Software Testing Certifications; Are They Still Relevant?
Heated debates rage on when it comes to software testing ‘standards’ and ‘qualifications’.
Can the heuristic nature of human software exploration and quality auditing be ‘standardised’? Does ‘certification’ breed a false sense of confidence, skills completion and complacency? Can one organisation or group ‘standardise’ or ‘accredit’ without the consent or endorsement of others?
It’s almost certain that a shared consensus in answering these questions will never be reached but we’ll try to provide a balanced perspective.
Are software testing certifications still relevant in 2024?
In our opinion, yes, software testing certifications are still relevant and can add value. They serve as a testament to a professional's expertise and willingness to continually improve, providing a clear framework for the learning of core skills required for excellent software testing. Here are some of the top certifications for software testers in 2024.
The International Software Testing Qualifications Board offers:
ISTQB Certified Tester Foundation Level (CTFL)
ISTQB Certified Tester Advanced Level - Test Analyst
ISTQB Certified Tester Advanced Level - Technical Test Analyst
ISTQB Certified Tester Advanced Level - Test Manager
The International Institute for Software testing offers:
Certified Software Test Professional (CSTP)
Certified Manager of Software Testing (CMST)
Certified Software Quality Analyst (CSQA)
Certified Associate in Software Testing (CAST)
Certified Mobile Tester
Certified Software Tester (CSTE)
In addition, emerging technologies are shaping how software is tested and validated. Advancements in artificial intelligence technology, development methodologies and the increasing importance of quality assurance in an ever-connected world are influencing the landscape of software testing. For instance, AI and machine learning have made inroads in software testing recently. In 2024 these technologies will play a bigger and bigger part in the testing process. Continuous agile automated testing is also expected to grow in 2024.
Having a certification in software testing not only enhances your skills and knowledge in the field but also keeps you updated with the latest trends and methodologies in software testing. It's a strategic move in a market that prizes precision and proficiency.
What are the benefits of software testing certifications?
Software testing certifications can offer numerous benefits. Consider the following.
Professional Standing - Being certified provides advantages for individuals and organisations by ensuring that testing professionals meet the high standards set by the certification bodies.
Quality of Work - Certifications can promote a higher quality of work in the long term. Testers can employ a broader range of techniques, raise better bugs and provide more valued project documentation when required. They can also develop a more positive relationship on an equal footing with the development team.
Efficiency - Developers could also benefit from possessing testing certifications. Regardless of whether or not your organisation has its own discrete testing practice, developers will at times test their own code, sometimes at the unit, integration and system levels. When they find bugs, their code will be refactored prior to passing to the test team or business users. This saves the company time and resources, increasing overall efficiency in the organisation.
Structured Learning Path - For novice testers, certifications provide a structured path of learning. This allows new testers to establish fundamental knowledge in software testing.
Career Advancement - Certifications are recognized globally because of the consistent application of certification bodies' policies and procedures. This recognition can help advance your testing career to great heights in a shortened timescale.
Software testing certifications are evidence that the holder of the certification continues to apply themselves in the art and wishes to improve. It demonstrates an appreciation of how approaches change, how software trends are moving and an awareness of industry innovation.
How do I choose the right software testing certification?
Choosing the right software testing certification depends on several factors.
Career Goals and Position - Consider your career goals and the type of testing role that you want to work within. Consider which qualifications from which boards could be most advantageous in that role and sign up.
Professional Experience Level - Your professional experience level can guide you in choosing the right certification. Some certifications are designed for beginners, while others are for more advanced practitioners.
Budget - Before you pursue certifications, determine how much you want to spend on them each month or quarter. Talk to your manager about your professional growth plan. They should support you in meeting your objectives.
Global Recognition - The certification should be recognized by IT employers for software testing positions and should be acceptable worldwide. Don’t limit yourself regionally.
Validity - Look for certifications that have lifetime validity and do not require frequent renewal.
Industry Standards - The certification should acknowledge changes in software and software testing trends throughout recent years with one eye on the likely future as well. Ensure your proposed certification is recent and relevant.
What is the most popular software testing certification?
The ISTQB Certified Tester Foundation Level (CTFL) is one of the most widely achieved software testing certifications. This course is governed by the International Software Testing Qualifications Board (ISTQB) and acts as a standardised milestone for foundational knowledge in software testing. It provides a foundational benchmark for essential software testing knowledge, incorporating fundamentals like test design and test and defect management. This course is a perfect crash course for beginners who want to master the basic principles associated with excellent software testing.
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In conclusion
Testing certifications by reputable providers can certainly add value and broaden a tester’s perspective whilst adding core skills to their toolset. 15 years ago, the range of qualifications and providers was much more limited and with a monopoly in the market, it was understandable when some people were sceptical or dismissive.
That position has changed dramatically now and there is a wide selection of subjects and testing boards to choose from when it comes to making your decision and deciding on your training budget. Syllabuses have quite rightly had to be brought into the 2020s with focus on agile and digital trends with API and UI automation needs. Courses can now also be found in the art of exploratory testing as advocated by the context driven communities.
Amongst other obvious benefits, it’s our opinion that these certifications can provide a series of common concepts for application and a dictionary of shared terms that serve well in opening up the view of application quality in any delivery team and business.
They are typically overseen and provided by people with many years of large program delivery experience and a passion for software quality. It’s not easy to pass some of these courses and the right certifications for your role and career stage can improve your performance and elevate your credibility amongst peers.
