Top 11 Software QA Engineer Certifications

Certifications are important for a software QA engineer in the job market as they demonstrate to potential employers that the candidate has an advanced understanding of the principles and best practices of software quality assurance. Certifications provide evidence of the technical knowledge and skills required to perform quality assurance activities, such as designing and executing test plans, identifying defects, and creating reports. Having certifications also shows employers that the candidate is committed to staying up-to-date with current industry trends and standards. Furthermore, certifications can give candidates an edge over other applicants who lack these credentials.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Software QA Engineers and explains how they can help to boost a software qa engineer's career.

What are Software QA Engineer Certifications?

Software QA Engineer certification is a credential that demonstrates knowledge and understanding of the principles and processes associated with software quality assurance. It is designed for professionals who have experience in software development, testing, or related fields. The certification validates an individual’s expertise in software quality engineering and provides employers with assurance that the candidate has the required skills to ensure their organization’s quality standards are met.

Having a Software QA Engineer certification can help individuals advance their careers by providing them with a competitive edge over other candidates when seeking employment opportunities. It also gives employers confidence that they are hiring someone who understands the importance of software quality assurance and can apply best practices to ensure their organization meets its goals. The certification also provides recognition from peers in the industry, which can lead to increased job satisfaction and career advancement opportunities. Finally, having this credential often results in higher salaries than those without it.

Pro Tip: When considering software QA Engineer certification, look for programs that offer hands-on experience and mentorship from experienced professionals. This will give you the best opportunity to understand the nuances of software QA engineering, as well as provide you with a valuable network of contacts who can help you further your career in this field.

Related: What does a Software QA Engineer do?

Top 11 Software QA Engineer Certifications

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

1. ISTQB Certified Tester Foundation Level

ISTQB Certified Tester Foundation Level is a certification program that provides an internationally recognized qualification in software testing. It is designed to help professionals demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of the fundamental concepts of software testing.

The ISTQB Certified Tester Foundation Level exam consists of 40 multiple-choice questions and takes 90 minutes to complete. The exam covers topics such as basic testing principles, test design techniques, test management, and automation. To pass the exam, you must score at least 65% (26 out of 40 questions).

You can get the ISTQB Certified Tester Foundation Level by taking an accredited course from a training provider or by self-study. Depending on which option you choose, it can take anywhere from one day to several weeks to prepare for the exam.

The cost of the ISTQB Certified Tester Foundation Level varies depending on where you take it and how much preparation you need. Generally speaking, it costs between $200-$500 USD for a course or self-study materials.

2. ASTQB Certified Mobile Tester

ASTQB Certified Mobile Tester is a certification program that recognizes the skills and knowledge of mobile testers. It is designed to ensure that mobile testers have the necessary skills to test mobile applications and devices effectively. The certification is offered by the American Software Testing Qualifications Board (ASTQB).

The ASTQB Certified Mobile Tester exam consists of 60 multiple choice questions and takes up to 90 minutes to complete. To get certified, applicants must pass the exam with a score of 70% or higher.

To get started, applicants must register for an account on the ASTQB website and purchase an exam voucher for $150 USD. Once registered, applicants can access their own personalized learning portal where they can find study materials such as practice exams, sample questions, and other resources to help prepare for the exam.

Once applicants have completed their studies and are ready to take the exam, they can schedule it online through their account portal. The exam must be taken at an approved testing center in order to receive certification. After passing the exam, applicants will receive their official ASTQB Certified Mobile Tester certificate in the mail within 4-6 weeks.

3. ISTQB Advanced Level Test Manager

ISTQB Advanced Level Test Manager is an international certification program for software testers. It is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the principles and practices of testing, and to help testers become more effective in their roles. The certification is awarded by the International Software Testing Qualifications Board (ISTQB).

The Advanced Level Test Manager exam consists of a theoretical part and a practical part. The theoretical part covers topics such as test management, risk management, test process improvement, test techniques, and tools. The practical part includes a project where the candidate must demonstrate their ability to manage a test project from start to finish.

The exam takes approximately 3 hours to complete. To be eligible for the exam, candidates must have already passed the Foundation Level exam and have at least two years of experience in software testing or related fields.

The cost of taking the ISTQB Advanced Level Test Manager exam varies depending on the country you are taking it in. Generally speaking, it costs between $400 - $500 USD.

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

The International Software Testing Qualifications Board (ISTQB) Agile Tester Extension is a certification designed to recognize the knowledge and skills of professionals who are involved in software testing activities within an agile environment. It is intended for testers who already have the Foundation Level qualification, and it provides them with additional knowledge on agile principles, practices, and techniques.

