Top 11 Software Quality Assurance Engineer Certifications

Certifications are incredibly important for a software quality assurance engineer in the job market. This is because certifications give employers an assurance that the engineer has the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in the position. Certifications also demonstrate that an engineer has taken the initiative to learn more about their field, which can be a huge plus when employers are considering applicants. Additionally, certifications often come with professional networks and resources that can be invaluable to a QA engineer’s career development. All of these benefits make certifications essential for any software quality assurance engineer looking to stand out in the job market.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Software Quality Assurance Engineers and explains how they can help to advance a software quality assurance engineer's career.

What are Software Quality Assurance Engineer Certifications?

Software Quality Assurance Engineer certification is a formal certification that recognizes an individual’s knowledge and proficiency in the field of software quality assurance. The certification is awarded to individuals who demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of software quality assurance principles, practices, and processes. This includes the ability to identify potential risks in the development process, assess their impact on the project, and recommend corrective measures.

Software Quality Assurance Engineer certification can help professionals show potential employers that they have the necessary skills required to ensure software meets customer requirements and industry standards. This certification can also give employers confidence that they are hiring professionals who have been trained to properly manage software quality assurance processes. Additionally, this certification may open up career opportunities as many employers prefer certified professionals when it comes to software quality assurance roles. Furthermore, having this certification may make it easier for professionals to advance in their careers by demonstrating their expertise in the field of software quality assurance engineering.

Pro Tip: To maximize the value of your Software Quality Assurance Engineer certification, focus on gaining hands-on experience with the tools and technologies used in the field. This will give you an edge over other candidates who may have studied for the certification but lack practical knowledge. Additionally, use online resources such as tutorial videos and practice tests to ensure that you are well prepared for the certification exam.

Related: What does a Software Quality Assurance Engineer do?

Top 11 Software Quality Assurance Engineer Certifications

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

1. ISTQB Certified Tester Foundation Level

ISTQB Certified Tester Foundation Level is a certification program for software testers, designed to provide a basic understanding of software testing and its associated processes. It is an international certification that is recognized throughout the world and it is administered by the International Software Testing Qualifications Board (ISTQB).

The ISTQB Certified Tester Foundation Level certification program consists of three parts: the Foundation Syllabus, the Foundation Sample Exam, and the Foundation Exam. The syllabus covers topics such as test design techniques, test management, static testing techniques, test automation, and more. The sample exam allows candidates to become familiar with the exam format and content before taking the actual exam. The actual exam consists of 40 multiple-choice questions that must be completed within 90 minutes.

It typically takes around 40 hours of study time to prepare for the ISTQB Certified Tester Foundation Level exam. This can vary depending on your experience level in software testing and how much time you are able to dedicate to studying for the exam.

To get certified at this level, you will need to register with one of ISTQB's accredited training providers or take an online course from an approved provider. Once you have completed your course or online training program, you will need to pass the ISTQB Certified Tester Foundation Level examination.

The cost of taking the ISTQB Certified Tester Foundation Level exam varies depending on where you take it and which training provider you use. Generally speaking, it costs around $200 USD for both the sample and actual exams combined.

2. Certified Software Quality Analyst (CSQA)

Certified Software Quality Analyst (CSQA) is a professional certification program that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated expertise in software quality assurance. The CSQA certification is offered by the American Software Testing Qualifications Board (ASTQB).

The CSQA certification requires candidates to demonstrate knowledge of software quality assurance principles and practices, including software testing, defect management, requirements management, process improvement, risk management and project management. Candidates must also demonstrate an understanding of the industry-standard software development life cycle.

The CSQA exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering a variety of topics related to software quality assurance. The exam takes approximately three hours to complete and can be taken either online or at a local testing center.

To become certified as a CSQA, candidates must pass the CSQA exam with a score of 70% or higher. The cost for taking the exam is $250 USD for members of ASTQB and $350 USD for non-members.

3. Certified Software Quality Engineer (CSQE)

Certified Software Quality Engineer (CSQE) is a professional certification program offered by the American Society for Quality (ASQ). It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and experience in software quality engineering.

The CSQE exam consists of 170 multiple-choice questions and covers topics such as software quality assurance, software testing, process improvement, risk management, and software project management. The exam takes approximately three hours to complete.

To become certified, you must pass the CSQE exam with a score of at least 70%. You must also have at least five years of relevant work experience in software quality engineering or related fields.

The cost of taking the CSQE exam depends on your location and whether you are an ASQ member or not. In general, it costs around $400-$500 USD for non-members and $300-$400 USD for members.

4. Certified Associate in Software Testing (CAST)

Certified Associate in Software Testing (CAST) is a certification offered by the International Software Testing Qualifications Board (ISTQB). It is an entry-level certification for software testers and provides a basic understanding of software testing fundamentals. The CAST certification is designed to help individuals gain the skills necessary to become successful software testers.

