Getting your foot in the door of the competitive software testing job market might already be difficult, especially for those just starting their careers in Software Quality Assurance (SQA). To be competent for a QA position, a tester does not only prove his work experiences nor his enthusiasm toward the Quality Assurance job position itself, which is the norm in recruitment; dedicated testers nowadays have to set themselves apart from their peers.

Software testing certifications are a common way out for most QA professionals in order to gain that sharp competitive edge. These certifications hold value for both newcomers and seasoned testers alike. However, they have their potential downsides. Then, should you or should you not go ahead with these certifications?

Software Testing Certifications – the Pros

Software testing certifications are professional qualifications awarded to individuals who demonstrate a profound understanding of QA skills and processes. Depending on the specific course and its scope, participants gain particular knowledge regarding software testing principles, tools, and techniques, enabling them to complete an official examination and obtain certification. These credentials are granted by the world’s most reputable organizations, like the International Software Testing Qualifications Board (ISTQB) and the International Consortium for Agile (ICAgile), which hold legitimate recognition and esteem within the QA community.

Obtaining a QA certification brings certain benefits for individuals at different levels of expertise:

Novice testers

Structured Learning Path: providing fresh QA testers with a fundamental foundation in the software quality testing field. It covers essential aspects of QA such as test planning, test execution, defect management, and other necessary skill sets before pursuing testing positions as their career.

Competitive Edge & Added Value: A software testing certification can be a distinguishing factor in a competitive job market with numerous applicants eying for a single position. Among numerous job applications, non-technical HR personnel often conduct the first screening process. Having a software testing certification can serve as a distinguishing factor. It makes you stand out from other candidates.

Experienced testers

Specialized QA Expertise: Numerous certifications concentrate on methodologies and tools within software testing, such as agile environment testing, security testing, and automation testing, among others. Focus on a specific area can enable testers to broaden their knowledge and become proficient in particular software testing skills.

Expanding Horizons in Current Roles: Earning certifications in specific QA domains opens up avenues for testers to progress within their existing organization and assume greater responsibilities within their team.

Enhancing Appeal for New Opportunities: For job-hopping and aiming for management positions, the proper certification can help you move up the management hierarchy much more quickly.

Software Testing Certification – the drawbacks

While Software Testing Certification undeniably is a valuable stepping stone, obtaining a certification doesn’t guarantee immediate employment in today’s job market. At the same time, the global economy deals with the most challenging crises. Although having certifications reassure your understanding of all the crucial theoretical aspects regarding QA, practical experience and on-the-job learning are typically prerequisites for hiring software testers. That doesn’t mean freshly graduated QA testers won’t have a chance, but it would be quite an uphill battle for a while.

Although software testing certification courses and programs have been catching up with the latest tech trends and proactively updating academic materials to align with these constant changes, testers cannot rely solely on certifications to acquire knowledge and expertise, not to mention all the time and money invested in achieving these testing certifications. Therefore, before pursuing a software testing certification, you should consider these factors carefully.

Software Testing Certifications – the true value

Here are a few things you should be thinking of before registering to commit to a certification:

1. Define your career aspirations within the software testing field and your specific goals. Reflect on how the certification can contribute to your desired career path and the roles you aim to assume.
2. Strive to align the chosen certification with your existing skill set and experience. Remember that certification alone might not be sufficient to secure your ideal job, so seek practical experience simultaneously. Engaging in crowdsourced testing projects can be an effective way to gain hands-on experience.
3. Continuous learning is essential for expanding your professional knowledge and staying up-to-date. To deepen your expertise, utilize diverse resources such as software testing books and podcasts. If researching and self-taught is not your cup of tea, taking direct classes makes sense.
4. Evaluate your budget and time constraints. Assess the financial commitment involved in obtaining the certification, including exam fees, training courses, and the time required for dedicated study.

By thoroughly considering these aspects, you could decide whether pursuing a software testing certification will advance your career without worrying it would jeopardize your initial decision-making.

Conclusion

Software testing certifications are valuable professional endorsements that validate an individual’s expertise in the QA field. They offer a structured learning path for newcomers to QA, providing them with a competitive advantage and bolstering their resumes. For seasoned testers, certifications enable specialization in specific QA domains, unlocking growth opportunities and increasing their market value.

To maintain top-tier software testing standards, SHIFT ASIA leadership has consistently urged its employees to obtain foundational and advanced certifications. In a recent development, SHIFT ASIA proudly became a platinum partner in the ISTQB® Partner Program, joining the ranks of approximately 70 other companies globally. The ISTQB partner program encompasses Silver, Gold, Platinum, and Global partnership categories, with Platinum status being an exclusive recognition granted to organizations with many certified professionals. We currently boast over 05 advanced certificate holders, thanks to the dedication and expertise of our professionals.