The ISTQB Agile Tester Extension certification consists of a two-hour exam that contains 40 multiple-choice questions. To pass the exam, candidates must answer at least 26 questions correctly. The exam can be taken online or at an approved testing center.

To get the ISTQB Agile Tester Extension certification, you must first have the ISTQB Foundation Level qualification. After that, you can take the two-hour exam either online or at an approved testing center. The cost of taking the exam varies depending on where you take it; however, it typically costs around $150 USD.

In order to maintain your ISTQB Agile Tester Extension certification, you must retake the exam every three years to demonstrate that your knowledge and skills are up to date with current industry standards.

5. ISTQB Certified Test Automation Engineer

ISTQB Certified Test Automation Engineer is an international certification that recognizes the expertise and experience of software testers in the field of test automation. It is designed to validate a tester’s ability to develop, maintain, and execute automated tests for software applications.

The certification consists of two exams: Foundation Level and Advanced Level. The Foundation Level exam covers topics such as automation principles, test automation design techniques, and scripting techniques. The Advanced Level exam covers topics such as test automation architecture, tools and technologies, and maintenance techniques.

It typically takes about 18 months to complete both exams. During this time, the candidate should gain experience with different types of test automation tools and technologies. This can be done through self-study or by taking an accredited course from an ISTQB-accredited training provider.

The cost of the ISTQB Certified Test Automation Engineer certification varies depending on the country in which you are taking the exams. In general, it costs around $500 USD for both exams combined.

6. CSTE - Certified Software Test Engineer

CSTE stands for Certified Software Test Engineer. It is a professional certification program that provides recognition to software testers who demonstrate their knowledge and experience in software testing. The certification is offered by the Quality Assurance Institute (QAI).

It typically takes around two to three months of preparation to get the CSTE certification. To get this certification, you must pass an exam administered by QAI. The exam consists of multiple-choice and essay questions covering topics such as software testing principles, methods, tools, processes, and management.

The cost of the CSTE exam varies depending on where it is taken. In the US, it costs $450 for members and $550 for non-members. In other countries, the cost may vary based on local currency exchange rates.

In order to maintain your CSTE certification status, you must complete continuing education activities every two years and pay an annual renewal fee of $100 per year.

7. CSQA - Certified Software Quality Analyst

CSQA stands for Certified Software Quality Analyst. It is a certification program offered by the International Software Testing Qualifications Board (ISTQB). The CSQA certification is designed to provide software quality assurance professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to ensure that software products meet customer requirements, are reliable, and are of high quality.

The CSQA certification requires passing an examination that covers topics such as software development life cycle, software testing techniques, test management, quality assurance processes, and tools. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and takes approximately three hours to complete.

In order to become certified as a CSQA professional, applicants must first pass the ISTQB Foundation Level Exam. After passing the Foundation Level Exam, applicants can take the CSQA exam. In order to prepare for the exam, applicants should study materials provided by ISTQB or attend training courses offered by accredited providers.

The cost for taking the CSQA exam varies depending on where you take it; however, it usually ranges from $250 to $400 USD.

8. CSPM - Certified Software Project Manager

CSPM (Certified Software Project Manager) is a professional certification developed by the International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA). It is designed to recognize and validate the skills and experience of software project managers.

The CSPM certification requires a minimum of three years of experience in software project management, including at least one year in a leadership role. The certification also requires applicants to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of key concepts related to software development, such as requirements gathering, project planning, risk management, and quality assurance.

To get the CSPM certification, you must complete an online application form and submit it with supporting documents. Once your application has been approved, you will be required to take an exam that covers topics such as project management principles, software development processes, and best practices. After passing the exam, you will receive your CSPM certificate.

The cost for taking the CSPM exam is $395 USD plus applicable taxes. The exam can be taken at any IIBA-approved testing center or online through Pearson VUE’s website. It typically takes around two hours to complete the exam.

9. CMST - Certified Manager of Software Testing

CMST stands for Certified Manager of Software Testing. It is a certification program offered by the International Software Testing Qualifications Board (ISTQB). The CMST certification is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of expertise in software testing management, and to provide employers with assurance that their employees have the necessary skills and knowledge to manage software testing projects effectively.

The CMST certification requires a minimum of three years experience in software testing management, as well as passing an exam. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as project planning, test strategy, risk management, and quality assurance. Candidates must also demonstrate their ability to apply their knowledge through practical exercises.

The CMST certification process typically takes between four and six months to complete, depending on the candidate's experience level and how quickly they can study for the exam. The cost of the certification varies depending on which country you are taking it in; however, it typically ranges from $500-$1000 USD.

