What Are the Most Popular Software Testing Certifications in 2026?
These software testing certifications are in high demand.
If you want to maximize your appeal to employers for jobs and promotions, you should start with the most popular software testing certifications. Testing Cred has named their four most popular ISTQB certifications, and that's a good starting point, but here are more popular options that may help if you want to broaden your career path.
- ISTQB Foundation Level Certification. There is no denying that ISTQB Foundation Level is the most popular software testing certification. The numbers prove it, employers ask for it, and it's required before you can take any other ISTQB certification exam.
- ISTQB Testing with Generative AI. Generative AI isn't going away anytime soon, so if your company uses AI, you need this certification.
- ISTQB AI Testing Certification. The ISTQB AI Testing Certification is essential for anyone testing AI-driven systems or leveraging AI in their testing processes. As AI becomes increasingly integrated into software development, it’s critical to future-proof both your career and your organization.
- ISTQB Test Automation Strategy Certification. We agree with Testing Cred that ISTQB Test Automation Engineering is a must-have, but the introduction of ISTQB Test Automation Strategy may be an even better choice for leaders who are setting the test automation strategy.
- AT*SQA AT*Micro Credentials. The AT*SQA micro-credentials can stack to certifications, so they belong in this list. Choose from topics such as test automation, API testing, AI for testers, and more. There are so many choices that let you skill up quickly, so they keep growing and growing in popularity.
As always, be sure to take your software testing certification exam through AT*SQA so you can appear on the Official List of Certified & Credentialed Software Testers. And if you are looking for job, you can appear in the AT*Work™ List of Testers for Hire. Plus, you will earn Testing Tiers® ranking points to maximize your level in both lists.