible for designing and executing tests to ensure that software products meet customer requirements.

The ISTQB Technical Test Analyst certification consists of two levels: Foundation Level and Advanced Level. To obtain the ISTQB Technical Test Analyst certification, you must pass both levels of the exam.

The Foundation Level exam consists of 40 multiple-choice questions that must be completed within 90 minutes. The passing score for this exam is 65%. The cost for the Foundation Level exam is $250 USD.

The Advanced Level exam consists of 8 essay questions that must be completed within 180 minutes. The passing score for this exam is 60%. The cost for the Advanced Level exam is $400 USD.

To prepare for the exams, you can take online courses or attend in-person training sessions offered by accredited trainers. There are also a variety of study materials available online, such as practice tests, sample questions, and study guides.

In total, it typically takes around 6 months to complete both levels of the ISTQB Technical Test Analyst certification exams.

10. American Software Testing Qualifications Board (ASTQB) Certified Security Tester (CST)

The American Software Testing Qualifications Board (ASTQB) Certified Security Tester (CST) is a certification program designed to recognize the skills and knowledge of professionals who are involved in software security testing. The certification is designed to help organizations identify and hire qualified security testers, as well as provide individuals with a way to demonstrate their expertise in this field.

In order to be eligible for the CST certification, candidates must have at least two years of experience in software security testing. Candidates must also pass an exam that covers topics such as secure coding practices, threat modeling, vulnerability analysis, and penetration testing.

The exam typically takes around two hours to complete and consists of 60 multiple-choice questions. To prepare for the exam, ASTQB provides study materials such as practice tests, online courses, and webinars.

The cost of the CST certification varies depending on the country you are taking it in. In the United States, it costs $299 USD for members of ASTQB or $399 USD for non-members.

To get certified as a CST, candidates must register with ASTQB and pay the applicable fee before they can take the exam. Once they have passed the exam, they will receive their official certificate from ASTQB.

11. ISTQB Expert Level Test Automation Engineer Certification

ISTQB Expert Level Test Automation Engineer Certification is an advanced certification that is designed to recognize the knowledge, skills and experience of test automation engineers. This certification requires a minimum of five years of experience in software testing and test automation. It also requires the successful completion of an ISTQB-certified Expert Level Test Automation Engineer exam.

The exam consists of 40 multiple-choice questions with a duration of 90 minutes. The topics covered include: test automation principles, design and implementation, automated test execution, maintenance and optimization, as well as the use of tools and techniques for effective test automation.

In order to get this certification, you must first register with ISTQB (International Software Testing Qualifications Board) or its local partners in your country. Once registered, you will be required to take an online course or attend a classroom-based course in order to prepare for the exam. The cost for these courses varies depending on the provider but typically range from $500-$1000 USD. After completing the course, you can then register for and take the ISTQB Expert Level Test Automation Engineer exam at one of their designated testing centers around the world. The cost for this exam is approximately $400 USD.

Once you have successfully passed the exam, you will receive your ISTQB Expert Level Test Automation Engineer certification which is valid for three years. To maintain your certification status, you must retake the exam every three years in order to renew it.

Do You Really Need a Manual Tester Certificate?

No, you do not need a manual tester certificate to be successful in software testing. While certification may provide some credibility, it is not necessary to be an effective manual tester. Manual testing is a skill that can be learned through experience and research. Many employers value knowledge and experience over certification when it comes to hiring manual testers.

Manual testers have the important job of ensuring that software works as expected by manually running test cases and recording the results. They must also document any issues they find during testing and report them to the appropriate teams for resolution. This requires a deep understanding of how software works and how to effectively identify potential problems. Certification may demonstrate some level of competence in this area, but it is not necessary for success in manual testing.

The most important thing for manual testers is having hands-on experience with different types of software applications and technologies. With this knowledge base, they can quickly identify potential issues, develop effective test cases, and find solutions quickly when problems arise. Having a good eye for detail, an understanding of the software development process, and strong communication skills are all essential qualities that will help manual testers excel in their field regardless of whether or not they have a certification.

In summary, while having a manual tester certificate may provide some credibility when applying for jobs, it is not necessary to be successful in this field. The most important things are having hands-on experience with different types of software applications and technologies along with strong problem solving skills and communication abilities.

Related: Manual Tester Resume Examples

FAQs About Manual Tester Certifications

Q1. What is a Manual Tester Certification?

A1. A Manual Tester Certification is a credential that demonstrates an individual's knowledge and skills in software testing. It provides employers with assurance that the individual has the necessary skills to effectively test software applications.

Q2. How do I get certified as a Manual Tester?

A2. To become certified as a Manual Tester, you must pass an exam administered by an accredited certification body such as the International Software Testing Qualifications Board (ISTQB).

Q3. What does the certification involve?

A3. The certification involves taking an exam covering topics such as software testing fundamentals, test design techniques, test execution strategies, and defect management processes. The exam typically consists of multiple-choice questions and may also include practical exercises or simulations.

Q4. How long does it take to get certified?

A4. It typically takes several weeks or months to complete all of the required study material and practice tests before taking the certification exam. The actual exam can take anywhere from one to three hours depending on its format and level of difficulty.

Q5. Is there any cost associated with getting certified?

A5: Yes, there are usually associated costs with getting certified including registration fees for the exam and any related materials or courses needed to prepare for the exam