Top 11 Test Analyst Certifications

Certifications for test analysts can be a very valuable tool when it comes to job marketability. Certifications demonstrate to employers that the individual has the knowledge and skillset required to do the job. They are also a great way for test analysts to stay up-to-date on the latest trends and technologies, which in turn makes them more attractive to potential employers. Furthermore, certifications provide proof of competency and credibility, which can help test analysts stand out from other applicants and make them more attractive to employers.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Test Analysts and explains how they can help to advance a test analyst's career.

What are Test Analyst Certifications?

Test Analyst Certification is a professional certification program that provides formal recognition of the knowledge and skills required to be successful in the test analyst role. The certification program is designed to assess an individual’s ability to effectively design, document, and execute tests for software applications. It also evaluates their ability to analyze test results and recommend corrective actions when needed.

The Test Analyst Certification can help individuals in several ways. First, it can provide them with a credential that shows they have the necessary knowledge and skills to perform the job successfully. This credential can help employers recognize their abilities more easily. Additionally, it can provide individuals with greater career opportunities as they demonstrate their commitment to the profession by pursuing formal recognition of their skills. Finally, having this certification can help individuals understand what is expected of them in their role and give them guidance on how to best use testing techniques effectively.

Pro Tip: When considering a test analyst certification, make sure to research the curriculum and training materials thoroughly. Some certifications may provide more in-depth information than others, so it's important to ensure that the certification you choose is aligned with your career goals. Additionally, consider any additional experience or education requirements for the certification before signing up.

Related: What does a Test Analyst do?

Top 11 Test Analyst Certifications

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

1. ISTQB Foundation Level Certification

ISTQB Foundation Level Certification is an internationally recognized qualification in software testing. It is designed to provide a foundation of knowledge and understanding of the fundamentals of software testing. The certification is offered by the International Software Testing Qualifications Board (ISTQB).

The ISTQB Foundation Level Certification consists of a one-hour multiple-choice exam, which covers topics such as software testing principles, techniques, and tools. The exam has 40 questions and requires a minimum score of 65% to pass. The exam can be taken in any language that is supported by the ISTQB.

To get the ISTQB Foundation Level Certification, you must first register with the ISTQB website and pay the examination fee. Once registered, you will receive an email containing your login details for the online exam portal. You will then need to book your exam date and time with a local accredited examination center or through an online proctoring service.

The cost of taking the ISTQB Foundation Level Certification exam varies depending on where you take it. The cost typically ranges from $150-$200 USD per attempt.

2. ASTQB Mobile Application Testing Certification

ASTQB Mobile Application Testing Certification is a certification program designed to help software testers demonstrate their expertise in mobile application testing. It is administered by the American Software Testing Qualifications Board (ASTQB). The certification covers topics such as mobile application architecture, design, development, test planning and execution, and quality assurance.

The certification consists of two parts: a written exam and a practical exam. The written exam covers topics such as mobile application testing fundamentals, test strategies, and best practices. The practical exam requires candidates to demonstrate their ability to create and execute test cases for mobile applications.

The ASTQB Mobile Application Testing Certification can be obtained in about 4-6 weeks depending on the candidate’s availability and study schedule. To get certified, candidates must first register with ASTQB and pay the required fees. After registration is complete, they will receive an email with instructions on how to access the online course material. Candidates must then study the material before taking the written exam. Once they pass the written exam, they can take the practical exam at any approved testing center.

The cost of obtaining ASTQB Mobile Application Testing Certification varies depending on location but typically ranges from $200-$500 USD for both exams combined.

3. CSTE Certified Software Tester Certification

CSTE Certified Software Tester Certification is a globally recognized certification that is designed to validate the skills and knowledge of software testers. It is offered by the Quality Assurance Institute (QAI) and is based on the International Software Testing Qualifications Board (ISTQB) syllabus.

The CSTE certification requires a minimum of two years of experience in software testing, as well as completion of an approved training program or passing an exam. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as software development life cycle, test design techniques, test management, defect management, and automation.

To get the CSTE certification, you must first complete an approved training program or pass the exam. The cost for the exam varies depending on location but generally ranges from $250 to $400 USD. Once you have passed the exam, you will receive your CSTE certificate in approximately 4-6 weeks.

The cost for the entire CSTE certification process can range from $500-$1000 USD depending on whether you take a course or self-study for the exam.

4. ISTQB Advanced Level Test Analyst Certification

ISTQB Advanced Level Test Analyst Certification is a professional certification for experienced software testers. It is an international certification that demonstrates the holder’s expertise in software testing and quality assurance. The ISTQB Advanced Level Test Analyst Certification will help you stand out from the crowd as a highly qualified test analyst.

