“One man’s crappy software is another man’s full-time job.” (Jessica Gaston)
Software development is one painstaking job, responsible for all the tech that we take for granted. But there is always a certain someone who actually makes that tech so worthy of obsessing over and over again. That certain someone is a software tester. They critically find the defects in the software that are quite definite to happen (in fact, all the time).
And their prominence isn’t just confined to finding the defects but also protecting the software and the company from several potential risks. Hence software testing is an unflinching profession to pursue, and indeed it’s worth weight in gold. So, if you are seeking a kick-start career in software testing, here is your awaited shore up.
What is software testing (course)?
Software testing is a mammoth process of assessing the developed product to check if it meets the set requirements or not. These requirements are a rough depiction, closely related to what an end-user might be expecting from the software. Further, the process adds a phenomenal range of quality, which perhaps is the most salient and a profit-driving element for most businesses.
Now, the software testing course would be a stepping stone or a handsome kick-off in your career, where you would learn the ins and outs of software testing and its core processes. In a way, these certifications would strengthen and add immense value to your resume, regardless if you are fresher or a professional.
Thus, let’s learn and emphasize the best certification courses in software testing in this very guide. For reference, you can check out our list of topics below.
- International Software Testing Qualification Board (ISTQB)
- Certified Associate In Software Testing (CAST)
- CETPA
- Certified Software Tester (CSTE)
- Certified Manager of Software Testing (CMST)
- Robot and Framework Test Automation Course Level 1 – Udemy
- CMC Academy
- Seed Infotech
- Qspiders
- The great institute of personal learning (apparently not a registered institute)
Who can do a software testing course?
There is no mandated set of qualifications for this course; rather, it depends on how you approach the course. But a few advanced level certifications would seek your experience (also varies from course to course).
And if in case you have the perk of being from an engineering front, then it’s a fringe benefit. Engineering knowledge can help you better understand things in the professional world; you would see yourself once you dwell entirely into the profession.
If you don’t have a degree but still dream of becoming a tester, you can get started as a Software Testing Technician. Notedly it’s a step-by-step growing profession. A tech-savvy attitude, experience, and persistence learning can only fleet your promotion here.
Well, it all comes down to how you want to proceed with the course as a mere profession or passion, and that makes all the difference.
Which is the best certification course for software testing?
There are plenty of certifications out there that can match your professional needs and preferences. We have listed out the ten best courses that may help you improve your testing skills. Here they are.
1. International Software Testing Qualification Board (ISTQB)
Their examination details:
Total no. of questions – 40.
Paper format: Multiple choice questions.
Examination time – 60 minutes (15 bonus time for candidates taking the examination in non-native languages).
Pass percentage – 65%.
Fee – $250 (Estimated or approximate only).
ISTQB is of the esteemed certifications with a global mark to its name. Its headquarters is in Belgium but competently operates via its exam centers all across the world.
Especially for people prepping to go overseas to pursue a career in testing, ISTQB would be the best certification to enroll. Nonetheless, it’s a kind of a must if you aspire to take up a job in the US.
Altogether ISTQB provides all certifications ranging from beginner to advanced, expert, and even post expert levels.
2. Certified Associate In Software Testing (CAST)
Their examination details:
Total no. of questions – 100.
Paper format: Multiple choice questions.
Examination time – 75 minutes.
Pass percentage – 65 – 70%(varies from course to course).
Fee – $100 for beginners level, $150 for intermediate level, $250 for advanced level Test Analyst, $249 for advanced level Security Tester and Agile Technical Tester (Estimated or approximate only).
Quality Assurance Institute in the US furnishes this certification strictly for professionals with 3-4 years of experience. Most preferably the experienced people from the IT or two-year college with one year of experience in IT.
After the commencement of candidates, the CAST provides a Software Testing Body of Knowledge book. It is a study material to guide its participants through their scholarly examinations.
The candidate must struggle and work hard for that 70% pass score to procure the certification with all flying colors.
3. CETPA
CETPA is a top-rated 13-year-old training company whose testing work is pretty much on the boom, especially in India’s Northern subcontinent (Noida, Roorkee, Dehradun, and Lucknow).