The CAST exam consists of 40 multiple choice questions that must be completed within 90 minutes. To pass the exam, applicants must score at least 65% correct answers. The exam covers topics such as software development life cycles, test design techniques, test management and automation, and defect management.

To get the CAST certification, applicants must first purchase an ISTQB exam voucher from the ISTQB website. After purchasing the voucher, applicants can register for an online or paper-based exam with one of ISTQB’s approved examination providers. Once registered, applicants will receive a confirmation email with their login details and instructions on how to access their exam.

The cost of the CAST certification varies depending on which country you are located in and which provider you choose to take your exam with. Generally speaking, it costs around $200-$250 USD for the exam voucher and then additional fees may apply for any additional services such as online proctoring or practice exams.

5. Six Sigma Green Belt Certification

Six Sigma Green Belt Certification is a professional certification that demonstrates a person’s understanding and proficiency in the principles and practices of Six Sigma. It is designed to help individuals become more effective problem solvers, increase their value to employers, and improve their career prospects.

The Six Sigma Green Belt Certification typically takes between two and four weeks to complete. It involves completing online courses or attending classroom sessions that cover topics such as process improvement, statistical analysis, project management, and quality control. Upon completion of the coursework, candidates must take an exam administered by an accredited organization such as the American Society for Quality (ASQ).

To get certified as a Six Sigma Green Belt, you will need to have some experience in the field of process improvement. You should also have some knowledge of basic statistics and be familiar with the principles of Lean Six Sigma. Additionally, you will need to demonstrate your ability to apply these principles in practice.

The cost of obtaining a Six Sigma Green Belt Certification varies depending on the provider and type of program chosen. Online courses can range from $500-$2,000 USD while classroom programs can range from $1,500-$4,000 USD.

6. ASTQB Mobile Application Testing Certification

ASTQB Mobile Application Testing Certification is an internationally recognized certification that demonstrates a professional’s knowledge and proficiency in mobile application testing. It is designed to help professionals validate their expertise in the field of mobile application testing, as well as to provide employers with assurance that they are hiring qualified individuals for mobile application testing positions.

The ASTQB Mobile Application Testing Certification exam consists of 60 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately 90 minutes to complete. The exam covers topics such as mobile device architecture, mobile app development lifecycle, software quality assurance processes, and test automation principles. To obtain the certification, applicants must pass the exam with a score of 70% or higher.

The cost of the ASTQB Mobile Application Testing Certification exam varies depending on where it is taken. In the United States, the cost is $250 USD per attempt. In other countries, the cost may be different due to local taxes and fees.

To prepare for the ASTQB Mobile Application Testing Certification exam, applicants should review all available study materials, including practice tests and sample questions. They should also have experience working with both Android and iOS devices before taking the exam. Additionally, applicants should be familiar with industry best practices for mobile application testing such as Agile methodology, Test Driven Development (TDD), Behavior Driven Development (BDD), and Continuous Integration (CI).

7. ASQ Certified Manager of Quality/Organizational Excellence

ASQ Certified Manager of Quality/Organizational Excellence (CMQ/OE) is a professional certification that demonstrates an individual’s knowledge and experience in managing quality and organizational excellence. It is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of expertise in the field of quality management and organizational excellence.

The certification requires candidates to pass an exam, which consists of 150 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as quality management systems, process improvement, customer satisfaction, leadership, and business performance. The exam takes approximately four hours to complete.

In order to become certified, applicants must meet certain educational and work experience requirements. Applicants must have at least a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university or equivalent work experience in quality management or organizational excellence. They must also have at least five years of experience in the field of quality management or organizational excellence within the past 10 years.

The cost for the CMQ/OE certification is $699 USD for ASQ members and $899 USD for non-members. This fee includes the application fee, exam fee, and one year of membership with ASQ if you are not already a member.

8. International Requirements Engineering Board Certification

The International Requirements Engineering Board (IREB) Certification is an internationally recognized certification program that provides a comprehensive and standardized approach to requirements engineering. It is designed to help professionals demonstrate their knowledge of the principles, methods, techniques, and tools used in requirements engineering.

The IREB certification program consists of three levels: Foundation Level, Advanced Level, and Expert Level. Each level requires the successful completion of a two-day course followed by an online or written exam. The Foundation Level is intended for those new to requirements engineering, while the Advanced and Expert Levels are meant for more experienced practitioners.

To get certified at any level, you must first register with IREB and pay the associated fees. The registration fee for each level is €350 (approximately $400). After registering, you can enroll in a course that covers the topics needed to pass the corresponding exam. Courses are offered both online and in-person through accredited training providers around the world.

Once you have completed your coursework, you can take the exam at an authorized testing center near you or online using a secure remote proctoring service. The exams consist of multiple-choice questions and typically take 60 minutes to complete. You must score at least 70% on each exam to pass; otherwise, you will need to retake it until you achieve a passing score.

Overall, it should take about three months from registration to completion of all three levels of IREB Certification.

