Software testers are involved in the quality assurance stage of software development, ensuring that software products function as they should without defects. These professionals can obtain various software testing certifications to progress in their careers.
If you are a software developer or are earning a degree to become one, your career can benefit from certifications for software testing. The field of software testing is broad, and some of the highest-paying software testing certifications can be obtained even while you are pursuing a software development degree.
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What Is a Professional Certification?
A professional certification is a professional examination issued by an industry-based regulatory body. By passing this exam, you demonstrate your knowledge and skills in the field of software testing, as well as your understanding of the industry’s standards for best professional practices.
What’s the Difference Between Certification and a Certificate?
The difference between certification and a certificate is that certification involves passing a professional exam, whereas a certificate is issued following the completion of an in-depth study program offered by a college or university. A certification’s purpose is to grant the best practices qualification, whereas a certificate’s purpose is to provide a thorough education.
Why Is Certification in Software Testing Important?
Certification in software testing is important because it demonstrates your competency as a software tester in the software testing industry. Certification has benefits for career advancement, including the opportunity to earn higher salaries as you continually prove your proficiency through various certifications.
Best Software Testing Certifications by Salary
| Certification | Provider | Average Salary | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Certified Usability Testing Foundational Level | American Software Testing Qualifications Board | $105,000 | $229 |
| GIAC Certified Penetration Tester | Global Information Assurance Certification | $104,000 | $949 |
| Certified Software Business Analyst | International Software Certifications Board | $95,352 | $350 |
| Certified Software Tester | International Software Certifications Board | $92,000 | $350-$420 |
| Certified Tester Advanced Level Test Analyst | International Software Testing Qualifications Board | $91,000 | $250 per module (three in total) |
| ASTQB Performance Testing Certification | American Software Testing Qualifications Board | $90,000 | $199 |
| Software Quality Engineer Certification | American Society for Quality | $89,000 | $498 |
| ISTQB Certified Tester Foundation Level | American Software Testing Qualifications Board | $85,000 | $229 |
| Certified Software Quality Analyst | International Software Certification Board | $82,000 | $350-$420 |
| Certified Software Tester | International Software Certification Board | $77,000 | $350-$420 |
Best Software Testing Certifications to Further Your Career
This entry-level exam is useful for building your skills in usability testing. It consists of 40 questions to be completed over a duration of 60 minutes. You can download samples of the exam questions and answers from the ASTQB website to get a feel for what will be expected of you.
Usability Testing Certification Overview
- Average Salary: $105,000
- Cost: $229
- Requirements: Certified Tester Foundation Level (recommended)
- Valid For: Does not expire
- Exam Length: 40 questions in 60 minutes
- Best Suited For: Usability engineers, those seeking a specialist career in usability testing
Potential Careers With a Usability Testing Certification
- User Experience Manager: $113,733
- Lead UX Designer: $115,402
- UX Architect: $102,114
The penetration tester certification tests your ability to conduct penetration tests using industry best practice methods and techniques. As a certified penetration tester, you will be able to apply process-based methods in your penetration testing projects.
GIAC Certified Penetration Tester Overview
- Average Salary: $104,000
- Cost: $949
- Requirements: Minimum 2 years of post-secondary education and work experience
- Valid For: 4 years
- Exam Length: 82 questions in 3 hours
- Best Suited For: Penetration testers, ethical hackers, red and blue team members, security personnel, defenders, auditors, and forensic specialists
Potential Careers With a GIAC Certified Penetration Tester Certification
- Information Security Manager: $119,505
- Security Engineer: $96,327
- Cyber Security Engineer: $97,766
This certification bridges the gap between business and IT. With businesses increasingly relying on software-run technology to increase efficiency, business analysts require software analysis skills in turn.
Certified Software Business Analyst Overview
- Average Salary: $95,352
- Cost: $350
- Requirements: 2-year degree + 4 years of work experience OR 3-year degree + 3 years of work experience OR 4-year degree + 2 years of work experience OR 6 years of work experience
- Valid For: 3 years
- Exam Length: Part 1 is 100 questions in 75 minutes; part 2 is 12 questions in 75 minutes
- Best Suited For: Business analysts
Potential Careers With a Certified Software Business Analyst Certification
- Business Insight and Analytics Manager: $102,425
- Senior Business Systems Analyst: $95,654
- Analytics Manager: $100,271
As a software tester seeking to grow in your career, you can expect to benefit from this certification. It will demonstrate your competency in the principles of software testing, as well as your proficiency in adhering to the principles governing software testing. You will also be a great candidate for advisory roles.
