Top 11 Quality Assurance Analyst Certifications

Certifications are essential for a Quality Assurance Analyst in the job market for several reasons. Firstly, certifications demonstrate that an individual has a certain level of expertise and knowledge in the quality assurance field. This can give employers confidence that they are hiring someone who is qualified and knowledgeable in the area. Secondly, certifications provide opportunities to stay up-to-date on best practices and industry standards, which can help an analyst stay ahead of trends and be better prepared to work with the latest technologies. Finally, certifications can open doors to more job opportunities, as many employers may require them or view them favorably when recruiting new employees.

The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the top certifications for Quality Assurance Analysts and how they can help advance one's career in the field.

What are Quality Assurance Analyst Certifications?

Quality assurance analyst certification is a type of professional certification that demonstrates a person's knowledge and skills in the field of quality assurance. Quality assurance analysts are responsible for ensuring that products and services meet specific standards of quality, and certifications provide an objective measure of their qualifications. A certification can demonstrate to employers that a candidate has the necessary knowledge and experience to perform quality assurance tasks successfully.

Certification can also help individuals advance their careers by giving them the opportunity to specialize in particular areas of quality assurance such as software testing, process improvement, or project management. It allows them to gain recognition within their field and show employers that they possess a deeper understanding of the principles involved in quality assurance. With certification, individuals can also prove their ability to work with different types of software tools used for analyzing data and improving processes.

In addition, certification can help individuals stay up-to-date on changes in the industry by providing access to courses, seminars, workshops, and conferences related to quality assurance topics. By taking part in these events, individuals can gain insight into new techniques or technologies used for improving product or service quality. Certification may also increase job opportunities since many employers prefer candidates who have been certified by an accredited institution or organization.

Pro Tip: Quality Assurance Analyst certification can be a great way to demonstrate your knowledge in the field and stand out from other job seekers. When selecting a certification program, make sure it is accredited by an organization recognized by the industry and provides comprehensive training on best practices and standards in quality assurance.

Related: What does a Quality Assurance Analyst do?

Top 11 Quality Assurance Analyst Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Quality Assurance Analysts today.

1. Certified Software Quality Analyst (CSQA)

Certified Software Quality Analyst (CSQA) is a professional certification offered by the American Software Testing Qualifications Board (ASTQB). It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated a comprehensive understanding of software quality assurance principles, practices, and techniques. The CSQA certification provides an independent validation of knowledge and skills in software quality assurance.

It typically takes between three and six months to complete the CSQA certification process. The first step is to pass the CSQA exam, which tests your knowledge of software quality assurance concepts and techniques. Once you have passed the exam, you will need to submit an application for approval by ASTQB. After approval, you will receive your certificate and be able to use the CSQA designation on your resume and business cards.

The cost of obtaining the CSQA certification varies depending on where you take the exam. Typically, it costs between $200-$400 for registration fees and other associated costs such as study materials or practice exams.

Overall, obtaining the Certified Software Quality Analyst (CSQA) certification can be a great way to demonstrate your knowledge of software quality assurance principles and practices. It can also help you stand out from other candidates when applying for jobs in this field.

2. Certified Quality Process Analyst (CQPA)

Certified Quality Process Analyst (CQPA) is a professional certification offered by the American Society for Quality (ASQ). The CQPA certification is designed to validate an individual's knowledge and skills in quality process analysis. It is intended to demonstrate that the individual has the ability to identify, analyze, and improve quality processes within an organization.

The CQPA certification requires applicants to pass an examination that tests their knowledge of quality process analysis principles, tools, and techniques. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as process improvement, project management, data collection and analysis, problem solving, and communication.

The exam can be taken online or at a testing center. It typically takes 3-4 hours to complete the exam. The cost of the exam varies depending on where it is taken but generally ranges from $400-$500 USD.

To become certified as a CQPA, individuals must have at least three years of experience in quality process analysis or related fields such as industrial engineering or operations management. They must also have completed at least 30 hours of formal training in quality process analysis or related topics within the past five years prior to taking the exam.

3. Certified Quality Improvement Associate (CQIA)

Certified Quality Improvement Associate (CQIA) is a certification offered by the American Society for Quality (ASQ). It is designed to recognize professionals who demonstrate knowledge of quality improvement tools and techniques, as well as their application in the workplace. The CQIA certification is intended to help individuals demonstrate their commitment to quality improvement and enhance their professional credibility.

The CQIA exam consists of 125 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as quality management systems, process improvement methodology, problem solving, data analysis, and customer satisfaction. To be eligible to take the exam, applicants must have at least three years of work experience in a quality-related field or have completed an approved course in quality or related disciplines.

The exam takes approximately four hours to complete and can be taken either online or at an ASQ-approved testing center. The cost of taking the exam varies depending on where it is taken and whether you are already a member of ASQ. Generally speaking, the fee ranges from $150-$300 USD.

