Top 10 QA Automation Engineer Certifications

Certifications are important for a QA Automation Engineer to demonstrate their knowledge and experience in the field. A certification can show employers that the engineer has acquired specific skills and knowledge in automation testing, and is familiar with the latest tools and technologies used for software testing. It also shows employers that the engineer has taken the initiative to further their career by investing time and resources into their professional development. Certifications can help QA Automation Engineers stand out from other job candidates, as they provide an indication of proficiency in the field. Additionally, certifications may be required by certain employers or industries.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for QA Automation Engineers and explains how they can help advance a qa automation engineer's career.

What are QA Automation Engineer Certifications?

QA Automation Engineer Certification is a professional certification program designed to help software quality assurance (QA) professionals demonstrate their knowledge and skills in the field of automated testing. The certification is awarded by the International Software Testing Qualifications Board (ISTQB), which is an international organization that sets standards for software testing qualifications. This certification helps QA professionals demonstrate their expertise in designing, developing, and executing automated test scripts, as well as their ability to debug and analyze automated tests. It also serves as proof of knowledge in different automation tools and technologies, such as Selenium WebDriver, Cucumber, Jenkins, Appium, etc.

Having this certification can help QA professionals stand out from the competition when applying for jobs or promotions. It shows employers that they have a deep understanding of automated testing techniques and tools and are capable of quickly adapting to new technologies. Additionally, having this certification can provide QA engineers with a competitive edge when it comes to salary negotiations since it demonstrates that they have taken the initiative to stay up-to-date on current trends in the industry.

Pro tip: Make sure to research the certifications available for QA automation engineers and find one that best fits your goals. Look for certifications that provide a comprehensive understanding of the software development life cycle, as well as a deep dive into the specific areas of testing automation. Additionally, look for certifications that are industry recognized and offer ongoing support and resources for professional development.

Related: What does a QA Automation Engineer do?

Top 10 QA Automation Engineer Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to QA Automation Engineers today.

1. ISTQB Certified Tester

ISTQB Certified Tester is an internationally recognized certification program for software testers. It is designed to provide a common basis of understanding and knowledge in the field of software testing, including the fundamentals of testing, test processes, and test techniques. The ISTQB Certified Tester program has been developed by the International Software Testing Qualifications Board (ISTQB).

The ISTQB Certified Tester program consists of three levels: Foundation Level, Advanced Level, and Expert Level. The Foundation Level is the entry-level certification and provides basic knowledge about software testing. The Advanced Level covers more specialized topics such as test automation and risk-based testing. The Expert Level focuses on advanced topics such as test management and process improvement.

It typically takes between one to two years to complete all three levels of certification. To get certified at each level, you must pass an exam that is administered by a local ISTQB accredited examination provider.

The cost of the exams varies depending on your location but generally ranges from $150-$300 USD per exam.

2. ASTQB Mobile App Testing Certification

ASTQB Mobile App Testing Certification is a certification program designed to assess the knowledge and skills of mobile application testers. It is an internationally recognized certification that verifies the ability to design, develop, and execute effective tests for mobile applications.

The certification exam consists of 60 multiple-choice questions and takes about 90 minutes to complete. The exam covers topics such as mobile application testing strategies, test planning, test design, test execution, defect management, and reporting. To pass the exam, you must score at least 70% or higher.

To get ASTQB Mobile App Testing Certification, you must first register with ASTQB and then purchase an exam voucher from their website. The cost of the exam voucher is $250 USD. Once you have purchased your voucher, you can schedule your exam at any Prometric Test Center location around the world.

Once you have passed the exam, you will receive a certificate from ASTQB confirming your certification status. Your certification will be valid for two years from the date it was issued. After two years, you will need to retake the exam in order to maintain your certification status.

3. HP Quality Center Certification

HP Quality Center Certification is a certification program offered by HP that validates an individual’s knowledge and skills in using the HP Quality Center software. This certification is designed to demonstrate proficiency in the areas of project management, requirements management, test planning, test execution, defect tracking, and reporting.

The certification exam consists of multiple-choice questions and can be taken at any authorized Pearson VUE testing center. The exam typically takes around 2 hours to complete. To get certified, individuals must pass the HP Quality Center Certification Exam with a score of 70% or higher.

To prepare for the exam, candidates should review all available study materials such as online tutorials, practice tests, and study guides. Candidates can also take advantage of instructor-led training courses offered by HP or its partners to gain hands-on experience with the software.

The cost of taking the exam varies depending on your location but generally ranges from $100 to $200 USD.

4. Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA) in Software Testing

Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA) is a certification program designed to provide individuals with the fundamentals of technology needed to begin a career in software testing. The MTA Software Testing certification is an entry-level credential that validates basic knowledge of software testing principles and techniques. It provides a solid foundation for further study and professional development.