To get the CMST certification, candidates must first register with ISTQB and pay the associated fee. Once registered, they will be given access to study materials and practice exams which they can use to prepare for the actual exam. After successfully completing the exam, candidates will receive their official certificate from ISTQB.

10. HP Quality Center Certification

HP Quality Center Certification is a professional certification program that verifies an individual’s ability to use HP Quality Center software. This certification is designed to validate the skills of professionals who are responsible for implementing and managing HP Quality Center in their organizations.

The certification consists of two exams: HP0-M15, Implementing HP Quality Center 10.0, and HP0-M16, Managing HP Quality Center 10.0. These exams cover topics such as project management, defect tracking, requirements management, test planning and execution, and reporting.

It typically takes around four to six weeks to prepare for the exams and obtain the certification. To get certified, individuals must register for the exam at Pearson VUE (www.pearsonvue.com) and pay a fee of $150 per exam ($300 total). They must also purchase the official study guide from HP Press (www.hppress.com). After passing both exams with a score of 70% or higher, individuals will receive their official certificate from Pearson VUE via email within two weeks.

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

The Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA) – Software Testing Fundamentals is a certification that validates the skills and knowledge of software testers. It is an entry-level certification that focuses on the fundamentals of software testing, such as test planning, design, execution, and evaluation. The MTA certification is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of software testing principles and practices.

It typically takes about three months to complete the MTA – Software Testing Fundamentals certification. During this time, you will need to study for the exam and gain hands-on experience with software testing tools and techniques. To get certified, you must pass one exam: Exam 98-369: Software Testing Fundamentals. This exam covers topics such as test planning, design, execution, and evaluation; defect tracking; regression testing; performance testing; usability testing; security testing; and automation basics.

To get the MTA – Software Testing Fundamentals certification, you must first register for the exam through Microsoft’s Learning Portal or Pearson VUE’s website. You can then purchase an exam voucher from either site which will allow you to take the exam at any authorized Pearson VUE center or online proctored environment. The cost of the exam voucher varies depending on your location but typically ranges from $100-$150 USD.

Do You Really Need a Software QA Engineer Certificate?

The short answer is no, a software QA engineer certificate is not necessary in order to be successful in the field. However, it can be beneficial for those who want to demonstrate their expertise and commitment to the profession.

Having a software QA engineer certificate shows employers that you have taken the time and effort to learn about the industry and understand its standards and processes. It demonstrates that you are serious about your career and eager to stay up-to-date on best practices. It can also provide employers with tangible evidence of your abilities, as many certificates require passing an exam or completing a course of study.

Software QA engineering is a highly technical field with constantly changing technologies, so having a certificate can help you stay ahead of the curve by ensuring that you have the most current knowledge available. Additionally, having a certificate may open doors for new job opportunities or promotions within your current organization.

Ultimately, whether or not you need a software QA engineer certificate depends on your goals and objectives. If you are just starting out in the field or if you don’t plan on making it your long-term career, then it might not be worth investing in obtaining one. On the other hand, if software QA engineering is something that interests you and you want to make it your life’s work, then getting certified can help set yourself apart from others in the industry and give you an edge when competing for jobs or promotions.

Related: Software QA Engineer Resume Examples

FAQs About Software QA Engineer Certifications

1. What is a Software QA Engineer Certification?

Answer: A Software QA Engineer Certification is a professional certification that demonstrates an individual’s knowledge and experience in software quality assurance (QA). It validates the skills and expertise of software testing professionals in various areas such as test automation, performance testing, user acceptance testing, and more.

2. What are the benefits of obtaining a Software QA Engineer Certification?

Answer: Obtaining a Software QA Engineer Certification demonstrates to employers that you have the knowledge and experience necessary to perform software QA tasks effectively. It also provides you with greater opportunities for career advancement, as well as recognition from peers in the industry.

3. What type of training is required to obtain a Software QA Engineer Certification?

Answer: Depending on the certification program, different levels of training may be required. Generally speaking, most programs require some form of hands-on training or coursework in order to qualify for certification.

4. How long does it take to obtain a Software QA Engineer Certification?

Answer: The amount of time it takes to obtain a Software QA Engineer Certification varies depending on the program and level of experience you have in software testing. Some certifications can be obtained within one or two weeks, while others might require several months or longer depending on your prior experience and skill level.

5. Is there an exam associated with obtaining a Software QA Engineer Certification?

Answer: Yes, most certification programs require candidates to pass an exam in order to receive their certification. The exams usually consist of multiple choice questions, as well as practical exercises designed to assess your knowledge and skills related to software quality assurance (QA).