Top 10 Sqa Engineer Certifications

Certifications are very important for SQA Engineers in the job market because they demonstrate a level of expertise and knowledge that is often necessary for employers to consider a candidate for an SQA Engineer role. Certifications show that the candidate has taken the initiative to learn and understand specific skills related to software testing and quality assurance. Additionally, certifications provide employers with an unbiased assessment of a candidate’s abilities, which can be used as part of their decision-making process when evaluating potential candidates. Finally, certifications can also help SQA Engineers stand out from other applicants by showcasing their dedication to the field and helping them gain recognition as experts in their field.

The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the available certifications for SQA Engineers and explain how they can advance their career.

What are Sqa Engineer Certifications?

SQA Engineer Certification is a credential offered by the International Software Testing Qualifications Board (ISTQB). It is designed to recognize professionals who have achieved a high level of expertise in software quality assurance (SQA) and testing. The certification demonstrates an individual’s commitment and dedication to software testing, as well as their knowledge of the best practices and procedures for ensuring quality software products.

The SQA Engineer Certification program covers all aspects of software testing and quality assurance, from test planning to test execution, from risk analysis to defect management. It also includes topics such as requirements gathering, system design, code reviews, project management, change management, configuration management, and more. The certification requires that applicants demonstrate their understanding of these topics through written examinations.

The SQA Engineer Certification can be beneficial for those looking to advance their careers in the field of software testing or quality assurance. In addition to demonstrating one’s knowledge and expertise in these areas, having the certification can give individuals an edge over other applicants when applying for jobs or promotions. Furthermore, being certified can also provide access to exclusive opportunities such as conferences and seminars focusing on software quality assurance and testing techniques.

Pro tip: When pursuing SQA engineer certification, make sure to research the requirements and curriculum for the certification program. It is important to understand what you will learn and the skills you will need for successful completion of the program. Additionally, look into any potential prerequisites or special requirements prior to enrolling in a certification course.

Related: What does a Sqa Engineer do?

Top 10 Sqa Engineer Certifications

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

1. ISTQB Certified Tester Foundation Level

ISTQB Certified Tester Foundation Level is a certification program designed to provide a basic understanding of software testing. It is an entry-level qualification that covers the fundamental principles and techniques of software testing. The certification is offered by the International Software Testing Qualifications Board (ISTQB).

The ISTQB Foundation Level Certification requires passing an exam that consists of 40 multiple-choice questions. The exam typically takes around 60 minutes to complete and covers topics such as test design techniques, test management, static techniques, and test tools.

To get the ISTQB Certified Tester Foundation Level certification, you must first register for the exam with the ISTQB website. Once your registration has been accepted, you can select a date and location for your exam and pay the associated fees. The cost of the exam varies depending on your location but typically ranges from $150-$250 USD.

Once you have completed the exam, you will receive a score report indicating whether or not you have passed. If you pass the exam, you will be awarded the ISTQB Certified Tester Foundation Level certification and will be listed in their database of certified testers.

2. ISTQB Certified Tester Advanced Level

ISTQB Certified Tester Advanced Level is a certification program that is designed to recognize the advanced level of expertise in software testing. It is an internationally recognized certification, and it is administered by the International Software Testing Qualifications Board (ISTQB).

The ISTQB Certified Tester Advanced Level consists of three levels: Foundation, Advanced Test Analyst, and Advanced Technical Test Analyst. To become certified at the Advanced Level, you must first pass the Foundation exam and then any two of the three available exams at the Advanced Level. The exams are multiple-choice questions and typically take 2-3 hours to complete.

To get certified at the ISTQB Certified Tester Advanced Level, you must register with a local examination body or with an accredited training provider. You will need to pay for both your registration fee and your exam fees. The cost of registering for an exam varies depending on which country you are taking it in. Generally speaking, however, it costs around $200-$400 USD per exam.

Once you have passed all three exams at the ISTQB Certified Tester Advanced Level, you will be awarded a certificate from ISTQB confirming your achievement. This certification is valid for five years before needing to be renewed.

3. ASTQB Mobile Application Testing Certification

ASTQB Mobile Application Testing Certification is a certification program that provides professionals with the knowledge and skills required to test mobile applications. This certification is designed to help software testers understand the complexities of mobile applications and how to effectively test them.

The ASTQB Mobile Application Testing Certification consists of two exams: the Foundation Level Exam and the Advanced Level Exam. The Foundation Level Exam covers topics such as mobile application architecture, common mobile platforms, testing approaches, and best practices for testing mobile applications. The Advanced Level Exam covers topics such as performance testing, security testing, usability testing, and automation of mobile applications.

