To determine the best software testing certification, Testing Cred analyzed dozens of software testing certifications. Based on factors including global recognition, cost, flexibility, breadth of coverage, and long-term career value, there were some clear winners.
Here are the software testing certifications considered in this analysis:
Available Software Testing Certifications
- ASQ: Certified Quality Engineer (CQE), Certified Software Quality Engineer (CSQE)
- AT*SQA Certifications: Agile Testing, API Testing, DevOps Testing, Testing Essentials
- GAQM Certifications: Certified Software Tester – Foundation Level (CSTFL), Certified Software Tester – Intermediate Level (CSTIL), Certified Software Testing Manager (CSTM), Certified Software Testing Analyst (CSTA), Certified Software Testing Engineer (CSTE)
- IIST Certifications: Certified Agile Software Test Professional (CASTP), Certified Software Test Professional Associate Level (CSTP-A), Certified Software Test Professional Level (CSTP)
- ISTQB Certifications: Acceptance Testing, Agile Technical Testing, Agile Testing, AI Testing, Automotive Software Testing, Foundation Level (CTFL), Gambling Industry Testing, Game Testing, Mobile Application Testing, Model-Based Testing, Performance Testing, Security Testing, Technical Test Analyst, Test Analyst, Test Automation Engineering, Test Automation Strategy, Test Management – Advanced, Test Management – Expert, Usability Testing
- QAI Certifications: Certified Associate in Software Testing (CAST), Certified Manager of Software Testing (CMST), Certified Software Quality Analyst (CSQA), Certified Software Tester (CSTE)
For reasons explained below, this analysis also considered the following software testing micro-credentials
AT*SQA Micro-Credentials: Agile Testing, Testing for IoT and Mobile, Cybersecurity Testing, DevOps Testing, Performance Testing, Test Approaches, Test Automation, Testing Techniques, Usability Testing, Agile Software Testing Methodologies, Agile Implementation, Making Agile Work, API Testing: Introduction and Testing Planning and Design, API Testing: REST API/gRPC/GraphQL, API Testing: Environments/Tools/Future Proofing
ISTQB: The Top Choice for Software Testing Professionals
Why ISTQB Stands Above the Rest
- Global Recognition: ISTQB is the most widely recognized software testing certification body worldwide. Its credentials are accepted and respected across numerous industries and regions.
- Non-Profit Mission: ISTQB operates as a non-profit, focusing on advancing the field of software testing rather than generating profits. This ensures more accessible pricing and high-quality standards.
- No Recertification Required: ISTQB certifications generally do not expire, saving professionals from costly and time-consuming recertification efforts.
- Optional Self-Study: ISTQB does not mandate paid training programs. Candidates can learn through self-study, free resources, or choose their own training approach.
- Broad Range of Specialty & Advanced Certifications: Whether you’re interested in Agile, AI, Automotive, Security, Performance, or other advanced topics, ISTQB offers a comprehensive suite of specialized certifications.
Extra Benefits Through ASTQB and AT*SQA
One of the reasons ISTQB certifications stand out as the best choice is that if you earn them through ASTQB and their official ISTQB exam provider AT*SQA, you get extra free benefits that are very valuable for your career.
- Official U.S. List of Certified & Credentialed Testers™: When you earn ISTQB certifications through ASTQB (ISTQB in the U.S.) and its official ISTQB exam provider AT*SQA, you are listed on a verified U.S. registry that employers trust.
- Career Support Resources: ASTQB and AT*SQA offer ongoing guidance and resources such as newsletters, best practices, and career advice.
- Increased Visibility to Employers: Your credentials are searchable by hiring managers through both the Official U.S. List of Certified & Credentialed Testers™ in addition to the ISTQB successful candidate register, raising your profile in a competitive job market.
- AT*Work Opportunities: Professionals may also benefit from appearing in the AT*Work™ List of Testers for Hire if they are seeking their first software testing job or are between jobs.
- Promotional Backing: ASTQB and AT*SQA actively promote their certified tester lists in millions of advertisements every year, enhancing your professional reputation and reach.
AT*SQA Certifications: A Strong Second Option
The flexible, stackable approach in which AT*SQA micro-credentials build to certification is quite innovative. This allows you to earn your certification piece by piece, which is helpful for busy schedules.
- Modular Micro-Credentials: AT*SQA lets you build certifications by stacking micro-credentials in areas like Agile, API, DevOps, IoT, Performance, and more.
- Modern and Relevant Skills: This approach ensures continuous learning aligned with emerging industry trends, helping you stay current and valuable.
- Incremental Career Progression: Each micro-credential represents a focused skill. By combining them, you earn full certifications that prove a broad, yet contemporary, expertise.
- Trustworthy Non-Profit: Like ISTQB and ASTQB, AT*SQA is also a non-profit organization led by volunteer Boards of Directors.
- No-Cost/Low-Cost Education: Like ISTQB and ASTQB, AT*SQA does not require training. It does offer optional, very low-cost training for its micro-credentials.
Why Other Certifications Are Less Attractive
For-Profit Motives and Mandatory Training
- Higher Costs: Profit-driven organizations often require expensive training courses, raising the total investment required to achieve and maintain certification.
- Frequent Recertification: Other certifications often expire, forcing you into a cycle of repeat fees, courses, and exams every few years.
Uncertain Longevity and Limited Recognition
- Lower Global Acceptance: These credentials do not have the same international footprint and employer recognition as ISTQB.
- Instability in Ownership and Branding: Past shifts in ownership or partnerships create uncertainty about long-term credibility and employer trust.
Conclusion: ISTQB and AT*SQA Offer Superior Value
ISTQB’s globally recognized, non-profit model—along with its wide range of certifications, no recertification requirements, and self-study flexibility—makes it the premier choice. Through ASTQB and AT*SQA—also non-profit organizations—ISTQB-certified professionals gain added visibility and support, solidifying their position in the marketplace.
For those interested in a more modular, skill-targeted approach, AT*SQA certifications deliver flexibility and relevance through their stackable micro-credential system.
Compared to these leaders, other certifications lack broad acceptance, require more frequent and costly maintenance, and offer less stability. Ultimately, ISTQB stands as the top option, with AT*SQA close behind, ensuring your professional investments pay off in recognition, career advancement, and long-term value.