Popular Certification Exams

Software Testing Certification Exams

I would also like to help all the software testers to find the information about the popular software testing certification exams available. Here are some of the popular certification bureaus

1) ISEB & ISTQB
2) CMST
3) CASQ
4) CSQA
5) CMSQ
6) HP QTP Certification
7) CSTE
8) CSTP
9) CTM

Here are the details on these certifications eligibility, exam patterns and URL's.

1) ISEB & ISTQB:

ISEB (The Information systems Examinations Board) certification is the step taken forward by a chartered institute for IT called BCS (British Computer Society), to support the career of IT professionals in IT field. ISEM was formed in 1990 which is a division of BCS. This professional certification is available in foundation, practitioner and advanced level to cater the needs of each IT testing aspirant. While ISTQB stands for “International Software Testing Qualifications Board,” and it was formed in late 2002. Both are similar certifications, at the foundation level are same, in essence. The only distinguishing factor is that ISEB is UK specific whereas ISTQB is international certification.

BCS offers following internationally recognized qualification in following subjects:

IT Service Management
Software Testing
Sustainable IT
Business Analysis/Change
Solution Development
Project Management and Support
IT Governance, Information and Security
IT Assets and Infrastructure

Following are the levels at which both of these certification are available to suit the needs of every professional:

• Foundation Level – Certification at this level provides the broad coverage about a specific area. This is specifically designed to enhance the knowledge set and future scope of managers. Its cost is £130.
• Intermediate Level – Intermediate level certification exam is focused in examining the subject in more detail which acts as the basis for the practitioner level certification. Its cost is £110.
• Practitioner Level – This level exam lay emphasis on a specific skill within a subject area in a more detailed manner to provide the practical knowledge of IT skills. Its cost is £150.
• Higher Level – Higher level certification is meant for managers and specialists, having deep knowledge of their subject of concern. Its cost is £540.

To apply for this certification exams at any level click here.

2) CMST:

CMST, short for Certified Manager of Software Testing, is meant to establish the competencies of testing professional in software industry at the international level. Having CMST certifies means acquiring qualification in terms of principles of testing field and capabilities to handle software testing scenarios. The prerequisite of taking this exam includes:

• Having a bachelor’s degree and at least 4 years of relevant experience in software testing field, or
• Having an associate degree and at least 6 years of relevant experience in software testing field, or
• Minimum of eight years of relevant experience in software testing field.

The potential candidates are required to demonstrate their capabilities in following subjects:

Test Planning
Test Reporting
Measurement
Managing Test Execution
Organizational Development (both, teams and management)
Communication (both, leadership and behavioral skills)
Define, deploy and improve work processes

The fee for this exam is $450. To apply for this certification test click here.

3) CASQ:

CASQ stands for Certified Associate in Software Quality, which is focused on quality assurance skills and principles at the fundamental level of understanding. CASQ provides the rapid career progression at a potentially affordable cost. His exam is intended for beginners in quality for all those which have one of the following requirements completed:

• Having 3 year/4 year degree from a certified institution, or
• Having 2 year degree and one year of relevant experience in IS (Information Services) field, or
• Having three years of relevant experience in IS (Information Services) field.

Questions related to following skill set are expected in the exam:

COTS, Outsourcing, Contracting Quality etc.
Quality Principles and Concepts
Quality Leadership
Quality Assurance
Quality Control Practices
Quality Baselines
Quality Planning
Metrics and Measurement
Define, Build, Implement, Improving of Work Processes etc.
Internal Control and Security

Similar to CMST, the application process is carried out by clicking here.

However, this certification is much affordable and any aspiring candidate can get certified at $100.

4) CSQA:

Certified Software Quality Analyst (CSQA) certification is an intermediate level exam which is considered as the standard in best practices and principles of software quality assurance in IT industry. CSQA certified candidates are recognized in several business and professional organizations which boost their career growth manifolds. This exam is specifically beneficial for the role of the quality advisor to management. However, it has following prerequisites, one of which needs to be met to be eligible for this exam:

• Having 4 year degree and two years of relevant experience in IS (Information Services) field, or
• Having 3 year degree and three years of relevant experience in IS (Information Services) field, or
• Having 2 year degree and four years of relevant experience in IS (Information Services) field, or
• Having six years of relevant experience in IS (Information Services) field.

