For the candidates who have always wanted to work in the QA team or as a quality analyst, they need to prepare themselves accordingly. Apart from your academic knowledge, holding a QA certification adds to the merit list.
Acquiring the QA software testing certification is a necessary part of the professionals’ career to improve their personal knowledge along with their quality in this industry. A QA team plays a crucial role in software development as it ensures the product has maintained the standards and is usable. With the certificate, you add a star mark to your resume and make yourself eligible for the position.
During the hiring process for software tests, most companies search for candidates who have a solid background in engineering and mathematics. Candidates with a Bachelor in Computer Science have an added advantage. However, there is a loophole; if you desperately wish to acquire a designation, you can start with a generous work history.
Besides, proper QA training offers the recruiters knowledge about your quality in long-term sustainability and strategic thinking. Therefore, while you are looking forward to a certification goal, don’t forget to match the experience with the QA course level. Even when there are many institutes offering learning courses, research is an imperative part of making a good choice.
Top 5 Quality Assurance Certifications:
There is a range of certifications available for software testers. You can choose from the beginner level, intermediate level, and also expert level. Depending on the experience you have, you can choose the certification courses accordingly.
It will not only ensure making an attractive portfolio but also certifications allow you to get the opportunity of getting access to knowledge. Let us have a look at the 5 most valuable Quality Assurance Certifications.
- CAST or “Certified Associate in Software Testing”
Level: Beginner
| EXAM DETAILS | |
| Exam Format | Multiple Choice Questions |
| Total Number of Questions | 100 |
| Total Time | 75 minutes |
| Passing Marks | 70% |
CAST or “Certified Associate in Software Testing” is offered by QAI as the testing-based certification. Attaining this certification course shows that the candidates have the basic knowledge of the practices and principles associated with the testing quality.
This is the best fit for the individuals who are willing to join the software testing sector. However, in order to pursue the course to acquire the software testing certification, you need to meet any one of the following prerequisites.
- A 3 to 4 year of degree course from an institution
- A 2 year of degree course from an institution combined with a year of experience in the IT industry
- 3 years of experience in the IT industry
- CMST or Certified Manager of Software Testing
Level: Advanced
| EXAM DETAILS | |
| Exam Format | Essay Type or Constructive Responses |
| Total Number of Questions | 7 + 5 |
| Total Time | 75 Minutes + 75 Minutes |
| Passing Marks | 70% ( For both the exams) |
This certification course is offered by QAI. In order to apply for this certification exam, it is a must for the candidates to have active experience in the software testing field. However, check the other prerequisites before moving ahead.
- Bachelor degree from an accredited institution along with a least 4 years of experience in the software testing field
- Associate degree from the accredited institution along with 6 years of working experience in the software testing field
- A least of 8 years of experience in software testing
- CSTE or Certified Software Tester
Level: Intermediate
| EXAM DETAILS | |
| Exam Format | Essay Type + Multiple Choice |
| Total Number of Questions | 100 + 12 |
| Total Time | 75 Minutes + 75 Minutes |
| Passing Marks | 70% ( For both the exams) |
This certification course is offered by QAI. In order to enroll in this certification course, candidates need to work or have experience in the software testing field. Check the following to understand the prerequisites. Make sure you meet at least one of the following.
- Bachelor degree course of 4 years from an accredited institution along with a least of 2 years of experience in IT
- Bachelor degree course of 3 years from the accredited institution along with 3 years of working experience in IT
- Bachelor degree course of 3 years from the accredited institution along with 4 years of working experience in the IT field
- At least having working experience for 6 years in IT industry
- ISTQB Foundation Level Certification
Level: Beginner
| EXAM DETAILS | |
| Exam Format | Multiple Choice |
| Total Number of Questions | 40 |
| Total Time | 60 Minutes |
| Passing Marks | 65% |
This certification course is offered by ISTQB and it verifies a candidate’s knowledge and skills in software testing principles, vocabulary, testing management, and support tools. This certification is one of the most accepted certifications for beginners across the globe. If someone is planning to start a career he/she must consider ISTQB foundation level certification (CTFL).
You can check out these ISTQB Foundation Level mock tests and simulations which will ensure you clear your exam on the first attempt.
If you are willing to move ahead, check the prerequisite.
- There is no specific prerequisite for pursuing ISTQB Foundation Level certification (CTFL).
- ISTQB Agile Tester Certification
Level: Intermediate
| EXAM DETAILS | |
| Exam Format | Multiple Choice |
| Total Number of Questions | 40 |
| Total Time | 60 Minutes |
| Passing Marks | 65% |
This certification course is offered by ISTQB. This is the latest inclusion that has been acquiring the position. This depends on the methodology of Agile software development. If you are willing to move ahead, check the prerequisite.
- The candidates must have attained the Foundation Level Certificate by the ISTQB
- ISTQB Advanced Level Test Analyst
Level: Advanced
| EXAM DETAILS | |
| Exam Format | Multiple Choice |
| Total Number of Questions | 60 |
| Total Time | 180 Minutes |
| Passing Marks | 75% |
This certification course offered by ISTQB is mainly intended for software engineers, software testers, automation engineers, and much more. However, to attain this advanced-level certification, the candidate must have a foundation certificate. Besides, there is also a need to meet any one of the following prerequisites.
- Computer science degree from an institution along with 2 years of experience in software testing field for the 2 sub-modules and 3years of experience of 3 sub-modules
- 5 years of experience in the software testing field
Conclusion:
To become a QA, you need to have enough experience and knowledge. Since employers need to ensure your skill in offering desirable outcomes, certification courses can be an excellent way to start.
