Top 10 Video Game Tester Certifications

Certifications are an important factor in the job market for video game testers. Video game companies want to ensure that their testers have the necessary knowledge and expertise to evaluate a game properly. Certifications can demonstrate that a tester has a certain level of skill and knowledge in the area of video game testing, which can give them an edge over other applicants who may not have any formal training. Additionally, certifications provide employers with evidence that a tester is willing to take the initiative to gain further knowledge and experience in the field, which can be beneficial for the company in terms of increased productivity. Finally, having certifications can also help establish credibility for a tester when it comes to working with clients or other professionals within the industry.

The purpose of this article is to review some of the top certifications for Video Game Testers and explain how they can help enhance a video game tester's career.

What are Video Game Tester Certifications?

Video game tester certification is a type of professional recognition that demonstrates a person's ability to test video games for quality assurance. It helps provide employers with an assurance that the individual has the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively test video games, as well as understand the basics of software development and the industry standards for creating successful games. The certification also ensures that testers have a basic understanding of the tools used in game testing, such as debugging and performance tracking.

Having this certification can be beneficial for those looking to break into the gaming industry, since it proves that they have taken their time to learn more about game testing and are qualified to do so. Additionally, having this certification can open doors to new job opportunities, since employers will know that the candidate is prepared to take on any challenges related to game testing. This gives them peace of mind when hiring someone who may not have any prior experience in the gaming industry. Furthermore, having this certification can help boost a person's resume by showing prospective employers that they are serious about their career and dedicated to excellence in their work.

Pro Tip: Make sure the video game tester certification you are considering is from a legitimate source. Look for certifications that are accredited or recognized by industry standards and look for courses that have been reviewed by other game testers. This will ensure that the certification is worth your time and money.

Related: What does a Video Game Tester do?

Top 10 Video Game Tester Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Video Game Testers today.

1. Certified Software Tester (CSTE)

Certified Software Tester (CSTE) is a professional certification program offered by the Quality Assurance Institute (QAI). It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated their knowledge and skills in software testing. The CSTE certification validates that an individual has the necessary knowledge to perform software testing effectively and efficiently.

The CSTE certification process consists of two parts: an online assessment and a practical exam. The online assessment tests the candidate’s understanding of software testing concepts, processes, and tools. The practical exam assesses the candidate’s ability to apply those concepts in real-world scenarios.

To become certified, candidates must pass both parts of the exam with a score of 70% or higher. The entire process typically takes between three to six months depending on how quickly the candidate can complete the online assessment and prepare for the practical exam.

The cost of becoming a Certified Software Tester varies depending on which training program you choose. Generally speaking, it costs around $1,000-$2,000 USD for all materials needed to take the CSTE exam including books, practice tests, and other resources.

2. ISTQB Certified Tester Foundation Level (CTFL)

ISTQB Certified Tester Foundation Level (CTFL) is an internationally recognized certification for software testers. It is designed to provide a basic understanding of software testing and the principles, methods, and techniques used in software testing. The CTFL certification is awarded by the International Software Testing Qualifications Board (ISTQB).

The CTFL exam consists of 40 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately 90 minutes to complete. To pass the exam, you must score at least 65% (26 out of 40).

To get your CTFL certification, you must first register with ISTQB and pay the exam fee. The fee varies depending on your location but typically ranges from $150-$250 USD. After registering and paying the fee, you will receive an email with instructions on how to access the online exam. Once you have completed the online exam, you will receive your results within 24 hours. If you pass, you will be sent a certificate that is valid for three years.

The cost of taking the CTFL exam can vary depending on where you take it and what other fees may be associated with it. However, most exams cost between $150 - $250 USD.

3. Microsoft Technology Associate: Gaming (MTA Gaming)

Microsoft Technology Associate: Gaming (MTA Gaming) is a certification program designed to help individuals learn the fundamentals of game development and design. This program is for those who are interested in pursuing a career in the gaming industry or for those who want to gain a better understanding of game development and design. The MTA Gaming certification provides an entry-level credential that validates basic knowledge of game development, design, and technology.

The MTA Gaming certification consists of two exams: Exam 98-388: Introduction to Programming Using Block-Based Languages and Exam 98-389: Introduction to Programming Using HTML and CSS. Both exams must be passed in order to receive the MTA Gaming certification.

It typically takes around 6-12 months to complete both exams, depending on the individual's study habits and dedication. To get started, it is recommended that individuals take an online course or attend a training class that covers the topics covered by each exam. Additionally, Microsoft offers practice tests for both exams, which can be found on their website.