Certified Software Tester Overview
- Average Salary: $92,000
- Cost: $350 or $420
- Requirements: 2-year degree + 4 years of work experience OR 3-year degree + 3 years of work experience OR 4-year degree + 2 years of work experience OR 6 years of work experience
- Valid For: 3 years
- Exam Length: 112 questions in 150 minutes
- Best Suited For: Software testers
Potential Careers With a Certified Software Tester Certification
- Test Engineer: $102,509
- Senior Test and Quality Assurance Engineer: $97,848
- Senior Software Engineer: $109,306
A Certified Tester Advanced Level Test Analyst (CTAL-TA) certification will open up new career opportunities for you if you are a software tester or developer, a test analyst or developer, or generally in the quality assurance field of software testing. It is a lifetime certification, so if you pass this exam, you will have secured your place in the industry.
Certified Tester Advanced Level Test Analyst Overview
- Average Salary: $91,000
- Cost: $250
- Requirements: ISTQB Certified Tester Foundation Level Certificate, 18 months of practical software testing experience
- Valid For: Does not expire
- Exam Length: 45 questions in 120 minutes
- Best Suited For: Software testers, software developers, test analysts, test developers, quality managers
Potential Careers With a Certified Tester Advanced Level Test Analyst Certification
- Software Quality Assurance Lead: $92,404
- Senior Test Engineer: $100,977
- Senior Quality Assurance and Test Automation Engineer: $97,966
Performance testing certification is particularly of benefit if you are working in software development. This certification will demonstrate your ability to run software performance tests following best practices, ensuring the delivery of high-quality software products.
ASTQB Performance Testing Overview
- Average Salary: $90,000
- Cost: $199
- Requirements: None
- Valid For: 3 years
- Exam Length: 40 questions in 90 minutes
- Best Suited For: Software testers, performance engineers, quality assurance testers, DevOps practitioners
Potential Careers With an ASTQB Performance Testing Certification
- Software Lead Tester: $90,000
- Performance Engineer: $94,086
- Quality Engineering Manager: $71,482
This certification is particularly for those in quality assurance roles, such as quality engineers, reliability engineers, quality auditors, and supplier quality professionals. It is a multiple-choice, open-book exam. You can take the exam as a computer-delivered exam or a paper-and-pencil exam. The computer-delivered option is longer, by 15 questions and half an hour.
Software Quality Engineer Certification Overview
- Average Salary: $89,000
- Cost: $498
- Requirements: 8 years of work experience
- Valid For: 3 years
- Exam Length: 175 questions in 4.5 hours OR 160 questions in 4 hours
- Best Suited For: Managers, supervisors
Potential Careers With a Software Quality Engineer Certification
- Supplier Quality Engineering Manager: $109,709
- Senior Quality Assurance and Test Automation Engineer: $97,966
- Quality Engineering Manager: $112,410
The CTFL is the most basic software testing certification. Most other certifications will require that you have this foundational level certification. It is ideal for anyone wanting to begin growing in their career as a certified software tester. The American Software Testing Qualifications Board offers this International Software Testing Qualifications Board exam in the US.
ISTQB Certified Tester Foundation Level Overview
- Average Salary: $85,000
- Cost: $229
- Requirements: None
- Valid For: Does not expire
- Exam Length: 40 questions in 1 hour
- Best Suited For: All software testers
Potential Careers With an ISTQB Certified Tester Foundation Level Certification
- Software Test Lead: $86,899
- Test and Quality Assurance Engineer: $71,654
- Test Engineer: $75,610
All software testers involved in quality analysis will benefit from this CSQA certification. You will be able to demonstrate your competence as a quality assurance professional in the industry. This certification can be renewed through continuing education units (CEUs).
