Top QA Certifications for Beginners & Advanced Professionals

When it comes to software development, the QA team plays a huge part in ensuring that the product is compatible and functions as designed. Having a Software Testing certification helps build your strategic thinking capabilities and learn new testing trends, tools, etc. Not just that, with the growing competition, talents with QA certifications are given preference for a job role compared to the others. 

In this article, you will find some industry-renowned QA professional certifications that you can add to your CV.

What is a QA Certification in Software Industry?

A software Quality Assurance (QA) certification is a credential offered by various institutes and boards to validate expertise in QA practices. These certifications focus on testing principles, methodologies, and tools to ensure software quality.

They help professionals demonstrate their skills in meeting industry standards and improving software reliability.

Importance of QA Certifications?

QA certifications validate a professional’s skills and expertise in software testing and quality assurance. They enhance credibility and open doors to career growth, higher salaries, and opportunities to work on advanced projects.

Certifications help professionals stay updated with industry standards, ensuring they remain competitive.

Top QA Certifications for every Professional

1. BrowserStack Test University

Originally, BrowserStack is a cloud-based web and mobile application testing software provider. It helps QA teams test their website and applications across various devices, browsers, and operating systems. Recently, BrowserStack launched BrowserStack Test University, an online learning platform for Quality Analysts (QA) and developers. This platform aims to be the go-to place for software development teams to learn everything related to testing.

Test University offers 40+ courses that can help you hone your testing skills. The courses are completely free of cost and are comprised of interactive video tutorials, lab exercises relevant to common testing scenarios, etc. 

Signing up to Test University allows you to:

• Enroll for 40+ courses
• Be BrowserStack certified
• Learn as you can (Self-paced)
• Get certifications free of cost
• Lifelong validity
• Learn new frameworks and languages

These are hands-on courses where you are expected to perform different types of tasks such as discovering challenges, cloning the test repositories, executing live tests, etc. 

Get BrowserStack Certified for Free

2. International Software Certifications Board (ISCB)

The International Software Certifications Board (ISCB) is managed by PeopleCert. It offers globally recognized certifications for software testing and quality assurance professionals. These certifications focus on enhancing skills in testing, quality management, and leadership, helping individuals advance in their careers.

3. International Software Testing Qualifications Board (ISTQB)

The ISTQB is a globally recognized organization that offers certifications for software testers at different levels. These certifications cover foundational concepts, advanced techniques, and specialized areas such as Agile testing methodologies.

Each level mentioned above has multiple certifications based on specialization and experience. For more details, visit ISTQB’s official page.

4. International Institute of Software Testing

The International Institute of Software Testing aims to enhance the skills of software testing and quality assurance professionals. They have a faculty comprising expert practitioners and consultants with practical work experience in relevant fields.

Some of the Software Testing Certifications offered by the International Institute of Software Testing are:

• Certified Software Test Professional Associate Level (CSTP-A): This course helps the candidates to demonstrate skills and knowledge in Software Testing at an Associate level.

• Certified Agile Software Test Professional Practitioner Level (CASTP-P): This QA professional certification helps the candidates to develop the skills required to participate in Agile Testing Projects at an Associate level.

5. Software Testing Certification by Edureka

Edureka is popularly known for its courses in computer science background. They host numerous tech certification courses that help one in staying competitive & relevant with current industry trends. A few of the courses offered by Edureka in the field of testing that is focused on the core web and mobile automation frameworks are listed below.

• Selenium Certification Testing course:  This QA professional certification covers the basics of Java, Selenium, and Selenium Web Driver & locations.
• Mobile App Testing Using Appium: This QA certification course teaches about the fundamentals of mobile app testing and the basics of Appium.

Keep learning and keep testing! Take your career to different heights with these 5 core QA Certifications.

How to Choose the Right QA Certification?

Selecting the right QA certification depends on your career goals, experience level, and areas of interest.

• Selecting the right QA certification doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Start by considering your career goals, experience level, and interests.
• If you are a beginner, look for foundational certifications that cover the basics. Experienced professionals, on the other hand, can aim for advanced or specialized certifications.
• Choose certifications that are aligned towards your goals.
• Look at the skills valued in your industry, such as Agile testing, performance testing, or security. Certifications focusing on these areas can boost your relevance in the job market.
• If you’re planning for long-term growth, opt for certifications that can help you transition into senior roles, consultancy positions, or niche areas of expertise.
• Make sure the certification fits your schedule and offers plenty of resources to help with preparation

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Maintaining and Renewing QA Certifications

Many QA certifications require periodic renewal to ensure that certified professionals stay updated with the latest industry practices and advancements.

Renewal often involves retaking exams or attending workshops and training sessions. Staying proactive with renewal requirements helps maintain the credibility and relevance of your certification, demonstrating your commitment to professional growth.

Career Paths for Professionals with QA Certification

QA certifications can give new opportunities to diverse career paths in the software industry. Certified professionals can pursue roles such as:

• Quality Assurance Analyst: Ensuring software meets quality standards.
• Test Engineer: Designing and executing test plans and cases.
• Automation Specialist: Implementing automated testing solutions.
• QA Manager: Leading testing teams and managing QA processes.
• Software Quality Consultant: Advising organizations on best practices in quality assurance.
• Test Architect or QA Director: Certifications also pave the way for senior roles like Test Architect or QA Director, enabling long-term career progression.

Conclusion

QA certifications are important for professionals who aim to excel in software testing and quality assurance. They validate expertise, boost career prospects, and ensure alignment with industry standards. Whether you are a beginner or looking to advance your career, investing in the right QA certification can be truly rewarding.

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