bookmark_borderManual QA tester certifications – 6 QA tester certifications

Many different types of manual QA tester certifications are available, but not all are created equal. Some certifications are specific to a certain software or testing method, while others are more general.

It’s important to choose the right certification for your needs to ensure that you’re getting the most out of your education.

Why get a manual QA tester certification?

There are many reasons to get a certification in manual quality assurance (QA). Certification can help improve your resume and make you more attractive to potential employers.

It can also help you keep up with the latest trends and best practices in the field.

In addition, certification can give you a leg up in the job market and help you earn more money. According to the 2019 IT Skills and Salary Report, certified professionals earn an average of 10% more than non-certified workers.

6 Manual QA Tester Certifications

There are a variety of QA certifications available, but here are six that can help your career:

ISTQB

The ISTQB is a well-recognized organization that offers several different manual QA certifications. These include the Certified Tester Foundation Level, Advanced Level, and Expert Level certifications.

Each of these levels has different requirements, but they all focus on helping improve their skills and knowledge.

Certified Tester Foundation Lever (CTFL)

The ISTQB® Certified Tester Foundation Level (CTFL) certification involves providing testing information that can be utilized in practice, as well as explaining the terminology and notions utilized globally in the testing field.

CTFL applies to a wide range of software delivery methods and practices, such as Waterfall, Agile, DevOps, and Continuous Delivery.

CTFL certification is accepted as a prerequisite for all other ISTQB® certifications that necessitate Foundation Level.

Certified Tester Advanced Level (CTAL)

The ISTQB® Advanced Level Test Analyst (CTAL-TA) certification teaches you how to conduct organized and comprehensive software testing throughout the software development life cycle.

It describes the responsibilities and duties of the test analyst at each stage of a basic testing procedure and broadens essential testing methods.

ASTQB Certified Tester

This certification is designed for software testers who want to demonstrate their knowledge and skills. The certification is offered by American Testing Qualifications Board.

Certified Professional Selenium Tester (CPST)

This certification is offered by the International Software Testing Qualifications Board (ISTQB) and is internationally recognized.

The CPST certification covers all aspects of software testing and is a great way to show employers that you are knowledgeable and capable in this field.

CLTD

The CLTD certification is one of the most respected and well-known. The CLTD certification is an internationally recognized certification that demonstrates a high level of proficiency in Manual QA.

This certification will help your career in many ways, including:

  • Showing that you have the skills and knowledge required to be a successful Manual QA engineer.
  • Demonstrating your commitment to your career and continuous learning
  • Helping you to stand out from other candidates when applying for jobs

Conclusion

To get certified as a manual QA tester, one must first know what the certification process entails and what is required of them.

Secondly, they must be able to pass the certification exam, and thirdly, they should e familiar with the different tools that are available to help them in their testing process.

bookmark_borderDo you need a QA certification?

If you are looking to get ahead in your career as a quality assurance professional, you may be wondering if you need a QA certification. The answer depends on your experience and goals. If you are new to the field, certification can give you the knowledge and skills you need to get started.

Alternatively, if you have several years of experience, a certification can help you move into a management role. Either way, a QA certification can give you the edge you need to succeed.

 

What is a QA certification?

A QA certification is a great way to set yourself apart from other job candidates. You can show your dedication to quality assurance. There are many benefits to getting a QA certification, including improved job prospects and increased earnings potential. With a QA certification, you’ll be able to show employers that you have the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in the field.

To get a QA certification, you’ll need to complete an accredited QA program. During your studies, you’ll learn about various quality assurance concepts and techniques. Once you’ve completed the program, you’ll need to pass a certification exam. Upon passing the exam, you’ll be officially certified. Then you will be able to use the credential to seek out better job opportunities.

Who needs a QA certification?

There are many benefits to getting a quality assurance certification. Perhaps the most obvious benefit is that it can help you get a job in quality assurance. However, even if you are already working in quality assurance, a certification can help you move up in your career. In addition, a certification can help you learn new skills and keep up with the latest trends in quality assurance.

