Testing Tiers® Software Tester Ranking System

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®.