The cost of taking the MTA Gaming certification exams varies depending on where you take them. Generally speaking, it costs around $127 USD per exam if taken through Microsoft or one of their authorized testing centers.

4. International Game Developers Association Quality Assurance Certification Program (IGDA QA)

The International Game Developers Association Quality Assurance Certification Program (IGDA QA) is a certification program designed to recognize the skills and knowledge of quality assurance professionals in the video game industry. The program was developed by the IGDA in partnership with the Quality Assurance Special Interest Group (QASIG) to promote best practices in quality assurance and to provide an industry-recognized credential for those working in this field.

The IGDA QA certification program consists of two parts: a training course and an assessment exam. The training course covers topics such as software testing fundamentals, test case design, bug tracking, and test automation. It also includes hands-on activities that allow participants to practice their skills. The assessment exam tests participants' understanding of the material covered in the training course.

It typically takes around one month to complete the IGDA QA certification program, depending on how much time you are able to dedicate to studying and completing the required tasks. To get certified, you must first register for the training course online at igdaqa.org and then complete all of its requirements within a set timeframe. Once you have completed the training course, you can take the assessment exam at any authorized testing center near you or online via proctoring services such as ProctorU or Examity.

The cost of getting certified through the IGDA QA certification program varies depending on where you take your assessment exam and whether or not you choose to purchase additional study materials such as textbooks or practice exams. Generally speaking, it costs around $200-$300 USD for registration fees and exam fees combined.

5. ASTQB Mobile Application Testing Professional Certification (MATP)

ASTQB Mobile Application Testing Professional Certification (MATP) is a certification program designed to recognize the knowledge and skills of mobile application testers. The MATP certification is designed to demonstrate that an individual has the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively test mobile applications on various platforms.

The MATP certification requires applicants to pass both a written exam and a practical exam. The written exam covers topics such as mobile application development, testing methodologies, and mobile security. The practical exam consists of hands-on exercises that test an applicant's ability to apply their knowledge in real-world scenarios.

In order to obtain the MATP certification, applicants must first register for the exams through ASTQB's website. After registering, applicants will receive an email with instructions on how to access the exams. Once both exams have been completed successfully, applicants will receive their official certificate from ASTQB.

The cost of obtaining the MATP certification varies depending on which country you are located in. In general, it costs around $200 USD for both exams combined. It typically takes between 1-2 weeks for applicants to receive their results after taking the exams.

6. Certified Agile Tester (CAT)

Certified Agile Tester (CAT) is a certification program developed by the International Software Testing Qualifications Board (ISTQB) to recognize professionals with expertise in agile testing. The CAT certification is designed to validate the knowledge of testers who are working in an agile environment.

The CAT certification requires successful completion of a two-hour multiple-choice exam. The exam covers topics related to agile testing, such as agile principles and values, test planning and execution, test automation, test design techniques, and continuous integration. Candidates must have at least two years of experience in software testing and be familiar with the agile methodology before taking the exam.

To obtain the CAT certification, candidates must register for the exam through ISTQB’s website. The registration fee is currently $250 USD. Once registered, candidates can take the exam at any Pearson VUE testing center worldwide or online from home or office. After passing the exam, candidates will receive their CAT certificate within four weeks via email.

The Certified Agile Tester (CAT) certification is valid for three years from the date of issue and can be renewed by taking a refresher course or re-taking the exam.

7. Certified Usability Analyst (CUA)

A Certified Usability Analyst (CUA) is a professional certification that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated expertise in the field of usability and user experience. The CUA certification is administered by the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society (HFES), an international organization dedicated to the study of human-computer interaction.

The CUA certification process involves completing a comprehensive online exam, which covers topics such as usability engineering, user interface design, usability testing, and other related topics. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and takes approximately three hours to complete. Candidates must also submit a portfolio demonstrating their knowledge of usability principles and practices.

The cost for the CUA certification exam is $400 USD for HFES members and $600 USD for non-members. In addition, there is an annual renewal fee of $50 USD for HFES members and $100 USD for non-members.

To become a CUA, candidates must meet certain eligibility requirements, including having at least two years of full-time work experience in the field of usability or user experience design. Candidates must also demonstrate knowledge in areas such as human factors engineering, cognitive psychology, software development processes, and web accessibility standards.