To maintain your CQIA certification, you must recertify every three years by earning 30 continuing education credits through approved activities such as attending conferences or seminars, participating in webinars, completing self-study courses, or writing articles for publication.

4. Certified Tester Foundation Level (CTFL)

Certified Tester Foundation Level (CTFL) is an internationally recognized certification for software testers. It is offered by the International Software Testing Qualifications Board (ISTQB). The certification provides a basic understanding of software testing and its processes, and is aimed at those who are new to the field of software testing.

The CTFL exam consists of 40 multiple-choice questions that must be completed within 90 minutes. To pass the exam, you must score 65% or higher.

To get the CTFL certification, you must first complete an accredited training course. These courses vary in length and cost depending on where you take them, but typically range from one to five days in duration. After completing the training course, you can then register for the CTFL exam through your training provider or directly with ISTQB.

The cost of getting the CTFL certification varies depending on where you take your training course, but typically ranges from $500 - $2,000 USD.

5. ISTQB Certified Tester Foundation Level (ISTQB-CTFL)

The ISTQB Certified Tester Foundation Level (ISTQB-CTFL) is a certification program designed to provide individuals with the necessary knowledge and skills to become an effective software tester. It is the entry level qualification for anyone who wishes to pursue a career in software testing or quality assurance. The program covers topics such as test design techniques, test management, static testing, test automation, and defect management.

It typically takes around 30-40 hours of study time to complete the ISTQB-CTFL certification. To get certified, you must pass an exam that consists of 40 multiple-choice questions. The exam can be taken online or at a local testing center.

The cost of the exam varies depending on your location but generally ranges from $200-$250 USD.

6. ASTQB Mobile Application Testing Certification

ASTQB Mobile Application Testing Certification is a professional certification program offered by the American Software Testing Qualifications Board (ASTQB). The certification is designed to provide software testers with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively test mobile applications. It covers topics such as mobile application architecture, testing techniques, development processes, usability, security, and more.

The certification requires successful completion of an online exam that consists of 60 multiple-choice questions. The exam typically takes two hours to complete and must be taken at an ASTQB-approved testing center. To become certified, a passing score of 70% or higher must be achieved.

The cost for the ASTQB Mobile Application Testing Certification exam varies depending on the type of membership you have with ASTQB. Non-members can purchase the exam for $250 USD while members receive a discounted rate of $200 USD. Additionally, members have access to additional resources such as practice exams and study material which can help prepare for the exam.

Once you pass the exam, you will receive your official ASTQB Mobile Application Testing Certification credential which is valid for three years from the date of issue. You will also be listed in ASTQB’s public directory so potential employers can easily verify your credentials.

7. ASQ Six Sigma Black Belt Certification

ASQ Six Sigma Black Belt Certification is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated a high level of knowledge and proficiency in the field of Six Sigma. The certification is offered by the American Society for Quality (ASQ).

The ASQ Six Sigma Black Belt Certification requires a minimum of two years of work experience in one or more areas of the Six Sigma methodology, including project management, process improvement, data analysis, and problem solving. It also requires completion of an approved training program and passing an exam.

The ASQ Six Sigma Black Belt Certification training typically takes three to four weeks to complete. During this time, participants learn about the principles and tools used in Lean Six Sigma, how to apply them to their organization’s processes, and how to lead successful projects.

To become certified as an ASQ Six Sigma Black Belt, you must successfully pass the exam administered by ASQ. The cost of the exam is $400 USD for members and $500 USD for non-members.

Once certified as an ASQ Six Sigma Black Belt, professionals are expected to maintain their certification through continuing education activities such as attending conferences or workshops related to Lean Six Sigma topics.

8. Automation Test Engineer Certification

Automation Test Engineer Certification is a certification program designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated proficiency in the field of automation testing. It is an industry-recognized certification that validates a candidate’s knowledge and skills in the areas of software development, test automation, and automation engineering.

The Automation Test Engineer Certification is offered by the International Software Testing Qualifications Board (ISTQB). It typically takes around four months to complete the certification process, which includes taking an online exam and completing a hands-on project. The cost of the certification varies depending on the country where you are located, but it usually ranges from $200-$400 USD.

To get certified as an Automation Test Engineer, you must first register with ISTQB. Once registered, you will be able to access their online training materials and take their online exam. After passing the exam, you will need to complete a hands-on project that demonstrates your ability to apply your knowledge in real-world scenarios. Once completed, you can then submit your project for review by ISTQB's panel of experts who will evaluate it and award you with your certification if successful.

9. Agile and Scrum Master Certification

Agile and Scrum Master Certification is a certification that demonstrates an individual’s expertise in Agile and Scrum methodology. It is designed to provide professionals with the knowledge and skills to lead successful Agile projects. The certification focuses on the principles, practices, and tools of Agile and Scrum, as well as the roles and responsibilities of a Scrum Master.