Also, they aptly provide professional certifications overseas in countries like Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nigeria, and South Africa.
It’s an ideal tech enthusiast platform to learn more advanced and prodigious techniques in the testing spectrum, especially if you are a fresher. Moreover, CETPA holds a legitimate placement record with an average CTA of 3.6 Lakhs, which could help the young grow professionally.
A working professional who wants to get hands-on experience on the latest technologies can also sign up picking the best suitable course.
Learning on tools like the Load Runner, Selenium and HP Quality Control, and even more.
And they vastly cover domains like the manual, database, and automation.
4. Certified Software Tester (CSTE)
Their examination details:
Total no. of questions – 40.
Paper format: Multiple choice +Essay-type.
Examination time – 75 minutes for multiple choice and 75 minutes for essay-type questions.
Pass percentage – 70% (In each individual set).
Fee – $350 and $420 (includes a book version of the STBOK PDF).
Certified Softwares Tester Certification promises to offer professional principles and practices of QA Control (Quality Management).
These courses are perfect if you plan to flourish in positions like Quality Control Advisor, Quality Manager, and Software Tester.
Furthermore, there are a few preconditions the candidates must match to take up any CSTE certifications.
Candidates can begin the course with at least a 4-year degree and two years of IT experience.
- Or a minimum of a 3-year degree with three years of IT experience.
- Or a 2-year degree with at least four years of IT experience.
- Or six years of IT experience without any level of degree.
5. Certified Manager of Software Testing (CMST)
Their examination details:
Total no. of questions – 7+5. Paper format: Essay-type.
Examination time – 75 minutes + 75 minutes.
Pass percentage – 70% (In each individual set).
Fee – :$450 (Estimated or approximate only).
It’s an advanced level global certification for software testers of management level roles. This certification meticulous assesses the candidate’s learnings in broad spheres like:
- Test Management
- Test Analysis
- Test Planning and Execution
- Communications and Relationships
And there are a few prerequisites that the candidate has to fulfill to take this CMST certification course.
- Candidates with a degree and a minimum of 4 years of work experience in software testing can apply.
- Or at least an associate degree with six years of hands-on experience.
- Or a full eight years of experience without any degree may also approach.
6. Robot and Framework Test Automation Course Level 1 – Udemy
It is now possible to study test automation literally from anywhere with internet connectivity.
Udemy is one such popular online educational learning platform and has its expertise in almost all fields.
For that matter, Udemy provides a standardized 6.5 hour of video-on-demand course, especially for beginners in automation testing.
Talking about the course, this is a level 1 course that teaches the candidates the fundamentals of Robot Framework Test Automation, installation, configuration, creating and running test automation suites, and even more.
And they approximately charge around £199 for the certification (that would include your downloadable study material).
7. CMC Academy
CMC Academy is a TATA enterprise (renowned IT consulting company) that provides certification in various software development domains.
Notably, they are a CMMI level V accredited institute that is famous for its profound diploma courses.
Look out for their three-month software testing courses; here, they tailor your knowledge in Manual and Automation testing with their virtuoso guidance.
Also, a usual student with no IT experience can enroll through the CMC limited.
8. Seed Infotech
It comes in the lists of best testing institutes in India. It intuitively trains its students and even assists them in placements—best for manual and automation testing certifications.
Harking back to their placement achievements, Seed Infotech has tie-ups with over 300+ companies, and that’s what makes them top the charts.
They also eloquently offer the esteemed ISTQB training too.
9. Qspiders
Qspiders is one such prosperous training institute in India that takes regular classes with standardized study material.
Both the working employees and students can sign up for this certification. The students especially receive backing in career assistance (placements) in MNCs.
10. The great institute of personal learning (apparently not a registered institute)
More than any certification or specialization on a paper, what is more, important is authentic learning, which begins with ownself. Today there are several free online courses, Youtube videos, blogs, personal experiences of intellects, and their bits of advice all over the internet. The pandemic scenario and the work from home won’t waste if you hop on to these little golden opportunities. Perhaps self-learning is the best institute of education; try it for yourself.
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