There are many different types of QA certification, but they all generally involve learning about quality assurance principles and practices. In some cases, you may also need to take an exam. Depending on the certification, it may be valid for a certain period or it may be valid for life.

If your interest is pursuing a QA certification, there are several to choose from, offered by a variety of accrediting bodies. The International Quality Association (ICA), the Institute of Quality Assurance (IIA), and the International Certification Accreditation Service provide the most popular certifications (ICAS).

Why should you get certified?

In an economy where employees who have recently received some form of education or training are more valuable than those who haven’t. Getting a certification from a trusted source has become important.

Even though you don’t need certification to do the job, it can help you gain practical skills and the confidence needed to do the job well.

Receiving a certificate will help reinforce practical knowledge and skills.

Gain new skills, stay current on industry knowledge, and earn credentials that demonstrate your professional achievements.

Advantages of QA Certification:

If you are new to the software testing world:

  • It creates a unique way to show your audience what you have to offer:

Because the majority of your competitors may not be uncertified, being a certified test analyst sets you apart from the crowd.

  • It’s a chance to show off your top qualities:

Most hiring managers consider technical skills crucial for the initial screening of job applicants. A foundation Level certificate is a significant achievement in its own right. It can help with job search and also partly assures confidence of the resume owner before the actual interview takes place.

This certification ensures that even if a candidate doesn’t have much or any prior knowledge of QA, they will learn the key terms and understand basic concepts.

Most companies do a screening test of a resume, which they do by a non-technical person. Having a certification will improve your chances of getting through the selection process.

If you are an experienced Software Quality Assurance expert:

This tip is for those who are looking for something unique. If you are looking to grow the same form or an existing business, or if are looking to start a new business in the same industry, then an EPO (European Patent) will be an incredible asset.

It’s always valuable to be one step ahead of your competitors. Similarly, you must always keep up to date with the latest certifications. Certifications across several departments within a business ensure that your staff are well-equipped and have the required knowledge to carry out any test required.

Consequently, your most important testing metric is the number of defects you discover.

If you are looking to grow your portfolio:

What this means is that they are limited to testing the software as it’s developed by programmers and designers. They rarely if ever get a chance to develop their skills by focusing on other business areas.

In other words, if a person is working in a functional testing role for a longer period, he/she may become too focused on one type of testing and may lose sight of other possible testing methodologies.

Similarly, a person working in a waterfall-type process will become too biased and will not be able to appreciate the benefits of a more flexible Agile process. This can lead to a disconnect in what processes to use and what is most effective.

Keeping certified is one of the ways to always be updated, being in the know about the certain standard definition and their updates.

Cons of QA Certification:

  1. Certification does not guarantee that you will use your knowledge. You will still be required to use your abilities.
  2. You cannot look for a certificate to be able to get a promotion.
  3. No one can assure you that being certified means you will become the competency of a good tester. You do need all the quality education and learning that you can get, and this is how the competency of a good tester is improved.
  4. Many human resources professionals do not consider certification as a requirement if you have the experience necessary to handle the job.

A salary-centric view

The effectiveness of certifications is not entirely clear. However, experience suggests that certification may help individuals in their career prospects. According to ISTQB, the greater majority of companies would like to have approximately 75% of their employees certified at the Foundation level.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to get a QA certification comes down to a few factors.

Consider your level of experience, your goals, and the requirements of the positions you’re applying for. If you’re just starting, certification can give you the edge you need to land a job. If you’re experienced, a certification can help you move up in your current company or make a switch to a new one.

And if you’re looking for a specific type of job, many employers will require certification. Whatever your situation, getting certified can only help you.

 

Read about QA testing certifications

bookmark_borderQA testing certifications


Knowing which software quality assurance courses to take can be difficult. That’s why in this article we’re covering some QA testing certifications you should take advantage of.


