Top 11 QA Tester Certifications

Certifications for QA Testers are important in the job market because they demonstrate to employers that you have a certain level of knowledge and experience in software testing. Having a certification proves that you have the necessary skills and knowledge to successfully perform quality assurance tests on various software applications. By having certifications, you can set yourself apart from other applicants, making it easier to find a job. Certifications also provide proof of your commitment to quality assurance, which can help employers identify qualified candidates more easily.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for QA Testers and explains how they can help advance a QA Tester's career.

What are QA Tester Certifications?

QA Tester Certification is a certification program that provides individuals with the necessary skills and knowledge to become a successful Quality Assurance (QA) Tester. This program offers an in-depth understanding of QA testing principles, techniques, and processes. It also covers topics such as software testing methodology, test design, automation testing, and code debugging.

The QA Tester Certification can help individuals gain the skills they need to be successful in their chosen field. It can also provide them with the confidence they need to pursue higher-level positions within the software development industry. With this certification, individuals will be better equipped to handle complex tasks related to software development and quality assurance. They will also have a better understanding of how to apply their knowledge in various situations and environments. Additionally, employers may view those who have completed this certification as more reliable and trustworthy than those without it.

Pro Tip: When considering a QA Tester Certification, make sure to research the certifying organization and its requirements for certification. Not all certifications have the same requirements or value in the industry, so it's important to understand what you are getting into before committing to a certification program.

Related: What does a QA Tester do?

Top 11 QA Tester Certifications

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

1. ISTQB Certified Tester Foundation Level

ISTQB Certified Tester Foundation Level is a certification program that provides an understanding of the fundamental concepts of software testing. The certification is designed to provide a basic understanding of the principles, techniques, and tools used in software testing. It covers topics such as test planning, test design, test execution, and defect management.

The ISTQB Certified Tester Foundation Level exam consists of 40 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately 90 minutes to complete. To pass the exam, you must score at least 65% (26 out of 40 questions).

To get the ISTQB Certified Tester Foundation Level certification, you must first register with the International Software Testing Qualifications Board (ISTQB) and pay the fee. The fee for this certification varies by country but typically ranges from $150-$200 USD. Once registered, you can take an online course or attend a classroom course to prepare for the exam. After completing your training, you can then take the exam at an approved testing center.

Once you have passed the exam, your certificate will be issued within two weeks and will be valid for three years. You will need to renew your certification every three years by taking a re-certification exam or attending an approved training course.

2. ASTQB Mobile Application Testing Certification

ASTQB Mobile Application Testing Certification is a professional certification that verifies an individual's knowledge and skills in mobile application testing. It is designed to help software testers demonstrate their expertise in the field of mobile application testing. The certification requires individuals to pass an online exam and complete a project.

The exam consists of 60 multiple-choice questions, which must be completed within 90 minutes. To get the certification, applicants must score at least 70% on the exam. Once the exam is successfully completed, applicants will receive a certificate from ASTQB (the American Software Testing Qualifications Board).

The cost of the ASTQB Mobile Application Testing Certification depends on the country you are located in and if you are taking it as an individual or as part of a group. Generally, it costs around $400 for individuals and $1,000 for groups.

To get the certification, applicants must first register with ASTQB and then take the online exam. After passing the exam, applicants will receive their certificate within two weeks.

3. ISTQB Certified Tester Advanced Level - Test Manager

ISTQB Certified Tester Advanced Level - Test Manager is an advanced certification for experienced software testers. It is a globally recognized qualification that demonstrates a professional level of expertise in the field of software testing.

The ISTQB Certified Tester Advanced Level – Test Manager certification requires knowledge and understanding of the principles and techniques used in test management, as well as the ability to apply these skills in practice. It also requires knowledge of risk-based testing, test estimation, test planning, test monitoring and control, incident management and other topics related to managing software testing projects.

To get this certification, you must have already obtained the Foundation Level Certification from ISTQB and have at least two years of experience in software testing or related activities. You will need to pass an exam that covers topics such as project management, risk analysis, test design techniques, etc.

The exam takes approximately 3 hours to complete and consists of 40 multiple choice questions. The cost of the exam varies depending on your location but typically ranges from $200-$300 USD.

4. ISTQB Certified Tester Advanced Level - Test Analyst

ISTQB Certified Tester Advanced Level - Test Analyst is an advanced level certification for software testers. It is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of testing activities, techniques and processes. The certification covers topics such as test design, test management, risk-based testing, and automation.

