Testing Tiers® Software Tester Ranking System
Employers: Identify top software testers among employees and job candidates
Software Testers: See how you compare to other testers and increase your level
What is the Testing Tiers® software tester ranking system?
Testing Tiers® helps managers compare testers' knowledge based on their software testing certifications and education from AT*SQA and ASTQB. In aggregate, these provide an easily verifiable measure that employers can use to evaluate software testers and job candidates.
Where can I see the Testing Tiers® ranking for a software tester?
A person's Testing Tiers® points, level, and certifications/micro-credentials can be viewed by clicking on their Testing Tiers® Profile in the Official U.S. List of Certified & Credentialed Software Testers®.
How are Testing Tiers® rankings calculated?
The Testing Tiers® software tester rankings are based on points earned from certifications, micro-credentials and accredited training from AT*SQA and ASTQB (ISTQB in U.S.). Important: Only ISTQB exams taken through ASTQB and/or AT*SQA contribute points to your Testing Tiers® ranking.
The points are awarded as follows:
| Activity | Points |
| Certification: Foundation* Level from ASTQB (ISTQB in U.S.), AT*SQA, and IQBBA | 100 |
| Certification: Advanced Level from ASTQB (ISTQB in U.S.) | 125 |
| Certification: Expert Level from ASTQB (ISTQB in U.S.) | 150 |
| AT*SQA Micro-Credentials | 10 |
| AT*Learn® Essentials of Software Testing Training Course | 10 |
| AT*Play® Practical Skill Builder from AT*SQA (coming soon) | 10 |
| ASTQB Accredited Training Provider course for listed certifications with Proficiency Distinction** | 15 |
| ASTQB Accredited Training Provider course for listed certifications (non-Proficiency Distinction)** | 10 |
| AT*Learn® Webinar | 1 |
| AT*Learn® Basic Productivity Skills Course | 1 |
*Foundation Level includes the ISTQB Certified Tester Foundation Level (CTFL), as well as the the ISTQB non-core certifications that are below the advanced level such as ISTQB Agile Tester, ISTQB Performance Testing, ISTQB Usability Testing, etc.
**Applies only to ASTQB accredited courses; exams must have been taken and passed through ASTQB / AT*SQA. Proof of course completion must be presented to AT*SQA using this form.
What are the Testing Tiers® levels?
The levels are based on ranges of points as follows:
| Tier Name | Minimum Points | Maximum Points | Badge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Novice | 1 | 99 |  |
| Enthusiast | 100 | 199 |  |
| Capable | 200 | 299 |  |
| Adept | 300 | 399 |  |
| Proficient | 400 | 499 |  |
| Skillful | 500 | 599 |  |
| Accomplished | 600 | 699 |  |
| Rising Star | 700 | 799 |  |
| Shining Star | 800 | 899 |  |
| Polished | 900 | 999 |  |
| Pro | 1000 | 1099 |  |
| Ace | 1100 | 1199 |  |
| Distinguished | 1200 | 1299 |  |
| Wizard | 1300 | 1399 |  |
| Master | 1400 | 1499 |  |
| Grandmaster | 1500 | 1599 |  |
| Virtuoso | 1600 | 9999 |  |
Can I add other certifications to the Testing Tiers® software tester ranking system?
No. The purpose of the Testing Tiers® software tester ranking system is to give software testers and U.S. employers a comparison of individuals who have passed the official American English version exams from AT*SQA and ASTQB (ISTQB in the U.S.). These exams are known to be of high quality and can be easily verified by the Testing Tiers® system.
Moreover, individuals taking their exams from AT*SQA and ASTQB (ISTQB in the U.S.) are demonstrating their readiness to work with a U.S.-based software quality team. This gives U.S. employers confidence in both their testing knowledge and their dedication and commitment to being part of their team, meriting their inclusion on the Official U.S. List of Certified & Credentialed Software Testers®.
Get On the Lists Employers Check for Software Testing Certifications and Jobs
Get free extras when you take your your software testing exams through AT*SQA! ONLY AT*SQA can add you to the Official U.S. List checked by American employers plus the ISTQB registry for our ISTQB exams. And you can appear on the AT*Work™ List of Testers for Hire if you need a software testing job.
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Take the ISTQB Foundation Level Exam at Home
Register to take ISTQB Foundation Level exam & other ISTQB exams at home!
AT*SQA makes it easy: Purchase your ISTQB exam voucher and you have 365 days to schedule and take your ISTQB exam. Take ISTQB at home or at a testing center.
Learn How To Register, Purchase, Schedule, and Prepare For Exams Through AT*SQA
Do you want to get certified?
If you want to know how to take an exam through AT*SQA, please take the time to read our exam instructions. This page will show you how to create an AT*SQA account, register/purchase an exam, how to check exam locations, days and times, how to reschedule, and everything you need to know to be prepared for your exam.
Take Your Online Exam Through Webassessor
Are you registered for an online exam?
If you have scheduled an online exam, please visit our full exam information page to be prepared for the day of your exam.
Online Exam Requirements
Required items needed to take an online ISTQB exam or AT*SQA exam
Once you have registered for an ISTQB exam or AT*SQA exam, download the required programs and read over the checklist. Software for the online exams should be downloaded 48-hours before taking the exam to ensure you can get technical support if you need it.