It typically takes about 8-10 hours to complete both exams. Candidates must pass both exams in order to receive their certification.

To get certified, candidates must first register for the ASTQB Mobile Application Testing Certification Program through the ASTQB website. After registering for the program, candidates will need to purchase an exam voucher from ASTQB in order to take the exams.

The cost of the ASTQB Mobile Application Testing Certification Program varies depending on which country you are located in. In most countries it costs around $150 USD for both exams (Foundation & Advanced).

4. 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 understand and apply agile testing principles. The certification is aimed at experienced testers who have already achieved the ISTQB Foundation Level certification. It provides an understanding of agile concepts, techniques, and processes, as well as the ability to apply them in practice.

The Agile Tester Extension exam takes approximately 90 minutes to complete and consists of 40 multiple-choice questions. In order to pass the exam, candidates must score at least 65% or higher. The exam fee is €200 for members of ISTQB and €250 for non-members.

In order to take the exam, candidates must first register through the ISTQB website. Once registered, they will be able to select a test center and schedule their exam date. After passing the exam, candidates will receive their certificate via email within two weeks after completion of the exam.

5. International Software Testing Qualifications Board (ISTQB) Automotive Software Tester

The International Software Testing Qualifications Board (ISTQB) Automotive Software Tester is a certification program for software testers who specialize in testing automotive software. It is designed to provide a comprehensive set of skills and knowledge that will enable the tester to effectively test automotive software systems. The certification is composed of two levels: Foundation Level and Advanced Level.

To get the ISTQB Automotive Software Tester certification, you must first pass the Foundation Level exam. This exam covers topics such as automotive system architecture, test techniques, and defect management. Once you have passed the Foundation Level exam, you can then take the Advanced Level exam which covers topics such as safety-critical systems, embedded systems, and communication protocols.

In order to become certified as an ISTQB Automotive Software Tester, you must pass both exams within a three-year period. It typically takes around six months to prepare for each exam depending on your experience level and how much time you are able to dedicate to studying.

The cost of taking the exams varies depending on where you are located but typically ranges from $200-$400 per exam.

6. ISEB Foundation Certificate in Software Testing

The ISEB Foundation Certificate in Software Testing is an internationally recognised qualification that provides a comprehensive introduction to software testing. It is suitable for those who are new to the field or have some experience and would like to gain a recognised qualification.

The course takes around 40 hours of study, depending on the individual’s prior knowledge and experience. The course can be taken online, through distance learning or in a classroom environment.

To get the ISEB Foundation Certificate in Software Testing, you will need to pass an exam which tests your knowledge of software testing concepts, processes and techniques. The exam consists of multiple choice questions and is usually taken at a local Pearson VUE test centre.

The cost of the ISEB Foundation Certificate in Software Testing varies depending on where you take it but typically ranges from £200-£400.

7. ISEB Intermediate Certificate in Software Testing

The ISEB Intermediate Certificate in Software Testing is a professional qualification for those looking to develop their skills and knowledge in software testing. It is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the principles, processes and techniques used in software testing. The certificate is endorsed by the British Computer Society (BCS) and provides an internationally recognised qualification.

The course typically takes around 20 hours of study over a period of 6-12 months. It is usually taken online or through distance learning, although some providers may offer classroom based courses. The course covers topics such as test design techniques, test management, test automation tools and techniques, defect management and more.

To get the ISEB Intermediate Certificate in Software Testing you must pass an exam at the end of the course. This exam consists of multiple choice questions covering all areas of software testing that have been studied during the course.

The cost of taking this course varies depending on provider but can range from £500 - £1000 (GBP).

8. HP Quality Center Certification

HP Quality Center Certification is a professional certification program offered by HP that validates an individual's knowledge and skills in the use of HP Quality Center software. This certification is designed for IT professionals who want to demonstrate their proficiency in using the Quality Center software, which is used to manage quality assurance processes across multiple projects.

The certification process consists of two parts: a written examination and a practical assessment. The written exam tests an individual’s knowledge of the Quality Center product, its features, and how it can be used to improve quality assurance processes. The practical assessment requires candidates to complete tasks related to setting up and configuring Quality Center projects.

The time required to get certified depends on the individual's experience with the software and their ability to prepare for the exams. It typically takes between 4-6 weeks of preparation before taking the exams.