The MTA Software Testing certification exam consists of 40 multiple-choice questions that must be completed within 90 minutes. The topics covered include: test planning, test design, test execution, bug reporting, and automation. To pass the exam, you must score at least 700 out of 1000 points.

To get the MTA Software Testing certification, you must first purchase an exam voucher from Microsoft's website or through an authorized partner. The cost of the voucher varies depending on your location but typically ranges from $99 to $150 USD. Once you have purchased the voucher, you can register for the exam through your local Microsoft testing center or through Pearson VUE online.

Once you have completed the exam successfully, Microsoft will email you a certificate confirming your achievement and listing your score. This certificate will remain valid for two years after which time it must be renewed by taking another exam if you wish to maintain your certification status.

In summary, getting an MTA Software Testing certification requires purchasing an exam voucher from Microsoft or an authorized partner, registering for the exam through Pearson VUE or a local Microsoft testing center, passing the exam with at least 700 points out of 1000 possible points and receiving a certificate confirming your achievement via email from Microsoft.

5. ISTQB Advanced Level Test Automation Engineer Certification

The ISTQB Advanced Level Test Automation Engineer Certification is an internationally recognized certification for software testers who have advanced knowledge and experience in test automation. It is designed to assess the competency of a test automation engineer to create, maintain, and execute automated tests. The certification is valid for three years from the date of issue.

To get the ISTQB Advanced Level Test Automation Engineer Certification, you must pass two exams: the Foundation Level exam and the Advanced Level Test Automation Engineer exam. The Foundation Level exam covers basic concepts related to software testing, while the Advanced Level Test Automation Engineer exam focuses on topics such as test automation frameworks, scripting languages, and tools.

The cost of taking both exams depends on your location. Generally, it costs around $400-$500 USD for both exams. Additionally, there may be additional fees associated with registration or other services related to taking the exam.

Once you have passed both exams, you will receive your ISTQB Advanced Level Test Automation Engineer Certification from ISTQB International.

6. ISQI Certified Agile Test Automation Engineer

ISQI Certified Agile Test Automation Engineer is a professional certification designed to recognize the skills and knowledge of professionals who have achieved mastery in the field of agile test automation. It is an internationally recognized certification that demonstrates a level of proficiency in agile test automation.

The certification requires a minimum of two years’ experience in software testing and automation, as well as successful completion of the ISQI Certified Agile Test Automation Engineer Exam. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as agile principles, automated testing tools, scripting languages, and test management.

To get certified, an individual must first register for the exam with ISQI. The cost for the exam is €500 (approximately $570 USD). Once registered, individuals will need to study for and pass the exam within six months. After passing the exam, individuals will receive their certificate from ISQI.

The cost for taking the ISQI Certified Agile Test Automation Engineer Exam includes all materials needed to prepare for and take the exam. This cost does not include any additional training or courses that may be necessary to complete prior to taking the exam.

7. Oracle Application Testing Suite Certification

Oracle Application Testing Suite Certification is a professional certification program offered by Oracle that validates the skills and knowledge of professionals in the field of software testing. This certification is designed to help organizations ensure that their software testing teams have the necessary skills and abilities to properly test applications and systems.

The Oracle Application Testing Suite Certification is a two-part exam consisting of an online assessment and a hands-on lab exam. The online assessment covers topics such as database management, application development, software testing principles, and scripting languages. The hands-on lab exam requires candidates to demonstrate their ability to use Oracle Application Testing Suite tools in order to design, develop, execute, and analyze tests.

To get certified in Oracle Application Testing Suite, you must first pass the online assessment with a minimum score of 70%. Once you have passed the online assessment, you will be eligible to take the hands-on lab exam. Candidates must pass both parts of the exam with a minimum score of 80% in order to receive their certification.

The cost for taking the Oracle Application Testing Suite Certification Exam varies depending on where you take it; however, it typically costs around $200 USD for both parts of the exam. It typically takes about 3 hours to complete both parts of the exam.

8. QAI Global Institute Certified Automation Specialist

QAI Global Institute Certified Automation Specialist is a certification program designed to recognize professionals who have mastered the principles and techniques of automation. It is intended for individuals who are interested in gaining a comprehensive understanding of automation technologies, including robotics, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and process control. The certification requires applicants to demonstrate knowledge of automation concepts and processes through written exams and practical demonstrations.

The certification takes approximately six months to complete, depending on the individual's experience level. To get certified, applicants must pass an online exam that covers topics such as automation fundamentals, programming languages, system architectures, and troubleshooting techniques. In addition to the exam, applicants must also complete a hands-on project demonstrating their mastery of automation concepts.