Understanding professional certifications for software testing

Software quality assurance (QA) certification is a voluntary program designed to help professionals who work with QA products and testing to obtain and maintain current standards in their industry. This training is for students to get a well-rounded, in-depth perspective on the working principles of Quality Assurance.

What is the importance of building software developments that meet certain standards?

Software quality assurance certifications are essential to career opportunities available that can help the market preserve consistent performance. Earning a software quality assurance certification can assist you in improving your resume and broadening your expertise. The following are some of the advantages of obtaining a software QA certification:

  • Benefitting from your expertise
  • Learning from scratch
  • Showing you how to become the candidate of choice
  • Making you ready for a more challenging position
  • Ensuring you are capable of leading a team

Types of QA Certifications

Below is a list of some software certifications, organized depending on your level of experience from beginner to advanced:

CAST certification

To advance your quality assurance (QA) career, you’ll want to earn a CAST certification. This certification demonstrates an applicant’s foundational understanding of software testing and is awarded by a non-governmental organization. This exam is reasonably priced at only $100, and the fee for study materials is included.

To qualify for this program, you must:

  • Have one of the following licenses: * Code401 * Laravel SSL * WireGuard * Let’s Encrypt * Free Lets
  • Three to four years of intensive study
  • Currently, a university or college degree is required, although some positions accept candidates with a high school diploma and one to two years of experience.
  • 3 years of experience working as …

Becoming an international software tester with ISTQB certification

The International Software Testing Qualification Board (ISTQB) recognizes software testing professionals with standard qualifications around the world.

Similar to other commonly accepted certification programs around the world, ISTQB exams follow a universal syllabus and offer different levels of certification for those with more advanced experience.

The entry-level mandatory exam costs $250, although ISTQB offers other, more specialized, levels of certification for more experienced testers.

It does not require any extraordinary prerequisites, however, it’s advisable to get at least six months of hands-on experience before joining this program.

Certified software tester

The CSTE program certifies that an individual possesses the skills and knowledge he or she needs to be successful as a software quality assurance (QA) engineer.

The program provides clarity on what the industry expects from a QA engineer. To gain certification, applicants must first learn the fundamentals of QA, and then take the test, which will involve a mix of hands-on practical experience and theoretical knowledge.

The CSTE certification program can cost between $350 and $420 depending on whether they are certified as a group by their company or individually. Anyone can take the exam, but passing the test requires a rigorous understanding of the fundamentals of QA.

The CYBR program requires candidates to have a minimum of 18 months of clinical work experience as well as one of the following prerequisites:

  • 2+ years of work experience
  • A required post-undergraduate degree (e.g., master’s)
  • A four-year college degree or higher from an accredited college
  • Six years of experience in the field

CSQA Certification Program

The Certified Software Quality Analyst (CSQA) Program trains individuals on the topics of quality assurance and control.

It consists of three parts: the CSTE (Certified Software Tester), the CSQE (Certified Software Quality Engineer), and the CSQA (Certified Software Quality Analyst).

The Certified Software Quality Analyst qualification is particularly useful for individuals who have earned their CSTE and are interested in making progress in their QA role.

To pass this program, students must earn at least 70% on the exam. The cost for this exam is $350 or $420 for access to the Software.

Candidates must have recent work experience within the cyber security industry or related fields such as chief financial officer, chief information officer, IT security manager/head of security, IT audit, risk management, or compliance.

  • A four-year degree from an accredited college with at least two years of professional experience
  • A bachelor’s degree or college diploma in creative writing, English, or a related field.
  • Three years of experience in a copyediting or proofreading role.
  • (Any) degree on a four-year plan from an accredited college with at least four years of experience in software development
  • Working as a marketing specialist

Becoming CMSQ certified

Those who complete the Certified Manager of Software Quality (CMSQ) program, earning at least 70%, show their employers that they hold the essential capabilities and competencies of software quality assurance (QA).

These individuals also demonstrate that they can manage their testing team effectively by exhibiting expert management and leadership skills.

