Top 5 Software Quality Assurance Certifications
The field of software testing is becoming increasingly competitive every day, if you are planning to work in software QA or even if you are already working, you might want to consider getting hold of a software testing certificate.
Q-Pros believes that the quality of an institution depends on the quality of its employees. That is why we pride ourselves with testing experts who are equipped with QA and software testing certifications from prestigious institutes.
In this article, we will look at the top 5 software quality assurance certifications based on popularity and demand.
What is a Quality Assurance Certification?
A software quality assurance certification is an acknowledgment from a licensed institution to professionals in the field of software testing and QA that they have acquired and updated their set of skills in their domain. QA certifications include tests upon completion that assess and recognize members while adding to their basic knowledge.
Why Are Quality Assurance Certifications Important?
Acquiring QA certifications not only adds value to your resume, but it also elevates the level of quality of the entire industry. QA certifications help keep companies aligned with the latest updates in the field, delivering better quality to clients and upping the level of quality in services overall.
Most QA companies encourage and sometimes demand obtaining QA certifications to assist in profiling candidates to their respected projects based on their area of expertise.
It has become essential over the years for job seekers looking to obtain a position in quality assurance to be certified by a renowned organization that specializes in quality assurance and software testing training.
What are the Top Software Testing Quality Assurance Certifications?
There are many sources to obtain a QA certificate, they vary from one country to another and based on the standardized demands of each region. Nonetheless, having a certificate will always be a plus and would support your claim in achieving higher positions.
Here are the top 5 Quality Assurance Certificates:
One of, if not the most prominent certifications to obtain in the field is an ISTQB certification. This board certificate is accepted internationally and is granted anywhere in the world with a universal syllabus. It is applicable on three levels, foundational, advanced, and expert.
ISTQB laid the foundation and set the standards for software testers. The training program includes a heavy load of information that cover all aspects of the industry.
On the foundation level, candidates would be suggested to have not less than (6) months of practical experience but with no prerequisites. The advanced level would require a foundation level certificate and practical experience while the expert level would require an advanced certification and more extensive experience, which could suggest more than (6) years of practical knowledge.
- Certified Test Engineer (CSTE)
A CSTE certification sets the foundations and standard requirements for software quality assurance qualifications. It includes components in the basic level of IT and Quality Control (QC).
CSTE brings about good career opportunities. It targets people looking to get started in business and improve their resumes.
To apply for a CSTE, you must have one of the following prerequisites alongside a minimum of more than (18) months of experience:
- 4-year degree from a recognized college + 2 years of experience
- 3-year degree from a recognized college + 3 years of experience
- 2-year degree from a recognized college + 4 years of experience
- (6) years of experience in the field
- Certified Software Quality Analyst (CSQA)
This certificate targets people who are more advanced than CSTE, it takes a deeper dive into Quality Control and Quality Assurance.
Obtaining a CSQA certificate is conditioned to the same prerequisites as CSTE:
- 4-year degree from a recognized college + 2 years of experience
- 3-year degree from a recognized college + 3 years of experience
- 2-year degree from a recognized college + 4 years of experience
- (6) years of experience in the field
And such as CSTE, CSQA requires prior experience of (18) months before applying.
- Certified Associate in Software Testing (CAST)
This certification requires no prior work experience as a prerequisite. CAST is perfect for beginners looking to take the first step on the technical side of QA and software testing. It gives candidates the chance to learn more about the foundational level of QA and QC and teaches applicants about the basic techniques used in the process.
To qualify for a CAST certificate, applicants must have one of the following:
- 3 or 4-year degrees from are cognized college
- 2-year degree from are cognized college and 1+ year of experience
- 3 years in the field
- Certified Manager of Software Quality (CMSQ)
This certificate is concerned with highly professional applicants who are knowledgeable of all the skills and talents of software testing and QA.
CMSQ applicants are proficient managers who are able to lead QA teams and plan testing strategies.
Out of all the certifications on this list, CMSQ has the most challenging conditions for applying:
Candidates MUST have:
- CSQA Certification
- Currently working in the field
- Take a manager’s level test
Candidates must also have one of the 3 prerequisites
- BA from an accredited college with 4 years of experience in the QA field
- Associate degree with 6 years of experience
- 8+years of experience
What does a software QA manager do?
QA managers play a vital role in securing quality for clients. They organize and strategize QA plans and frameworks that utilize the most out of the QA team. They also produce quality control procedures and practices that improve profitability for business owners.
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