The cost of the QAI Global Institute Certified Automation Specialist certification varies depending on the applicant’s experience level. For those with no prior experience in automation technologies, the cost is $2,500 USD. For experienced professionals who already possess some knowledge of automation principles and techniques, the cost is reduced to $1,500 USD.

9. International Software Testing Qualifications Board (ISTQB) Expert Level Test Automation Engineer

The International Software Testing Qualifications Board (ISTQB) Expert Level Test Automation Engineer is a certification that recognizes the advanced skills and knowledge of a test automation engineer. This certification requires the candidate to demonstrate their ability to design, develop, execute, and maintain automated tests for software applications. The certification also requires candidates to be able to evaluate the effectiveness of automated tests, as well as identify and manage risks associated with test automation.

In order to become an ISTQB Expert Level Test Automation Engineer, candidates must first have passed the ISTQB Foundation Level exam. Once this prerequisite has been met, candidates can then take the Expert Level exam. This exam consists of two parts: a theoretical part and a practical part. The theoretical part covers topics such as test automation principles, best practices, tools and techniques, while the practical part involves designing and implementing an automated test suite for an application.

The ISTQB Expert Level Test Automation Engineer exam typically takes around four hours to complete and costs approximately $400 USD. Candidates who pass both parts of the exam are awarded the ISTQB Expert Level Test Automation Engineer certificate.

10. CSTE Certified Software Tester

CSTE Certified Software Tester (CSTE) is a professional certification offered by the Quality Assurance Institute (QAI). It is designed to recognize professionals who have demonstrated knowledge and experience in software testing. The CSTE certification is intended to provide a standard of excellence for software testers, and it is recognized by many employers as an indication of competency.

The CSTE certification process consists of two parts: a written exam and an online practical exam. The written exam covers topics such as software development life cycle, test planning, test design, test execution, defect management, and risk assessment. The practical exam requires candidates to demonstrate their ability to apply the concepts learned in the written exam in a simulated environment.

In order to become CSTE certified, you must first complete the QAI-approved training program or have at least five years of experience in software testing. Once you have completed the training program or gained the necessary experience, you can register for the CSTE certification exams with QAI. The exams are offered twice a year and cost $450 per attempt.

Once you pass both exams, you will receive your official CSTE certificate along with other benefits such as access to exclusive resources and discounts on conferences and workshops related to software testing.

Do You Really Need a QA Automation Engineer Certificate?

The short answer is no, you do not need a QA Automation Engineer certificate in order to become a successful QA automation engineer. However, having one can certainly be beneficial. Certificates in the field of software engineering demonstrate that you have the necessary skills and knowledge to be a successful QA automation engineer.

Having a certificate also shows employers that you are committed to the field and willing to put in the extra effort to learn and develop your skills. Additionally, it serves as an indication that you understand the principles of software engineering, which is essential for success as an automation engineer.

Certification programs also provide access to valuable resources such as tutorials, industry best practices, and networking opportunities with other professionals in the field. This can help further your understanding of software engineering concepts and help you stay up-to-date on new technologies and trends.

Overall, while having a QA Automation Engineer certificate may not be necessary in order to succeed in this field, it can certainly provide some helpful advantages. If you have the time and resources available, pursuing certification could be a great way to increase your knowledge base and give yourself an edge when competing for jobs.

Related: QA Automation Engineer Resume Examples

FAQs About QA Automation Engineer Certifications

Q1. What is QA Automation Engineer Certification?

Answer: QA Automation Engineer Certification is a professional certification program designed to give quality assurance professionals the knowledge and skills to validate software applications using automation tools and techniques.

Q2. What are the benefits of a QA Automation Engineer Certification?

Answer: A QA Automation Engineer Certification provides individuals with an understanding of software testing best practices, techniques for automating tests, and knowledge of various automation tools and technologies. Having this certification can help you stand out from other candidates and demonstrate your expertise in the field.

Q3. How do I obtain a QA Automation Engineer Certification?

Answer: To obtain a QA Automation Engineer Certification, you must first complete an accredited training program or course in automation engineering. After completing the training, you must then pass an exam to receive the certification.

Q4. How long does it take to complete a QA Automation Engineer Certification?

Answer: The length of time it takes to complete a QA Automation Engineer certification will vary depending on the individual's experience level, as well as the type of training program or course chosen. Generally speaking, it can take anywhere from 6 months to 1 year to complete all requirements for certification.

Q5. Is there an online option for obtaining a QA Automation Engineer Certification?

Answer: Yes, many training programs and courses now offer online options for obtaining a QA Automation Engineering certification. Online courses typically require less time commitment than traditional classroom-based courses, but may require more self-discipline and organization skills on behalf of the student in order to be successful.