Those interested individuals who seek this certification will be either a manager-level employees or will have gained enough experience in the quality assurance field to become eligible.

Requirements of this new designation include a completed minimum of 24 hours of continuing education credits in the field of quality management within the last 24 months.

The total cost for this new certification is $450 and includes the PDF application form, study materials, and an exam (which is taken online).

Aiming for a test or test manager job

The ISTQB offers a certification course for test managers who aim to progress further in the field of testing, enabling them to learn the best testing practices and team management skills.

To enroll, individuals must possess a Dilated Skills Certificate.

Then, after paying a fee of $250, they can take the SAQTM examination, which must contain at least 65 correct answers in multiple-choice format.

To earn this certificate, you should have:

  • The Foundation Certificate OR
  • Pass an AWS Technical Professional exam OR
  • Complete an AWS Online Course

 

There are a variety of QA testing certifications available, and the best one for you will depend on your experience and goals. If you’re just starting out, look for a certification that will give you a solid foundation in the basics of QA testing.

If you’re looking to move into a leadership role, look for a certification that covers management and best practices. And if you’re looking to specialize in a particular area of QA testing, look for a certification that covers that area in depth.

Whichever certification you choose, make sure it’s from a reputable source and that it’s updated regularly to keep up with the latest changes in the field.

 

Read about penetration testing certifications too. 

bookmark_borderList of penetration testing certifications

We’ve compiled a list of penetration testing certifications for you in this article so you can understand what they mean and possibly choose the right one.

There are many reasons to get a penetration testing certification. With certification, you can prove your skills to potential employees and customers, and help improve your career prospects.

A penetration testing certification can also help you to keep up with the latest tools and techniques and learn new skills. There are many different certification programs available, so you can choose one that fits your needs and interests.


Whether you’re just starting in penetration testing, or you’re a seasoned professional, a certification can help you stand out from the crowd.


List of penetration testing certifications

What is penetration testing?

Penetration testing is a type of security testing that you can use to evaluate the security of a computer system or network Penetration testers attempt to find vulnerabilities in systems and then exploit them. This can help organizations to find and fix security weaknesses before they are exploited by attackers.

There are numerous penetration testing certifications available, but they are not all created equal. Here is a list of ten penetration testing certifications for you to consider.

10 penetration testing certifications

1. The Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)

This is one of the most popular and well-recognized in the industry. It covers a wide range of topics related to ethical hacking and is a great starting point for anyone interested in this field. The Ethical Hacker Association (ECA) claims that individuals with the CEH certification can identify and assess system vulnerabilities by identifying classifying and explaining the hacking activity. They can also develop a defense against these attacks.

Although this is a great entry-level certification, it is not up-to-date with the latest cybersecurity and penetration testing trends.

Cost: $399 (requires membership to the Ethical Hacker Association)

2. The Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP)

This certification is another well-known and respected certification. It focuses specifically on offensive security and is a great choice for those who want to specialize in this area.

The cost and time to complete this certification may seem high (around $2,000 and six to nine months to complete the course work), but it is worth it because this is one of the few certifications that test your hacking skills.

The Certification Review gives the OSCP four out of five stars for difficulty and effectiveness.

3. The GIAC Security Essentials (GSEC)

GSEC certification is a good option for those looking to prove general knowledge in the cybersecurity field.

Cost: $399 (discounts available if you bundle multiple certifications)

The GSEC certification is also offered through several other providers, such as Citrix and Ivanti (formerly Microsoft)

The 200-question exam takes four hours to complete and covers topics like risk assessment, vulnerability analysis, applying security policies to systems and applications, and monitoring systems for anomalies.

Like the CEH, the GSEC is a well-known certification among IT professionals.

4. EC-Council Certified Security Analyst (EC SA)

This one is another entry-level certification that certifies individuals in the area of systems security. This certification certifies individuals in the area of systems security. It covers security architecture, design, implementation, and administration. US Department of Defense recognizes this certification, which is another benefit.