It typically takes around 6 months to prepare for the ISTQB Certified Tester Advanced Level - Test Analyst exam. This includes studying the official syllabus materials, attending training courses or workshops, and gaining practical experience in software testing.

To get the ISTQB Certified Tester Advanced Level - Test Analyst certification, you must pass the exam with a minimum score of 65%. The exam consists of 40 multiple-choice questions and has a duration of 90 minutes.

The cost of taking the ISTQB Certified Tester Advanced Level - Test Analyst exam varies depending on your location. In most countries it costs around 200 USD.

5. Quality Assurance Institute (QAI) Global Software Testing Qualification Board (GSTQB) Certified Software Tester

The Quality Assurance Institute (QAI) Global Software Testing Qualification Board (GSTQB) Certified Software Tester is an internationally recognized certification that validates a software tester’s knowledge and skills in software testing. It is a comprehensive program that covers the fundamental concepts of software testing, including test planning, design, implementation, execution, and evaluation. The certification also provides an understanding of the principles of quality assurance and risk management.

To obtain the GSTQB Certified Software Tester certification, applicants must first complete a self-study course and then pass an online exam. The self-study course includes 10 modules covering topics such as test planning and design, test execution and evaluation, and quality assurance processes. The cost of the self-study course is approximately $600 USD. After completing the coursework, applicants can take the online exam which consists of multiple-choice questions related to software testing fundamentals. The cost for taking the exam is approximately $200 USD.

Once applicants have successfully passed the exam they will receive their GSTQB Certified Software Tester certificate from QAI. This certificate is valid for three years after which time recertification will be required to maintain it.

6. International Software Testing Qualifications Board (ISTQB) Agile Tester Extension

The International Software Testing Qualifications Board (ISTQB) Agile Tester Extension is a certification program designed to help software testers become more proficient in agile testing. The certification is aimed at those who already have a basic understanding of software testing and want to expand their knowledge and skills in the area of agile testing.

The ISTQB Agile Tester Extension consists of two parts: an exam and a syllabus. The exam is a multiple-choice test that covers topics such as agile processes, principles, techniques, roles, and tools. It can be taken online or at an accredited examination center.

To get the ISTQB Agile Tester Extension certification, you must pass the exam with a score of at least 65%. The exam takes about 90 minutes to complete.

The cost of taking the ISTQB Agile Tester Extension exam varies depending on where you take it. In most cases, it costs around $200 USD.

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

The International Software Testing Qualifications Board (ISTQB) Technical Test Analyst certification is an industry-recognized credential for software testers. It is designed to demonstrate a tester’s knowledge and skills in the areas of software testing, test analysis, test design, test implementation and execution, and test management.

To get the ISTQB Technical Test Analyst certification, you must first pass an exam that covers topics such as software testing fundamentals, test process management, risk-based testing, and more. The exam consists of multiple choice questions and takes two hours to complete.

In order to take the exam, you must register with the ISTQB website and pay a fee of $250 USD. Once registered, you can then choose a testing center near you to take the exam.

Once you have passed the exam, you will receive your official ISTQB Technical Test Analyst certificate in the mail within 4-6 weeks.

8. International Software Testing Qualifications Board (ISTQB) Usability Testing Extension

The International Software Testing Qualifications Board (ISTQB) Usability Testing Extension is a certification program that provides professionals with the skills and knowledge to become experts in usability testing. This extension focuses on the principles of usability testing, including user-centered design, user experience, and usability evaluation techniques.

The ISTQB Usability Testing Extension consists of two parts: the Foundation Level and the Advanced Level. The Foundation Level covers topics such as usability principles, user-centered design, usability testing methods, and tools used for usability evaluation. The Advanced Level covers more advanced topics such as accessibility testing, performance testing, and internationalization.

It typically takes between three to six months to complete both levels of the ISTQB Usability Testing Extension. To obtain this certification, you must pass an exam at each level. The exams are administered by accredited training providers or examination centers around the world.

The cost of obtaining the ISTQB Usability Testing Extension varies depending on where you take your exams. Generally speaking, it costs around $200-$300 per exam plus any additional fees charged by the examination center or training provider.

9. American Software Testing Qualifications Board (ASTQB) Automation Engineer

The American Software Testing Qualifications Board (ASTQB) Automation Engineer is a certification program for software testers. This certification is designed to provide recognition for the skills and knowledge of automation engineers who are responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining automated test systems.