Along with the above mentioned requirements, the applicant should be currently working or having at least 18 month of experience, specifically relevant to certification designation.

The certification charges for the exam is $350.

To apply for the exam click here.

5) CMSQ:

Certified Manager of Software Quality (CMSQ) certification is an international level assessment for the skills in software quality assurance leaders and managers. CMSQ certified professionals are either working at top IT organizations or soon will join them at managerial post in quality assurance unit. This is the advanced level certification in software quality field and this fact is equally justified by the requirements demanded prior taking this examination, which are one of the following:

• Having a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution along with four years of relevant experience in software quality assurance field, or
• Having an associate degree along with six years of relevant experience in software quality assurance field, or
• Having eight years of relevant experience in software quality assurance field.

The cost of this exam is $450. Same as the other quality certifications, this one also follows the same process of application which is by clicking here.

6) HP QTP Certification

QTP certification by HP is meant for QuickTest professionals who wish to gain mastery in testing tools by HP called QuickTest. Since august 1st 2010, HP has come up with the HP QTP Certification v10.0. AIS is beginner level certification exam whereas ASE is advanced level certification level exam. There exams are particularly famous with the following names:

• Exam HPO-M31 – HP Quality Center 10.0 Software
• Exam HPO-M39 – HP QuickTest Professional 10.0 Software

The cost of HP QTP certification is $150. To get complete information about the certification exam, please click here.

7) CSTE

CSTE stands for “Certified Software Test Engineer”. CSTE is a benchmark certification program for all Testers and Mangers that emphasize on professional competency and best practices in quality control in IT industry. Requirement or Eligibility criteria to take CSTE certification include and one of the following:

4 year degree from a recognized institution+2 year experience
3 year degree from a recognized institution+3 year experience
2 year degree from a recognized institution+4 year experience
6 years of experience in IT industry

How to Apply:
The applicant should submit the request on Customer Portal with the payment of $350(PDF+initial exam) or $420(PDF+Book+CD+initial exam).
You can apply for this certification through Customer Portal at Software Testing Certifications. To get complete information about the certification, please click here.

8) CSTP

CSTP is the short form for “Certified Software Test Professional”. This was initiated by International Institute for Software Testing (IIST) in 1991 and so far this has been successful in enhancing the career of thousands of aspirants by providing the professional skill set for software application testing. This certification program could be taken by any new comer in the testing field as well as for the managers and leaders in testing field.

The requirements to take this exam include a minimum of 10 day of formal Training or education which includes the following topics:

Principles of Software Testing
Test Design
Managing the Testing Process
Test Executions and Defect Tracking
Requirement Definitions, Refinement and Verification
Test Automation
Static Testing
Along with it, the applicant must be experienced in the testing related role for at least One year. The formal approval from the candidate’s manager is also necessary for him/her to apply for this certification.

A minimum of 80% marks are required to claim this certification successfully. The cost of this certification exam is $120, which is non-refundable and upon clearing the certification, it will not expire before 3 years. To get complete information about the certification, please click here.

9) CTM

CTM stands for “Certified Test Manager”. This certification aims to support test managers and Senior Testers to handle the test projects efficiently by enhancing their management capability. Test Management Body of Knowledge (TMBK) is the foundation of CTM certification.

This program is focused on the managers, Senior level Testers, anyone who has over 3 years of industry experience and folks who are already done with CSTP certification.

The formal education requirements to take this exam include following compulsory topics:

Test Process Management
Test Project Management
Test Process Measurement and Improvement
Test Organization Management
Risk Management
Test Automation Strategies and Architectures
Software Quality Assurance

Eligibility:
As mentioned above, a minimum of 3 years of experience is the eligibility requirement for appearing this test.

How to Apply:
Application forms are available at IIST office and should be submitted to IIST chairperson, along with non-refundable fee of $120. Upon granted, the CTM certification will not expire before 3 years. A minimum of 80% marks are required to get CTM certified.


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