Certified Software Quality Analyst Overview
- Average Salary: $82,000
- Cost: $350 or $420
- Requirements: 2-year degree + 4 years of work experience OR 3-year degree + 3 years of work experience OR 4-year degree + 2 years of work experience OR 6 years of work experience
- Valid For: 3 years
- Exam Length: Part 1 is 100 questions in 75 minutes; part 2 is 12 questions in 75 minutes
- Best Suited For: Software testers, quality assurance professionals
Potential Careers With a Certified Software Quality Analyst Certification
- Senior Quality Assurance Analyst: $79,971
- Software Quality Assurance Manager: $106,595
- Test and Quality Assurance Engineering: $71,654
A certification in software testing is crucial for software testers who have already completed a rigorous college-level curriculum and are ready to demonstrate their prowess in the field. Quality control is central to this certification, and passing this exam will show your competence in your field.
Certified Software Tester Overview
- Average Salary: $77,000
- Cost: $350 or $420
- Requirements: 2-year degree + 4 years of work experience OR 3-year degree + 3 years of work experience OR 4-year degree + 2 years of work experience OR 6 years of work experience
- Valid For: 3 years
- Exam Length: Part 1 is100 questions in 75 minutes; part 2 is 12 questions in 75 minutes
- Best Suited For: Software testers
Potential Careers With a Certified Software Tester Certification
- Performance Engineer: $98,086
- Test and Quality Assurance Engineer: $71,654
- Test Analyst: $65,127
How to Choose the Best Software Testing Certification for Your Career
In order to choose the best software testing certification for your career, you need to consider several important things. You need to decide your career trajectory and consider your professional experience level, educational background, technical skills, and non-technical skills. All these factors are crucial in helping you decide which certifications will be best for your career.
Career Goals
Your career goals are the starting point when considering certifications. If you want to grow your career in Agile testing, for example, you will need to know the best practices, guidelines, and resources available to help you tackle Agile projects. From there, you can begin seeking out the relevant Agile testing certification exams that will help you get there.
Educational and Professional Experience
You must meet the required education and skills to get a job in software testing, to begin with. You will then be required to have professional experience in the information services field. For example, to get a Certified Software Test Engineer (CSTE) certification, you have the option of having a four-year degree and two years’ experience, or an associate degree and four years’ experience to be eligible.
Technical and Non-Technical Skills
You will also be required to have the necessary knowledge and hands-on experience working with test management, defect tracking, and automation tools, including basic knowledge of database/SQL and Linux commands. In addition, soft skills such as communication, analytical, time management, and organizational skills are required.
Which Software Testing Certifications Pay the Most?
The software testing certifications that pay the most are those in the advanced and expert levels. These often require you to have some professional experience in order to be eligible. They include but are not limited to, Expert Testing Management, Advanced Test Manager, Advanced Security Management, Advanced Test Analyst, and Advanced Agile Technical Testing.
Highest-Paying Software Testing Certifications
- Certified Usability Tester Foundational Level: $105,000
- GIAC Certified Penetration Tester: $104,000
- Certified Software Business Analyst: $95,352
- Certified Software Test Engineer: $92,000
- Certified Tester Advanced Level: $91,000
Which Software Testing Certifications Are the Best for Beginners?
The software testing certifications that are best for beginners are the ISTQB Foundation Level Certification (CTFL), Certified Associate in Software Testing (CAST), ISTQB Mobile Application Testing certification, and the Certified Software Test Professional Associate Level (CSTP-A). These are good options for beginners because any additional certification will likely require a foundational certification, and with these certifications, you will be able to secure better employment with better pay.
Best College Certificate Programs
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How to Prepare for Your Software Testing Certification Exam
There will usually be study materials available that you can download as a PDF file for every level of certification to help you prepare for your certification exam. You can also take a software testing training course or use the practice tests offered by massive open online courses (MOOCs) platforms. Keep in mind that the MOOCs software testing prep options may not be as current as those supplied by an exam provider.
Best Courses to Prepare for Software Testing Certification Exams
The best courses to prepare for software testing certification exams can be obtained from software testing exam bodies or MOOCs platforms. They are an excellent way to assess your level of understanding in preparation for your exam.
Due to the fact that these courses incorporate testing activities, you may not need months of testing experience in order to build your confidence. Regardless of your software testing experience, you should be able to learn what is expected in order to pass your exam.