9. Microsoft Technology Associate: Database Fundamentals

Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA) Database Fundamentals is a certification program that validates an individual’s knowledge of the fundamentals of database design, implementation, and administration. The MTA Database Fundamentals exam covers topics such as relational databases, SQL query language, database objects and structures, data manipulation and security.

The exam takes approximately 90 minutes to complete and consists of 40-60 multiple choice questions. To get the certification you must pass the exam with a score of 700 or higher on a scale of 1000.

The cost for the exam varies depending on your location but typically ranges from $50-$100 USD. You can purchase the exam voucher online or at a local Microsoft testing center. Once you have purchased the voucher you can schedule your exam at any Pearson VUE testing center near you.

10. CompTIA Project+ Professional Certification

CompTIA Project+ Professional Certification is a vendor-neutral certification program designed to validate the knowledge and skills of project managers. It is designed for people who manage small to medium-sized projects, and it is also beneficial for those who are looking to move into a project management role.

The CompTIA Project+ certification exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions that must be completed within 90 minutes. The exam covers topics such as project initiation, planning, execution, monitoring and control, closure, and professional responsibility.

To get the CompTIA Project+ Professional Certification, you will need to pass the Project+ exam. You can register for the exam through Pearson VUE or Prometric testing centers. You will also need to pay an exam fee of $329 USD in order to take the test.

Once you have passed the exam, you will receive your CompTIA Project+ Professional Certification from CompTIA. This certification is valid for three years from the date of issue and can be renewed by taking another version of the Project+ exam or completing continuing education activities related to project management.

11. PMI Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP)

PMI Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP) is a certification offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI) to recognize individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and skills in agile principles, practices, tools, and techniques. The PMI-ACP certification validates an individual’s ability to understand and apply agile principles in their project management roles.

The PMI-ACP exam consists of 120 multiple choice questions which must be completed within three hours. To qualify for the PMI-ACP exam, applicants must meet certain prerequisites including having at least 2,000 hours of general project experience within the last five years and 1,500 hours of agile project experience within the last three years. In addition, applicants must complete 21 contact hours of training in agile practices.

To get the PMI-ACP certification, applicants must pass the PMI-ACP exam with a score of at least 170 out of 200 points. After passing the exam, applicants will receive their official certificate from PMI.

The cost for taking the PMI-ACP exam is $435 for members of PMI and $495 for non-members.

Do You Really Need a Software Quality Assurance Engineer Certificate?

The short answer is no, you do not need a Software Quality Assurance Engineer certificate to be successful in the software engineering field. That being said, having one may help you stand out from other candidates and give you an advantage when searching for a job.

Having a certificate in Software Quality Assurance Engineering can demonstrate to employers that you are knowledgeable about the principles of software quality assurance (SQA) and have the skills necessary to ensure high-quality software products. It can also show employers that you have taken initiative by taking the time and effort to acquire this knowledge. In addition, certification can provide recognition among peers in the industry and increase your professional credibility.

Although having a certificate may give you an edge, it is important to note that there are many ways to become successful in software engineering without it. For instance, gaining experience through internships or volunteering opportunities is often just as valuable as having a certificate or degree. Furthermore, staying up-to-date on the latest trends and technologies in the industry can give you an advantage when applying for jobs. Additionally, networking with professionals who are already established in the field can open doors for potential job opportunities.

In conclusion, while having a Software Quality Assurance Engineer Certificate may provide an advantage when seeking employment opportunities, it is not essential for success in this field. There are many other ways to demonstrate your abilities and expertise without obtaining certification.

Related: Software Quality Assurance Engineer Resume Examples

FAQs About Software Quality Assurance Engineer Certifications

1. What are the main benefits of a Software Quality Assurance Engineer Certification?

Answer: A Software Quality Assurance Engineer Certification provides recognition for individuals who have demonstrated a high level of knowledge, competency, and expertise in software quality assurance engineering. This certification can help increase job opportunities, salary potential, and career advancement.

2. What qualifications do I need to become a Software Quality Assurance Engineer?

Answer: To become a Software Quality Assurance Engineer, you must possess at least a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or related field. Additionally, knowledge of programming languages such as Java and C++ is beneficial.

3. What type of certification exams do I need to take?

Answer: The exams required for certification vary depending on the organization issuing the certification but typically include topics such as software development life cycles, quality assurance principles and techniques, testing methodologies and tools, database management systems, project management skills and more.

4. How long does it take to get certified?

Answer: The time frame for obtaining certification depends on the specific organization issuing the certification as well as the individual’s experience level in software quality assurance engineering. Generally speaking, it takes approximately 6-12 months to complete all requirements for certification.

5. Is there an age limit for obtaining Software Quality Assurance Engineer Certification?

Answer: No, there is no age limit associated with obtaining Software Quality Assurance Engineer Certification; however certain organizations may require applicants to be at least 18 years old before they can apply for certification programs.