Software Testing and Quality Assurance Certifications – Part 2

Welcome to the second installment of our guide on software testing accreditations! In case you didn’t get a chance to read the initial tutorial, it is accessible here. In that tutorial, we delved into four fundamental software testing accreditations: CSTE, CSTP, CTM, and HP QTP Certification.

Now, let’s explore the remaining significant five software testing accreditations:

#1) ISEB & ISTQB
#2) CMST
#3) CASQ
#4) CSQA
#5) CMSQ

Software Testing Accreditations

Below, we will provide comprehensive information about the eligibility, exam patterns, and application procedure for these certifications.

#1) ISEB & ISTQB

ISEB certification, provided by BCS (British Computer Society), aims to boost the career progression of IT professionals. ISEM, a BCS unit, was set up in 1990. This professional accreditation is available at the foundation, practitioner, and advanced stages to cater to the needs of aspiring IT testers. Meanwhile, ISTQB (International Software Testing Qualifications Board) was established in late 2002. Both certifications are equivalent at the foundation level, but the ISEB is UK-centric, while ISTQB is global.

BCS provides globally recognized qualifications in a variety of domains, including:

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

Both accreditations are available at the following levels:

• Foundation Level: Offers comprehensive coverage of a specific field to broaden managers’ knowledge and scope. Cost: £130.
• Intermediate Level: This stage delves deeper into the subject and serves as the precursor for the practitioner level accreditation. Cost: £110.
• Practitioner Level: Focuses on particular skills within a field to impart practical IT knowledge. Cost: £150.
• Higher Level: Designed for managers and experts with profound subject knowledge. Cost: £540.

To apply for these certifications, visit the ISTQB or ISTQB-BCS website.

Access the full ISTQB Accreditation Premium Study Package: Download the comprehensive premium study resources to prepare confidently for the Foundation Exam. Download the Premium ISTB Study Guide here.

#2) CMST

CMST (Certified Manager of Software Testing) credentials verify the competencies of testing professionals in the global software industry. It substantiates their grasp of testing principles and their aptitude to manage software testing situations.

The eligibility for the CMST examination includes:

• A Bachelor’s degree along with a minimum of 4 years of relevant experience in software testing
• Associate degree coupled with at least 6 years of relevant experience in software testing
• At least 8 years of relevant experience in software testing

The exam evaluates candidates on several subjects, including test planning, test reporting, measurement, managing test execution, organizational development, communication skills, and work process enhancements.

To apply for the CMST certification, visit the CMST website and follow the required steps to schedule the examination. The examination fee is $450.

#3) CASQ

CASQ (Certified Associate in Software Quality) focuses on the fundamental quality assurance skills and principles. It facilitates swift career progression at an economical cost.

The prerequisites for the CASQ exam include:

• A 3-year/4-year degree from an accredited institution
• 2-year degree and at least 1 year of relevant experience in the Information Services (IS) field
• A minimum of 3 years of relevant experience in the IS field

The examination covers areas like quality principles and concepts, quality leadership, quality assurance, quality control practices, quality planning, metrics and measurements, and work process enhancements.

Like the CMST certification, the application process for CASQ is undertaken on the CASQ website. The certification fee is $100.

#4) CSQA

CSQA (Certified Software Quality Analyst) is a mid-level certification that defines the benchmark for best practices and principles of software quality assurance in the IT industry.

The prerequisites for CSQA include:

• 4-year degree and 2 years of relevant experience in the IS field
• 3-year degree and 3 years of relevant experience in the IS field
• 2-year degree and 4 years of relevant experience in the IS field
• A minimum of 6 years of relevant experience in the IS field

Additionally, applicants should be currently employed or have at least 18 months of relevant work experience for the certification designation.

To register for the CSQA examination, visit the CSQA website. The examination fee is $350.

#5) CMSQ

CMSQ (Certified Manager of Software Quality) is a globally recognized assessment for leaders and managers in software quality assurance. CMSQ certified professionals either work with leading IT enterprises or aspire to hold managerial roles in the Quality Assurance unit.

The prerequisites for CMSQ encompass:

• Bachelor’s degree and 4 years of relevant experience in software quality assurance
• Associate degree and 6 years of relevant experience in software quality assurance
• A minimum of 8 years of relevant experience in software quality assurance

Similar to other quality accreditations, the application process for CMSQ is carried out on the CMSQ website. The examination fee is $450.

We encourage you to share your experiences with any of these Software Testing and Quality Assurance accreditations in the comments section below.