The ISTQB Advanced Level Test Analyst Certification requires passing two exams: a Foundation Level exam and an Advanced Level exam. The Foundation Level exam covers topics such as testing principles and processes, test design techniques, test management, and tools for testing. The Advanced Level exam focuses on topics such as risk-based testing, test automation, performance and security testing, defect management, and reviews.

It typically takes around 3 to 6 months to prepare for the ISTQB Advanced Level Test Analyst Certification exams. Candidates should have at least two years of experience in software testing before attempting the exams. It is recommended that candidates take training courses or read books related to software testing before attempting the exams.

The cost of the ISTQB Advanced Level Test Analyst Certification exams varies depending on which country you are taking them in. In general, it costs around $250 USD per exam plus any additional fees associated with registering for the exams in your country.

5. TMAP Next Test Analyst Professional Certification

TMAP Next Test Analyst Professional Certification is a certification program developed by the TMAP Institute to recognize the skills and knowledge of experienced test analysts. The certification is designed to assess an individual’s ability to design, develop, execute, and analyze tests for software applications.

The certification consists of two parts: a written exam and a practical assessment. The written exam covers topics such as test strategy, test planning, test execution, defect management, and reporting. The practical assessment requires candidates to demonstrate their ability to design and execute tests on actual software applications.

It takes approximately two months for an individual to complete the TMAP Next Test Analyst Professional Certification program. To get certified, individuals must first register with the TMAP Institute and pay the registration fee of $150 USD. After registering, they will be given access to study materials that cover all aspects of the certification program. They must then take and pass both the written exam and practical assessment in order to receive their certification.

Once certified, individuals will have demonstrated their expertise in testing software applications and can use this credential when applying for job opportunities or promotions within their current organization.

6. IIST Certified Professional Tester (CPT) Certification

IIST Certified Professional Tester (CPT) Certification is a professional certification program designed to recognize the knowledge and skills of software testers. It is issued by the International Institute for Software Testing (IIST), an independent, non-profit organization dedicated to advancing the quality of software testing in the industry.

The CPT certification requires candidates to demonstrate their understanding of fundamental software testing concepts and principles, as well as their ability to apply them in various contexts. To obtain the certification, candidates must pass a comprehensive exam that covers topics such as test planning, test design, test execution, test automation, debugging, defect management, and more.

The exam typically takes around three hours to complete and can be taken at any IIST-approved testing center. Candidates must register with IIST prior to taking the exam and pay a fee of $250 USD. Upon successful completion of the exam, candidates will receive their CPT certification which is valid for three years.

7. ISEB Foundation Certificate in Software Testing

The ISEB Foundation Certificate in Software Testing is a globally recognized qualification that demonstrates a fundamental understanding of software testing. The certificate provides an introduction to the principles and processes of software testing, covering topics such as the test life cycle, test design techniques, test automation and defect management.

It usually takes around 12-15 hours to complete the course and obtain the certificate. To get the certificate, you need to attend a training course or take an online course. After completing the course, you will be required to pass an exam in order to receive your certificate.

The cost of obtaining the ISEB Foundation Certificate in Software Testing varies depending on which provider you choose. Generally speaking, it can range from £500 - £1000 for classroom-based courses and from £200 - £400 for online courses.

8. HP Quality Center 11 Certified Professional Certification

HP Quality Center 11 Certified Professional Certification is a certification program offered by HP that demonstrates an individual's expertise in the use of HP Quality Center 11 software. The certification is designed to validate an individual's knowledge and skills in using the HP Quality Center 11 software to manage and monitor quality assurance projects.

The certification exam consists of 60 multiple-choice questions that must be completed within 90 minutes. To become certified, individuals must pass the exam with a score of 70% or higher.

To get certified, individuals must register for the exam through Pearson VUE, which is an online testing platform. The cost of the exam is $150 USD.

The certification does not expire, but it is recommended that individuals keep their skills up-to-date by taking refresher courses or attending seminars on HP Quality Center 11 software every few years.

9. EXIN Agile Scrum Master Test Analyst Certification

EXIN Agile Scrum Master Test Analyst Certification is an internationally recognized certification that validates the skills and knowledge of professionals in the field of agile test analysis. It is designed to help professionals demonstrate their understanding of the principles, practices, and tools associated with agile testing and test analysis. The certification is awarded by EXIN, a leading global provider of professional certifications.

The EXIN Agile Scrum Master Test Analyst Certification exam consists of two parts: a written exam and a practical exam. The written exam covers topics such as agile principles, practices, and tools; test analysis techniques; risk management; quality assurance; and test automation. The practical exam requires candidates to demonstrate their proficiency in applying the concepts they have learned in the written exam by completing a series of tasks related to agile testing and test analysis.

