Top 10 Software Test Analyst Certifications

Certifications are important for any software test analyst who wants to be competitive in the job market. They demonstrate that the individual has a certain level of knowledge, experience and expertise in their field. Certification also shows employers that the individual is committed to their career and willing to take the extra steps necessary to stay up-to-date on industry best practices. Certified individuals can often command higher salaries than those without certifications and are more likely to be hired for positions due to their professional qualifications. In addition, certifications can open up more opportunities for advancement within an organization as well as access to more specialized roles such as automation testing or security testing.

The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the most beneficial certifications for Software Test Analysts and how they can help advance a career in software testing.

What are Software Test Analyst Certifications?

Software Test Analyst Certification is a certification designed to help software testers demonstrate their knowledge and proficiency in software testing. This certification helps to ensure that software testers have the necessary skills, knowledge and abilities required to ensure quality when testing software applications. The certification covers topics such as test design, test planning, test execution, defect tracking and reporting, test automation, performance testing and more.

Having a Software Test Analyst Certification can help professionals stand out from their peers in the job market. It shows employers that they possess the necessary skills and qualifications needed for the role of a software tester. It also demonstrates commitment to continuing professional development in the field of software testing. Having this certification can help professionals become more competitive when applying for jobs or promotions related to software testing. Additionally, having this certification may provide access to better job opportunities within the industry as well as higher salaries.

Pro tip: When considering software test analyst certification, look for programs that offer hands-on experience in addition to theoretical knowledge. This will ensure that you are well-prepared for the job and have a solid understanding of the practical applications of software testing.

Related: What does a Software Test Analyst do?

Top 10 Software Test Analyst Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Software Test Analysts today.

1. ISTQB Certified Tester Foundation Level

ISTQB Certified Tester Foundation Level is an international certification program for software testers. It provides a comprehensive understanding of the fundamentals of software testing and is designed to provide a common language for testers. The certification is based on the syllabus developed by the International Software Testing Qualifications Board (ISTQB).

The ISTQB Certified Tester Foundation Level exam takes about two hours to complete and consists of 40 multiple-choice questions. To pass, you must answer at least 65 percent of the questions correctly. The exam covers topics such as test design techniques, test management, static testing, and reviews.

To get certified, you must first register with the ISTQB website and pay the registration fee. Once registered, you can select an accredited training provider who will provide you with the necessary materials and guidance to prepare for the exam. You can also choose to self-study using online resources or books available from bookstores or libraries. After completing your preparation, you can take the exam at any accredited examination center in your area.

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-$250 USD to take the exam.

2. ASTQB Mobile Application Testing Certification

ASTQB Mobile Application Testing Certification is a certification program designed to help software testers demonstrate their knowledge and skills in mobile application testing. It is intended for software testers who are involved in the testing of mobile applications, either as part of a team or as an individual. The certification covers topics such as mobile application development, testing strategies, test automation, and performance testing.

The certification consists of two parts: a written exam and a practical exam. The written exam consists of multiple-choice questions that cover the fundamentals of mobile application testing, including topics such as design considerations, user interface design, usability testing, security testing, and more. The practical exam requires candidates to demonstrate their ability to apply their knowledge by creating test plans and performing tests on real-world applications.

The ASTQB Mobile Application Testing Certification takes approximately 4-6 weeks to complete depending on the candidate's availability and experience level. To get certified, candidates must first register with ASTQB and pay the associated fee (currently $299 USD). Once registered, candidates can access study materials online and schedule their exams at an authorized proctoring center near them. After passing both exams with a score of 70% or higher, candidates will receive their ASTQB Mobile Application Testing Certification.

3. ISTQB Advanced Level Test Analyst

ISTQB Advanced Level Test Analyst is an advanced certification for software testers. It is designed to equip professionals with the skills and knowledge needed to become a successful test analyst. The certification is offered by the International Software Testing Qualifications Board (ISTQB).

The ISTQB Advanced Level Test Analyst certification requires that you have already achieved the ISTQB Foundation Level certification. This is a prerequisite for taking the exam. The exam consists of 40 multiple-choice questions, which must be completed within 90 minutes. The passing score is 65%.

To get the ISTQB Advanced Level Test Analyst certification, you need to register with an accredited training provider and take their course. Depending on the provider, courses can take anywhere from two days to several weeks to complete. After completing the course, you will need to take and pass the exam in order to receive your certificate.

The cost of obtaining this certification varies depending on the training provider but typically ranges from $400 - $800 USD.

4. Quality Assurance Institute (QAI) Certified Software Test Professional (CSTP)

The Quality Assurance Institute (QAI) Certified Software Test Professional (CSTP) is an internationally-recognized certification program that provides a comprehensive understanding of the principles, processes, and techniques necessary to plan, design, and execute software testing. It is designed for professionals who are responsible for developing and executing software test plans.