The ASTQB Automation Engineer certification consists of three different modules: Core Automation Engineering, Advanced Automation Engineering, and Expert Automation Engineering. The Core module is a prerequisite for the other two modules. It covers topics such as automation frameworks, scripting languages, debugging tools, and test data management. The Advanced module focuses on topics such as object-oriented programming, distributed computing architectures, and service-oriented architectures. The Expert module covers topics such as artificial intelligence, machine learning algorithms, and natural language processing.

It typically takes between one to two years to complete all three modules of the ASTQB Automation Engineer certification program. To get certified you must first pass the Core exam with a score of 70% or higher. Then you must pass both the Advanced and Expert exams with scores of 75% or higher each.

The cost of the ASTQB Automation Engineer certification depends on which modules you choose to take. The Core module costs $99 USD while the Advanced and Expert modules cost $199 USD each.

10. American Software Testing Qualifications Board (ASTQB) Performance Engineering Certification

The American Software Testing Qualifications Board (ASTQB) Performance Engineering Certification is a professional certification program designed to help software testers and performance engineers demonstrate their knowledge and skills in the field of performance engineering. The certification requires individuals to pass an exam that covers topics such as performance engineering principles, testing techniques, and tools.

The ASTQB Performance Engineering Certification exam takes approximately two hours to complete. To get certified, individuals must register for the exam through the ASTQB website and pay the associated fee. The cost of the exam is $250 USD for members of the ASTQB or $350 USD for non-members. After registering, individuals will receive an email with instructions on how to access their online practice exams and study materials.

Once individuals have completed their online practice exams, they can schedule a date and time to take the actual ASTQB Performance Engineering Certification Exam at one of many approved testing centers around the world. After passing the exam, individuals will receive their official ASTQB Performance Engineering Certification certificate within seven days.

11. Quality Assurance Institute (QAI) Certified Associate in Software Quality Assurance

The Quality Assurance Institute (QAI) Certified Associate in Software Quality Assurance (CASQA) is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities required for software quality assurance. The certification is intended for individuals with at least two years of experience in software quality assurance or related fields.

To get the CASQA certification, applicants must pass an exam that covers topics such as software testing methodologies, quality assurance processes, and standards. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and takes approximately three hours to complete.

The cost of the exam is $400 USD. Applicants must also pay a $50 application fee when they register for the exam.

Once an applicant passes the exam, they will receive their CASQA certificate within four to six weeks. The certification is valid for three years and can be renewed by taking an additional exam or completing continuing education credits.

Do You Really Need a QA Tester Certificate?

No, you do not need a QA Tester Certificate to become a successful Quality Assurance Tester. However, having one can be beneficial in certain circumstances.

Having a QA Tester Certificate can demonstrate your knowledge of the field and show employers that you have taken the initiative to learn more about the profession. It can also provide a good foundation of knowledge for those who are just starting out in the industry. Additionally, it may be required by some employers or used as part of an interview process.

On the other hand, there are many aspects to being a successful QA Tester that cannot necessarily be learned from a certificate program. These include problem-solving skills, analytical thinking, communication and collaboration skills, attention to detail and an understanding of software development processes and best practices. A certificate program may provide an overview of these topics but will not necessarily provide hands-on experience or give you deeper insights into them.

Ultimately, having a QA Tester Certificate is not necessary for success in this field but it can be advantageous if you are just starting out or if it is required by an employer.

Related: QA Tester Resume Examples

FAQs About QA Tester Certifications

Q1: What certifications are available for QA testers?

Answer: The International Software Testing Qualifications Board (ISTQB) offers the Certified Tester Foundation Level (CTFL) certification, as well as the Advanced Level certifications. Other organizations offering QA tester certifications include the American Software Testing Qualifications Board (ASTQB), the International Quality Federation (IQF), and the Quality Assurance Institute (QAI).

Q2: How do I become a certified QA tester?

Answer: To become a certified QA tester, you must first complete an appropriate training program or course. Once you have completed your training, you can then sit for one of the exams offered by any of the organizations mentioned above. Upon successful completion of the exam, you will be awarded your certification.

Q3: What is included in a QA tester certification?

Answer: A QA tester certification typically includes knowledge on software testing principles, processes, and techniques; understanding of software development lifecycles; familiarity with defect tracking tools; and other related topics.

Q4: How long does it take to get certified as a QA tester?

Answer: This depends on many factors such as your prior experience, study methods, and amount of practice tests taken. Generally speaking, it takes around 3-6 months to get certified if you dedicate yourself to studying and preparing for the exam.

Q5: Are there any recertification requirements for a QA tester certification?

Answer: Yes! Depending on which organization’s certification you have obtained, there may be recertification requirements such as completing continuing education courses or taking additional exams every few years in order to maintain your certification status.