Which Certification is Best for a QA Tester?

Here are the top 5 certifications that are best for QA testers.

QA testers have told us that their resumes get more attention when they have software testing certifications. So, which certification is best for a QA tester? Here are the top 5.

1. ISTQB Foundation Level Certification
   • ISTQB Foundation Level certification, also called ISTQB CTFL, is the most popular certification in the world and the U.S. for QA testers.
   • Part of its popularity is because it covers the foundational aspects of software QA, which explains the name.
   • ISTQB Foundation Level is also the most popular request for a software testing certification in job openings.
   • ISTQB Foundation Level is required before you can take any other ISTQB certification.
2. ISTQB AI Testing Certification
   • AI will affect your career as a software tester in amazing ways, but you need to understand it, or you could be out of a job.
   • ISTQB AI Testing is essential for anyone involved in testing AI-based systems and/or using Artificial Intelligence (AI) for testing.
   • This includes testers, test analysts, data analysts, test engineers, test consultants, test managers, user acceptance testers, and software developers.
   • Get started right away so you aren't left behind!
3. ISTQB Agile Tester Certification
   • Agile testing has been important to QA testers for many years, so it makes sense that ISTQB Agile Tester certification would also be important.
   • ISTQB Agile Tester certification is popular globally and is the second most requested certification among companies after ISTQB Foundation Level.
   • For those who already have ISTQB Agile Tester, ISTQB Technical Testing certification is quickly growing in importance.
4. ISTQB Advanced Test Analyst Certification
   • It can be difficult to choose among the three ISTQB "core" advanced level certifications: ISTQB Test Analyst, ISTQB Technical Test Analyst, and ISTQB Test Management.
   • You really can't go wrong with any of them, as it depends on which QA tester career path interests you most.
   • ISTQB Test Analyst is the best choice if you enjoy working with internal and external customers on a software QA project.
   • If you're in a strong Agile environment, you might instead pursue ISTQB Agile Technical Testing certification.
5. AT*SQA AT*Micro Credentials
   • This isn't just one credential, but more than a dozen QA testing micro-credentials.
   • AT*Micro credential stacks to certifications such as Testing Essentials, Agile Testing, and API Testing.
   • These micro-credentials cover both introductory and advanced QA topics such as test techniques, test approaches, performance testing, cybersecurity testing, and more.
   • The AT*SQA AT*Micro credentials are an easy way to broaden your QA knowledge and strengthen your resume.

An important benefit of earning these QA testing certifications through AT*SQA is that you can appear in the lists that are used by employers to find job candidates: The AT*Work™ List of Testers for Hire, and the Official U.S. List of Certified & Credentialed Software Testers. Plus you will earn Testing Tiers® ranking points to raise your level in both lists. If you earn an ISTQB certification through AT*SQA, you can also appear on the ISTQB successful candidate register, of course.

Do you have questions about what the best QA tester certification is for you? Let the friendly AT*SQA support team know how we can help.