To become certified as a CSTP, individuals must first complete a series of online courses and exams. The program consists of four core courses: Introduction to Software Testing, Advanced Software Testing Techniques, Automation & Tools in Software Testing, and Quality Assurance Processes & Practices. Each course requires approximately 40 hours of study time. Once all four courses have been completed, individuals must pass the CSTP exam with a score of 70% or higher.

The cost of the QAI Certified Software Test Professional program varies depending on the provider but typically ranges from $1,500 - $2,000 USD. This includes access to the online courses and exams as well as one attempt at the CSTP exam. Additional attempts at the exam can be purchased for an additional fee.

Once certified as a CSTP, individuals will be able to demonstrate their knowledge in software testing principles and best practices to employers or clients. They will also have access to exclusive resources such as job postings and networking opportunities through QAI's online community platform.

5. International Software Testing Qualifications Board (ISTQB) Expert Level Test Analyst

The International Software Testing Qualifications Board (ISTQB) Expert Level Test Analyst is an advanced certification for software testers. It is designed to demonstrate a higher level of expertise in the field of software testing and quality assurance. This certification is suitable for experienced professionals who have already obtained the ISTQB Foundation Level qualification and wish to further their knowledge and skills.

To obtain this certification, individuals must complete a series of exams that cover topics such as test analysis, test design techniques, test management, and risk-based testing. The exams can be taken at any approved training center or online. The total time required to complete the exams varies depending on the individual's experience and preparation but typically takes between two to four weeks.

The cost of obtaining this certification depends on the training provider chosen and the number of exams taken. Generally speaking, it can range from $1,000 to $2,500 USD depending on the provider and number of exams taken.

6. American Software Testing Qualifications Board (ASTQB) Automation Engineer Certification

The American Software Testing Qualifications Board (ASTQB) Automation Engineer Certification is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and experience in software automation testing. It is intended for software testers, automation engineers, and other professionals involved in software development.

The ASTQB Automation Engineer Certification requires the successful completion of two exams: the ISTQB Foundation Level Exam and the ASTQB Automation Engineer Exam. The ISTQB Foundation Level Exam covers basic concepts of software testing, while the ASTQB Automation Engineer Exam focuses on topics related to automation testing. Both exams must be passed in order to receive the certification.

In order to take the exams, applicants must first register with ASTQB and pay an exam fee of $150 USD per exam. Once registered, applicants can access online practice tests that can help them prepare for the actual exams. These practice tests are available for free from ASTQB's website.

The entire process usually takes around 2-3 months to complete depending on how quickly an applicant studies for and passes both exams.

Overall, obtaining the ASTQB Automation Engineer Certification is a great way for professionals to demonstrate their expertise in automation testing and gain recognition in their field.

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

The International Software Testing Qualifications Board (ISTQB) Agile Tester Extension is a certification that demonstrates an individual’s knowledge and understanding of agile testing practices. This certification is designed for professionals who are already certified with the ISTQB Foundation Level qualification and wish to extend their knowledge in the area of agile testing.

The ISTQB Agile Tester Extension requires a minimum of 15 hours of study, including reading materials and completing tests. The course covers topics such as agile principles, test strategies, test techniques, and tools used in agile development. It also includes practical exercises to help individuals gain hands-on experience with the concepts they have learned.

To obtain the ISTQB Agile Tester Extension certification, you must first pass an exam at an accredited training center or through a proctored online exam. The exam consists of 40 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately 90 minutes to complete. Once you have passed the exam, you will receive your certificate from ISTQB.

The cost for taking the ISTQB Agile Tester Extension exam varies depending on where you take it; however, it typically ranges from $150 - $200 USD.

8. Quality Assurance Institute (QAI) Global Software Testing Certification

Quality Assurance Institute (QAI) Global Software Testing Certification is an industry-recognized certification program that provides software testers with the knowledge and skills needed to perform effective software testing. It is designed to provide a comprehensive overview of software testing principles, techniques, processes, and tools. The certification covers topics such as test planning and design, test execution and reporting, defect management, automation testing, and performance testing.

The QAI Global Software Testing Certification is a self-paced online course that takes approximately 8-10 hours to complete. It consists of video lectures, quizzes, case studies and hands-on activities. Upon completion of the course, participants will be able to demonstrate their knowledge of software testing principles and practices by taking the final exam.

In order to get the QAI Global Software Testing Certification you must first register for the course on the Quality Assurance Institute website. Once registered you will have access to all the materials needed for completing the course including videos lectures, quizzes and case studies. After completing all the course material you will then take a final exam which will assess your understanding of software testing principles and practices. If you pass this exam you will receive your QAI Global Software Testing Certification.