To get certified, individuals must first register with HP and pay a fee for each exam they wish to take. The cost of each exam varies depending on the country where it is taken, but typically ranges from $150-$250 USD per exam. After passing both exams, individuals will receive their official HP Quality Center Certification certificate from HP.

9. Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE): Data Management and Analytics

Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE): Data Management and Analytics is a certification program designed to help IT professionals demonstrate their skills in designing, building, and managing data solutions that are secure, reliable, and compliant with organizational requirements. It provides an understanding of the principles of data analytics, including how to use data to create insights and make decisions.

The MCSE: Data Management and Analytics certification requires passing two exams: Exam 70-767: Implementing a SQL Data Warehouse, and Exam 70-768: Developing SQL Data Models. The exams cover topics such as database design, data warehousing, ETL processes, data modeling techniques, OLAP cubes, and more.

It typically takes between three to six months to complete the MCSE: Data Management and Analytics certification depending on your experience level. To get started you will need to have knowledge of basic database concepts such as tables, views, stored procedures, functions etc., as well as some experience with Microsoft SQL Server 2016 or later. You can also benefit from taking courses from Microsoft Learning Partners or self-study materials available online.

The cost for the two exams required for the MCSE: Data Management and Analytics certification is $165 USD each. Additional fees may apply if you choose to take courses or use other resources to prepare for the exams.

10. Oracle Database 11g Administrator Certified Professional

Oracle Database 11g Administrator Certified Professional is a certification program designed to recognize the skills and knowledge of database administrators who are proficient in managing Oracle Database 11g. This certification is offered by Oracle Corporation and is recognized globally as an industry standard for database administration.

It typically takes approximately 6-12 months of preparation to become an Oracle Database 11g Administrator Certified Professional. Preparation includes studying the relevant course materials, taking practice exams, and gaining hands-on experience with the Oracle Database 11g software.

To get certified, you must pass two exams: 1Z0-053 (Oracle Database 11g: Administration I) and 1Z0-052 (Oracle Database 11g: Administration II). The cost of the two exams varies depending on your location but typically ranges from $150 - $200 USD per exam.

Do You Really Need a Sqa Engineer Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on a variety of factors. First, you must consider your current career goals and ambitions. If you are looking to move up in the software quality assurance (SQA) field, then a certificate may be beneficial. This is especially true if your current employer does not offer any formal SQA training or certification programs. A certificate can demonstrate your commitment to quality assurance and provide proof of your qualifications for potential employers.

On the other hand, if you already have extensive experience in SQA and are looking for recognition from peers or industry leaders, then a certificate may not be necessary. The value of such a credential will depend on the individual's specific situation, as well as the type of organization they work for and the relevant job market in their area.

Ultimately, it is important to consider all these factors before making a decision about whether or not you need an SQA engineer certificate. If you decide that it would be beneficial to pursue one, then there are numerous resources available online to help you gain the knowledge and skills required to earn one successfully.

Related: Sqa Engineer Resume Examples

FAQs About Sqa Engineer Certifications

Q1: What is a SQA Engineer Certification?

A1: A SQA Engineer Certification is a professional certification program that recognizes individuals who have achieved a high level of expertise in software quality assurance and testing. It is designed to validate knowledge and experience in the field of SQA engineering, providing employers with assurance that certified professionals possess the skills necessary to deliver excellent software products.

Q2: How do I become certified as a SQA Engineer?

A2: To become certified as a SQA Engineer, you must pass an exam administered by an accredited organization such as the International Software Testing Qualifications Board (ISTQB). The exam covers topics such as software development life cycle models, test design techniques, test automation tools and techniques, defect management processes and more. Additionally, some certifying organizations may require applicants to demonstrate practical experience in the field of SQA engineering.

Q3: What are the benefits of holding a SQA Engineer Certification?

A3: Holding a SQA Engineer Certification can help enhance your career prospects by demonstrating your commitment to excellence in the field of software quality assurance and testing. It also serves to differentiate you from other applicants when seeking employment opportunities or promotions. Additionally, it may help you secure higher salaries or gain access to exclusive job postings.

Q4: How long does it take to complete the certification process?

A4: The amount of time it takes to complete the certification process varies depending on which organization you choose for accreditation. Generally speaking, expect to spend anywhere from three months up to one year studying for and taking the required exams. Additionally, some organizations may require applicants to demonstrate practical experience before awarding certification.

Q5: Is there any continuing education requirement associated with maintaining my certification status?

A5: Yes—most certifying organizations require holders of their certifications to participate in ongoing continuing education activities in order to maintain their status. This could include attending conferences or workshops related to software quality assurance and testing or completing online courses on relevant topics.