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Venus, Software Engineer at Rockbot
- Cost: $19.99
- Duration: 1 hour 35 minutes
- Best Suited For: ISTQB Foundation Level
This course is rated 4.7 stars out of 5 by users and is ideal for anyone who plans to take the ISTQB Foundation Level certification exam, whether you are a beginner or advanced software tester. If you are a software engineer, test manager, test engineer, test manager, or test consultant, you will benefit from this course.
- Cost: $84.99
- Duration: 3 hours
- Best Suited For: ISTQB Advanced Level-Test Analyst
If you work in the software testing industry, then this 4.1-stars-rated course is for you. The course focuses on key aspects of software design and analysis. Keep in mind that you will need an ISTQB Foundation Level certification to sit for the exam.
- Cost: $1,000
- Duration: 40 hours
- Best Suited For: Systems Security Certified Practitioner
The Systems Security Certified Practitioner (SSCP) certification is particularly useful if you are in the cyber security industry. This course is designed to accommodate beginners in the industry. It has a 4.8-star rating and prepares you to confidently sit for your SSCP exam when you are done with this course.
- Cost: $29.99
- Duration: Indefinite
- Best Suited For: Professional Scrum Master, PSM I™, PSM 1™
The Scrum Master Certification course consists of six prep tests, each having 80 questions developed from The Scrum Guide™. Rated at 4.4 stars, the course covers beginner to expert levels. It is particularly useful if you want to evaluate your Scrum knowledge in preparation for your certification exam.
- Cost: $99.99
- Duration: 3.5 hours
- Best Suited For: Agile Tester Certification
The Agile Tester Foundation Level course consists of three-and-a-half hours of on-demand video content, including four downloadable resources. It is rated at 4.3 stars and is ideal if you are working on Agile projects, covering foundation-level Agile testing content.
Other Resources to Prepare for Your Software Testing Certification Exams
There are a variety of resources you can use to prepare for your software testing certification exams. Books and downloadable PDF documents are great resources because you can always reference them. Additionally, you can take advantage of online communities. These are particularly good because they are interactive with up-to-date information.
PDF Downloadable Syllabus
You can download certification course syllabi as PDF files to help you study for your certification exams. They can be obtained from the exam provider or from other sites that focus on certification resources. A simple online search will give you your options.
PDF Downloadable Syllabus Overview
- Type of Resource: PDF file
- Cost: Free
- Ideal For: Professionals who want to study independently
Software Testing Foundations: A Study Guide for the Certified Tester Exam
This book covers the relevant knowledge of software testing you will need to pass your certification exam. Its content is defined by the ISTQB, and you can use it for self-study. This is an excellent tool if you are preparing to take your foundation-level certification exam.
Software Testing Foundations: A Study Guide for the Certified Tester Exam Overview
- Type of Resource: Book
- Cost: $33.50
- Ideal For: Those who are preparing to sit for their foundation level certification exam
Software Testing: A Craftsman’s Approach
This book focuses on model-based testing for structural testing and functional testing. It is ideal for those seeking to keep abreast of their knowledge of testing. The approach used here is a test-driven development of running tests.
Software Testing: A Craftsman’s Approach Overview
- Type of Resource: Book
- Cost: $13.94 -$91.80
- Ideal For: Anyone wishing to stay up-to-date on the latest in software testing
How to Break Software: A Practical Guide to Testing
This book moves away from the traditional approaches used in software testing theory, addressing actual bugs that occur in software. It is a more flexible approach to testing, allowing testers to use their insight and intellect in addressing testing issues.
How to Break Software: A Practical Guide to Testing Overview
- Type of Resource: Book with CD
- Cost: $17-$41.79
- Ideal For: Those who prefer a technical applied approach to learning
Ministry of Testing
This is a global community for professional software testers consisting of courses, articles, and podcasts. Members can also access events and discussions, as well as a network of professional software testing companies.
Ministry of Testing Overview
- Type of Resource: Online community
- Cost: Free
- Ideal For: Those who want to grow in their career
Best Online Courses
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Software Testing Certification Job Outlook and Average Salary
Software testing certifications are applicable in a number of industries, particularly those that rely on automated systems. As companies and organizations increasingly rely on tech for their day-to-day operations, certified software testers are equally increasingly in demand.
