Software Testing - Certifications

Certifications

Several certification programs exist to support the professional aspirations of software testers and quality assurance specialists. No certification now offered actually requires the applicant to show their ability to test software. No certification is based on a widely accepted body of knowledge. This has led some to declare that the testing field is not ready for certification. Certification itself cannot measure an individual's productivity, their skill, or practical knowledge, and cannot guarantee their competence, or professionalism as a tester.

Software testing certification types

• Exam-based: Formalized exams, which need to be passed; can also be learned by self-study
• Education-based: Instructor-led sessions, where each course has to be passed .

Testing certifications

• Certified Associate in Software Testing (CAST) offered by the QAI
• CATe offered by the International Institute for Software Testing
• Certified Manager in Software Testing (CMST) offered by the QAI
• Certified Software Tester (CSTE) offered by the Quality Assurance Institute (QAI)
• Certified Software Test Professional (CSTP) offered by the International Institute for Software Testing
• CSTP (TM) (Australian Version) offered by K. J. Ross & Associates
• ISEB offered by the Information Systems Examinations Board
• ISTQB Certified Tester, Foundation Level (CTFL) offered by the International Software Testing Qualification Board
• ISTQB Certified Tester, Advanced Level (CTAL) offered by the International Software Testing Qualification Board
• TMPF TMap Next Foundation offered by the Examination Institute for Information Science
• TMPA TMap Next Advanced offered by the Examination Institute for Information Science

Quality assurance certifications

• CMSQ offered by the Quality Assurance Institute (QAI).
• CSQA offered by the Quality Assurance Institute (QAI)
• CSQE offered by the American Society for Quality (ASQ)
• CQIA offered by the American Society for Quality (ASQ)