The cost for registering for the QAI Global Software Testing Certification program is $349 USD. This fee includes access to all materials required for completing the course as well as one attempt at passing the final exam.

9. International Software Testing Qualifications Board (ISTQB) Performance Tester Extension

The International Software Testing Qualifications Board (ISTQB) Performance Tester Extension is a certification program that provides professionals with the skills and knowledge required to design, implement, and maintain performance testing activities. It is designed for software testers who have already obtained the ISTQB Foundation Level certification.

The ISTQB Performance Tester Extension covers topics such as performance test planning, designing performance tests, setting up and executing performance tests, analyzing results, and tuning system performance. It also provides an understanding of how to use tools to support performance testing activities.

It typically takes around 40 hours of study time to complete the course. To get the ISTQB Performance Tester Extension certification, you must first pass a 90-minute exam consisting of 40 multiple-choice questions. The exam can be taken online or at an accredited examination center.

The cost of the ISTQB Performance Tester Extension exam varies depending on your location and the examination center you choose to take it at. Generally speaking, it costs between $150-$200 USD for the exam fee.

10. Microsoft Technology Associate: Database Fundamentals

Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA) Database Fundamentals is a certification that validates the foundational knowledge of database fundamentals. It covers topics such as database design, data manipulation, and query construction. This certification is designed to help individuals demonstrate their understanding of core database concepts and skills.

The MTA Database Fundamentals exam takes approximately 90 minutes to complete and consists of 40-60 questions. The exam covers topics such as relational databases, data manipulation language (DML), data definition language (DDL), query construction, normalization, and indexing.

To get the MTA Database Fundamentals certification, you must pass the corresponding exam. The exam can be taken at a Pearson VUE test center or online through Microsoft’s website. You must pay an exam fee in order to take the exam; the cost varies depending on your country/region but typically ranges from $99-$150 USD.

Once you have passed the exam, you will receive an email confirmation from Microsoft with instructions on how to access your digital badge and certificate.

Do You Really Need a Software Test Analyst Certificate?

In today’s digital landscape, software test analyst certificates are becoming increasingly important for those looking to enter the field of software testing. A software test analyst certificate can provide a valuable edge in the job market, as employers look for individuals with the necessary skills and knowledge to ensure their products are of high quality.

A software test analyst certificate typically covers topics such as manual and automated testing techniques, object-oriented programming, database design and management, coding principles, project management, and other related areas. It can also include industry certifications such as ISTQB or ISEB. By obtaining a certification in these areas, potential applicants demonstrate their commitment to staying up-to-date on the latest trends and technologies in the field.

The certification process itself can be quite rigorous but is well worth it in the long run. Those who obtain a software test analyst certificate have an advantage when applying for jobs because they can show that they understand complex concepts related to software testing and that they possess the right skill set to succeed in this demanding profession. Additionally, obtaining a certification demonstrates that an individual has taken initiative to further his or her education which is always attractive to potential employers.

In conclusion, obtaining a software test analyst certificate is not only beneficial from a career perspective but also provides an opportunity for personal growth by gaining new knowledge and insights into this area of technology. For anyone looking to enter or advance within this field, having a certification makes you stand out from the competition and offers more opportunities for success.

Related: Software Test Analyst Resume Examples

FAQs About Software Test Analyst Certifications

1. What is the purpose of a Software Test Analyst Certification?

Answer: A Software Test Analyst Certification is designed to provide professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively test software applications. It provides assurance that a software application meets quality standards and customer requirements.

2. How long does it take to become certified as a Software Test Analyst?

Answer: The length of time it takes to become certified as a Software Test Analyst varies depending on the specific certification program you choose. Generally, most certifications require some form of formal training and/or experience in order to qualify for the certification exam.

3. What are the benefits of becoming a Certified Software Test Analyst?

Answer: Benefits of becoming a Certified Software Test Analyst include improved job prospects, greater credibility among peers, higher salaries and better career advancement opportunities. Additionally, having this certification can help you stand out from other applicants when applying for jobs in the software testing field.

4. What type of jobs can I get with a Software Test Analyst Certification?

Answer: With a Software Test Analyst Certification, you will be qualified for various positions within the software testing field such as Quality Assurance Engineer, Systems Tester, Automation Tester and more. You may also find opportunities in related fields such as Business Analysis or Project Management.

5. Is there an expiration date for my Software Test Analyst Certification?

Answer: Most certifications have an expiration date which typically ranges from two to five years depending on the program you choose. To maintain your certification status, you must complete continuing education requirements during this period in order to renew your certification before its expiration date.