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the occupational outlook for software testers shows a 22 percent increase in the coming years, which is much faster than average. So, regardless of your job title, with a software testing certification, you can look forward to career growth.
Best Software Testing Jobs After Certification
The best software testing jobs require you to employ the highest standards of software testing principles. Your understanding of software testing and your technical testing skills are crucial, whether your work is in beta testing or API testing. Your newly acquired certification, whether foundational-level or expert, will open new avenues for you to apply your expertise to the testing process.
A senior project manager is usually responsible for a team of people. In IT, their role is to coordinate all the technical aspects of an organization's IT resources, ensuring that they are operating and running smoothly.
Best Certification for the Job Role
Agile Project Management Certification. This certification is particularly useful as the project manager will be able to effectively coordinate teams, targets, resources, and timelines.
An automation engineering manager’s work is usually within a factory or manufacturing plant setting. The role involves overseeing a team made up of both automation technicians and engineers, and thus requires team-dynamics skills. Their job is to ensure the efficiency of the manufacturing process.
Best Certification for the Job Role
Advanced Test Automation Engineer. The Advanced Test Automation Engineer certification is ideal if you are interested or experienced in automation and testing. As an automation engineering manager, these two are at the core of your work.
A test manager is responsible for a team of experienced testers working on different phases of the software testing process. Their job is to ensure that each of the team members is contributing to the process and that the process runs smoothly.
Best Certification for the Job Role
Advanced Test Manager. This certification is particularly relevant for those in leadership or wishing to step into leadership roles. As a test manager, this or the Expert Test Manager certification is ideal.
This is another role that benefits from a software quality assurance certification. A senior test automation engineer is responsible for designing the applications required to automate manual test preparations. A test automation engineer’s role is centered around automation solutions.
Best Certification for the Job Role
Acceptance Testing Certification. Acceptance testing is key to ensuring that the software that has been created meets the standards required in terms of functionality.
The role of the software quality assurance lead is to test software to make sure that it is of consistent quality before being released into the market. The quality assurance lead analyzes for defects, errors, and proper functionality of software.
Best Certification for the Job Role
Certified Software Tester Engineer. This certification is a software quality assurance certification. It is valuable to someone responsible for vetting the quality of software.
Best Software Testing Associations
Software testing associations are industry-regulated organizations. They offer accreditation to certifying bodies and certification to qualifying members. They often have member profiles, showing the credentials, achievements, and certifications a member has attained. Becoming a registered member of one of these associations is a vital part of your career growth.
Association for Testing and Software Quality Assurance
American employers turn to this association to vet potential employees by confirming their certifications and the validity of those certifications. Certifications tend to be short-term, and recertification requirements may change. Keeping your certification updated is vital to your continued career growth.
Association for Software Testers
The Association for Software Testers is on a mission to advance the practice and science of context-driven software testing. As a member, you will be able to grow in your career and continually develop your skills through their partner networks, information sharing, and education.
American Software Testing Qualifications Board
This is the main organization that is responsible for developing, maintaining, and promoting the ISTQB Certified Tester program. It consists of experienced testers who work on a voluntary basis. Being a part of this board likely indicates that you are a leader in software testing.
Are Software Testing Certifications Worth It?
Yes, software testing certifications are worth it because they provide a gateway for you to grow in your career. As a certified software tester, you will be able to bring your expertise to an industry that is rapidly growing and changing. Your advanced knowledge from tackling various software projects will help you find solutions to the challenges faced in software development.
Additional Reading About Software Testing
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Software Testing Certifications FAQ
You can become a software tester by getting an education in software testing. You can do this by getting a college degree in IT or a related field. If time is of the essence, you can delve right into software testing by choosing to attend one of the best software testing bootcamps.
No, you don’t need to be certified to be a software tester. However, certification will open more opportunities for career growth and increased income compared to having only a degree. Many companies specifically look for certified employees.
The average salary for software testers is $110,140, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. This is at a median rate of $52.95 per hour. Software testers also have a positive income outlook.
Yes, there are quite a number of specialized software testing fields. They include AI testing, gambling industry testing, mobile application testing, and security testing. This is not an exhaustive list, and it is likely that as technology continues to advance, additional specializations will emerge.
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