The EXIN Agile Scrum Master Test Analyst Certification can be obtained by taking an online course or attending an instructor-led training program. Most courses are offered either online or in-person at accredited training centers around the world. The cost of the certification varies depending on the type of course taken and other factors such as location. Generally speaking, it costs between $500-$1000 USD for an online course or $2000-$3000 USD for an instructor-led training program.

Once you have successfully completed your course or training program, you will need to take the EXIN Agile Scrum Master Test Analyst Certification Exam which consists of 60 multiple choice questions that must be answered within 90 minutes. Upon successful completion of this exam, you will receive your certification which is valid for three years from date of issue.

10. EXIN ITIL Foundation Test Analyst Certification

The EXIN ITIL Foundation Test Analyst Certification is a certification program that is designed to help professionals gain the knowledge and skills necessary to work as a test analyst in an ITIL environment. It provides the foundation for understanding the principles, processes, and best practices of IT service management.

The certification consists of two parts: the Foundation Course and the Exam. The Foundation Course covers topics such as Service Management, Processes, Quality Assurance, Risk Management, and Change Management. The Exam tests your understanding of these topics and assesses your ability to apply them in practical scenarios.

It takes approximately six weeks to complete the course and exam. You can take it online or attend a classroom-based course at an accredited training provider. The cost of the course varies depending on where you take it but typically ranges from $800-$1,200 USD. To get certified you must pass both parts of the exam with a score of 65% or higher.

11. EXIN DevOps Test Analyst Certification

EXIN DevOps Test Analyst Certification is a professional certification that demonstrates an individual’s ability to apply the principles of DevOps in order to design, develop and maintain successful software projects. This certification is designed for professionals who have experience in software development and testing, and want to demonstrate their ability to use DevOps tools and techniques.

The EXIN DevOps Test Analyst Certification consists of one exam which must be completed within 2 hours. The exam covers topics such as: Continuous Integration & Delivery, Automated Testing, Configuration Management, Monitoring & Logging, Security & Compliance, and Quality Assurance.

In order to obtain the EXIN DevOps Test Analyst Certification, you must pass the associated exam. The exam can be taken online or at an accredited test center. You will need to register with EXIN prior to taking the exam.

The cost of the EXIN DevOps Test Analyst Certification varies depending on your country of residence but typically ranges from $125-150 USD.

Do You Really Need a Test Analyst Certificate?

No, you do not need a test analyst certificate to become a successful test analyst. The most important thing when it comes to being a successful test analyst is having the right skills and knowledge. A certificate may be beneficial for certain positions or companies, but it is not essential for success in the field.

Having said that, many organizations require their test analysts to have a minimum level of education or certification before they will consider them for employment. In these cases, having a test analyst certificate can be an advantage. It shows the employer that you are serious about your career and have taken the time and effort to acquire specialized knowledge related to your profession.

In addition, having a certificate can also open up opportunities for advancement within the organization. Many employers prefer to promote from within and will give preferential treatment to those who have demonstrated their commitment by completing a certification program.

Overall, while having a test analyst certificate is not essential for success as a test analyst, it can still be beneficial in certain situations and provide advantages over other applicants.

Related: Test Analyst Resume Examples

FAQs About Test Analyst Certifications

1. What is a Test Analyst Certification?

Answer: A Test Analyst Certification is a qualification that demonstrates an individual's knowledge and expertise in the field of software testing and quality assurance. It provides evidence that the holder has a comprehensive understanding of the principles, practices, and techniques needed to effectively analyze and test software applications.

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

Answer: Becoming a Certified Test Analyst can help individuals stand out amongst their peers, gain recognition from employers, expand their career opportunities, and demonstrate their commitment to professional development. Additionally, it can provide access to exclusive resources such as networking events, workshops, seminars, and even job opportunities.

3. How do I become a Certified Test Analyst?

Answer: To become a Certified Test Analyst, individuals must first complete an approved training program or course. After successful completion of the program or course and passing of all associated exams, they will be eligible to receive their certification from an accredited organization.

4. Is a Test Analyst Certification worth it?

Answer: Yes! A Test Analyst Certification is highly valuable for those looking to advance their career in software testing or quality assurance since it demonstrates knowledge and expertise in the field. It can also open up new career opportunities or provide access to exclusive resources not available otherwise.

5. How long does it take to get certified as a Test Analyst?

Answer: The length of time it takes to get certified as a Test Analyst depends on several factors such as the type of program chosen (online vs in-person), how much study time is dedicated each day/week, etc. On average though, most programs can be completed within 6 months’ time with proper dedication and effort applied towards studying for exams and completing assignments/projects required for certification success.