EC-Council is a well-known name in the tech industry, known for hosting hacking conferences and providing high-quality training materials. The International Certification Accreditation Consortium (ICAC) and the Commission on Accreditation for Compliance Assessment have both accredited EC-Council certifications (CAChe).

Cost and duration: $3,395.00 with a duration of five days.

5. EC-Council Licensed Penetration Tester (LPT)

The LPT exam will challenge you to understand the most advanced attack techniques, including vulnerabilities in cryptographic protocols, identity services, and application-level messaging. You will also be able to develop advanced payloads and malicious bots.

This certification is highly in-demand and will enable you to land a job as a security consultant or a penetration tester. You will also receive a pay increase and enjoy job safety.

You will also learn how to develop advanced malicious bots and payloads used in application-level attacks. This course is instructor-led with lab sessions that follow a daily outline.

Cost: $500 and every year you have to renew it for $250

6. Hacker Guardian Certified Security Penetration Tester (HCPPT)

There are no prerequisites for taking this exam.

Cost: $150 – discounted bundle price of $350 for the entire set (CEH, CHFI, CPT, HCPPT)

The Hacker Guardian Certified Security Penetration Tester (HCPPT) exam is 1 hour and 30 minutes long and has 45 to 55 questions. The exam format is multiple choice with four to five answer choices for each question. Candidates need to correctly answer 70 percent of the questions to pass. You can take the exam online through the HackerGuardian portal.

HackerGuardian is a cybersecurity company based in Aptos, California that develops security training courses and solutions to protect organizations from cyber attacks. The HCPPT is one of three versions of the Penetration Tester certification offered by HackerGuardian, along with the HackerGuardian Certified Pentester (HCP) and the HackerGuardian Certified Penetration Test Specialist (HCPS) certifications.

7. Infosec Institute Certified Penetration Tester (CPT)

The CPT is a highly specialized and in-demand security certification that tests your skills in penetration testing and vulnerability analysis. It’s an independent, objective measure of your skills as a white hat hacker.

Cost: $899 -$1499 (includes training, exam, and 120-day membership)

8. Certified Expert Penetration Tester (CEPT)

The Certified Expert Penetration Tester (CEPT) credential is a globally recognized benchmark for professional penetration testers. To provide a comprehensive, real-world understanding of the skills and techniques the CEPT designed the program to successfully conduct a professional penetration test. The program covers a wide range of topics, including information gathering, scanning, enumeration, exploit development, and post-exploitation. The CEPT credential is awarded to individuals who complete the program and pass the associated exam.

The CEPT program requires significant skill and expertise. It takes most candidates between six weeks and three months to pass the CEP experience exam.

Training and the CEP experience exam may cost several thousand dollars. Maintenance fees are approximately $50 per year.

9. Certified Red Team Operations Professional (CRTOP)

The new Certified Red Team Operations Professional (CRTOP) designation from the ISA will help professionals excel in this specialized area of security. CRTOPs will develop a red team operation plan, perform an attack simulation, assess findings, and generate security improvement recommendations. Like other professional certifications from the ISA, the CRTOP certification is based on hands-on skills and a proven track record.

The ISA will offer a free-of-charge online course in January 2020 to prepare candidates for the red team operation practice exam. This online course will cover the basic principles and techniques of red team operations, including scheming, deception, penetration testing, information gathering, and more.

10. Certified Mobile and Web Application Penetration Tester (CMWAPT)

The Certified Mobile and Web Application Penetration Tester (CMWAPT) certification are designed for professionals who want to demonstrate this expertise. Obtaining this certification confirms that you have the skills needed to identify, detect, and mitigate web and mobile application security vulnerabilities.

There are many different types of penetration testing certifications, but the most important thing is to find one that is well respected and will give you the skills you need to be successful. Do your research and make sure you are getting the best training possible. With the right certification, you can become a valuable asset to any organization.

Read about “What is web application penetration testing”