8. American Society for Quality – Game and Simulation Quality Assurance Certification (ASQ GSQA)

The American Society for Quality – Game and Simulation Quality Assurance Certification (ASQ GSQA) is a certification program that was developed to recognize the knowledge and skills of individuals in the field of game and simulation quality assurance. This certification is designed to demonstrate expertise in the principles, practices, and techniques used in game and simulation quality assurance.

To get this certification, you must complete an online application process, which includes submitting a resume, providing two professional references, and taking an online assessment. The assessment consists of multiple-choice questions that evaluate your knowledge of game and simulation quality assurance principles. Once you have completed the application process and passed the assessment, you will receive your ASQ GSQA certification.

The cost for the ASQ GSQA certification varies depending on whether you are a member or non-member of ASQ. For members, it costs $225 USD while for non-members it costs $325 USD. The entire process typically takes around four weeks to complete from start to finish.

9. CompTIA A+ Certification

CompTIA A+ certification is a globally recognized industry standard for IT professionals. It is an entry-level certification that validates the skills and knowledge needed to support and troubleshoot computer hardware and software. CompTIA A+ certification is vendor-neutral, meaning it covers all major operating systems, including Windows, Mac OS, Linux, iOS, and Android.

It typically takes around six months to prepare for the CompTIA A+ exam. To get certified you must pass two exams: 220-1001 (Core 1) and 220-1002 (Core 2). Both exams cover topics such as networking, mobile devices, hardware and virtualization.

To get CompTIA A+ certified you must register for the exam with an approved testing center such as Pearson VUE or Prometric. The cost of the exam varies depending on the testing center but usually ranges from $200 to $300 per exam.

Overall, getting CompTIA A+ certified can be a great way to boost your career prospects in IT. It shows employers that you have the skills needed to troubleshoot common computer problems and understand basic network concepts.

10. Certified Professional Game Designer (CPGD)

Certified Professional Game Designer (CPGD) is a professional certification program that recognizes the expertise and experience of game designers. The certification is offered by the International Game Developers Association (IGDA). It is designed to help game designers demonstrate their knowledge and skills in game design, development, and production.

To become certified, applicants must have at least three years of professional experience in game design or development. Additionally, they must pass an online assessment that covers topics such as game mechanics, level design, user interface design, narrative design, and more.

The CPGD certification process typically takes between four to six weeks from start to finish. During this time period, applicants will be required to complete the online assessment and submit their application for review by the IGDA Certification Committee.

The cost of the CPGD certification varies based on whether or not you are a member of the IGDA. For non-members, it costs $250 USD; for members it costs $200 USD.

Do You Really Need a Video Game Tester Certificate?

No, you do not need a video game tester certificate in order to work as a video game tester. Although having a certificate might give you an edge over other applicants and demonstrate your skills and experience, it is not necessary. Employers often look for more than just a piece of paper when hiring for video game testing. They want people who have the technical knowledge to troubleshoot and the passion to discover bugs and glitches in the games they are testing.

Having a degree or certification related to video games can be beneficial, but it is not always necessary. Many employers prefer to hire people with hands-on experience playing and testing games in addition to any formal education or certification they may possess. Therefore, it is important to highlight any relevant experience you have on your resume or during an interview, such as beta testing for other companies or completing internships at gaming companies.

Overall, having a video game tester certificate may give you an advantage when applying for jobs, but it is not essential if you have the right skills and experience.

Related: Video Game Tester Resume Examples

FAQs About Video Game Tester Certifications

1. How do I become a certified video game tester?

Answer: To become a certified video game tester, you will need to complete an online training program which covers the fundamentals of game testing. After completion of the course, you will be required to take an exam and pass with a minimum score in order to receive certification.

2. What qualifications do I need to become a video game tester?

Answer: To become a video game tester, you should have strong knowledge of gaming systems, software and hardware as well as experience playing different types of games. You should also have good problem-solving skills and be able to communicate effectively with developers and other testers.

3. How much does a certified video game tester make?

Answer: The amount of money that a certified video game tester makes depends on the type of position they hold, their level of experience, and the company they work for. However, it is estimated that most testers make between $20,000 and $50,000 annually.

4. Is there an age limit for becoming a certified video game tester?

Answer: Most companies require that applicants for certification be at least 18 years old; however some may accept applicants who are 16 or 17 years old with parental permission or consent from their school district or local government authority.

5. What is the best way to prepare for taking the certification exam?

Answer: The best way to prepare for taking the certification exam is by studying relevant material related to game testing such as software development processes, debugging techniques, quality assurance principles, and common gaming terminology. Additionally, practice tests can help familiarize yourself with the types of questions that may appear on the exam.