The certification process typically takes between two to four weeks to complete, depending on the individual’s experience level. To get certified, individuals must first pass an online exam that covers topics such as Agile project management principles, Scrum framework fundamentals, team dynamics, planning techniques, product delivery strategies, risk management processes, and more. After passing the exam, individuals must then complete a hands-on training course in order to demonstrate their proficiency in applying the concepts learned during the exam.

The cost of getting certified varies depending on the provider offering the certification program. Generally speaking, it can range from $500-$2,500 USD for both the online exam and hands-on training course.

10. Certified Software Quality Engineer (CSQE)

Certified Software Quality Engineer (CSQE) is a professional certification offered by the American Society for Quality (ASQ). It is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of proficiency in software quality engineering. The CSQE credential is intended to demonstrate an individual’s comprehensive knowledge of software quality engineering principles, practices, and techniques.

In order to obtain the CSQE credential, applicants must pass an examination that covers topics such as software quality assurance, software testing, process improvement, project management, and risk management. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and takes approximately 3 hours to complete.

Applicants must also meet certain eligibility requirements in order to take the exam. These include having at least three years of experience in software quality engineering or related fields, as well as having completed at least 60 hours of formal education in these areas.

The cost of taking the CSQE exam varies depending on the country you are located in. In the United States, it costs $399 USD for ASQ members and $499 USD for non-members.

11. ISO 9001:2015 Lead Auditor Training

ISO 9001:2015 Lead Auditor Training is a course designed to provide participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to audit an organization's quality management system (QMS) against the requirements of ISO 9001:2015. The course covers topics such as understanding the requirements of ISO 9001:2015, conducting internal audits, preparing for and managing external audits, and reporting on audit results. It also provides guidance on how to interpret ISO 9001:2015 in order to ensure compliance with the standard.

The training typically takes five days to complete and can be taken either in-person or online. To get certified as an ISO 9001:2015 Lead Auditor, participants must pass a written exam at the end of the training.

The cost of ISO 9001:2015 Lead Auditor Training depends on several factors including the provider, duration of training, location, and number of participants. Generally speaking, it can range from $1,500 - $3,500 USD per participant.

Do You Really Need a Quality Assurance Analyst Certificate?

The short answer to this question is no, you do not need a Quality Assurance Analyst Certificate in order to be successful in the field. However, having one can certainly give you an edge over other candidates who do not have such a certification.

Having a Quality Assurance Analyst Certificate demonstrates that you have taken the time to gain knowledge and skills related to quality assurance. It shows employers that you are dedicated to meeting the highest standards of quality in your work. It also shows that you are familiar with industry best practices and processes for ensuring quality control.

In addition, having a Quality Assurance Analyst Certificate may open up more job opportunities for you, as some employers prefer to hire individuals who have taken the initiative to pursue additional training in their field. Furthermore, having such a certificate may help demonstrate your commitment and dedication to your career path, which could lead to greater career advancement opportunities down the line.

All in all, while it is not necessary for success in the field of quality assurance analysis, having a Quality Assurance Analyst Certificate can certainly give you an advantage when it comes time for employers to choose between multiple qualified candidates.

Related: Quality Assurance Analyst Resume Examples

FAQs About Quality Assurance Analyst Certifications

Q1. What qualifications do I need to become a Quality Assurance Analyst?

A1. To become a Quality Assurance Analyst, you will typically need a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field. You may also need certification from an accredited organization such as the American Society for Quality (ASQ).

Q2. How long does it take to get certified as a Quality Assurance Analyst?

A2. The time required to get certified as a Quality Assurance Analyst depends on the type of certification you choose and your current level of experience and education. Generally, it takes between 1-3 years to complete the necessary coursework and training required for certification.

Q3. What is the cost of becoming a Certified Quality Assurance Analyst?

A3. The cost of becoming a Certified Quality Assurance Analyst varies depending on the type of certification program you choose and the number of exams or courses you need to complete in order to obtain your certification. Generally, programs range from $500-$5000 depending on the type of program and number of exams you take.

Q4. Are there any prerequisites for obtaining QA analyst certification?

A4: Yes, some certifications require that applicants have prior work experience or educational qualifications in order to be eligible for certification. It is important that you research each program thoroughly before applying so that you understand all the requirements needed for successful completion of the program.

Q5. What are some common job duties of a Quality Assurance Analyst?

A5: Common job duties of a Quality Assurance Analyst include creating test plans, executing tests, analyzing results, documenting defects, tracking issues, and providing feedback to developers on software quality issues. They also assist in developing quality control processes and ensuring compliance with industry standards and regulations related to software quality assurance and testing processes.