Software Testing Certifications – Eligibility, Exam Patterns and How to Apply

Quality assurance and software testing are the most crucial steps in any software development process. It ensures requirement adherent, performance reliability and defect-free product delivery to the client.

As the demand for the role of the tester keeps increasing, more attention is being paid to the quality testing professional.

Hence, it is high time to get certified and acquire the capabilities to fit in this demanding position. However, it is equally challenging to find the standard certifications that are being recognized all over the world.

This tutorial is intended to enlighten the readers about the established certifications available in the market today.

Software Testing Certifications

This is a part – I of testing certification series. In this tutorial, we’ll be discussing the following four important software testing certifications.

1. CSTE
2. CSTP
3. CTM
4. HP QTP Certification

Let’s see one by one!!

#1) CSTE

CSTE stands for “Certified Software Test Engineer”. CSTE is a benchmark certification program for all Testers and Managers that emphasizes professional competency and best practices in Quality Control in the IT industry.

Requirements and eligibility criteria to take CSTE certification include one of the following:

• 4-year degree from a recognized institution+2 year experience
• 3-year degree from a recognized institution+3 year experience
• 2-year degree from a recognized institution+4 year experience
• 6 years of experience in the IT industry

How to Apply:

The applicant should submit the request on Customer Portal with the payment of $350(PDF+initial exam) or $420(PDF+Book+CD+initial exam).

You can apply for this certification through the Customer Portal for Software Testing Certifications. You can also share your concerns at [email protected].

Exam Pattern:

The exam is divided into the following parts:

• Two sections for multiple-choice questions which consist of 50 objective type questions.
• Two sections for 10 subjective type questions such as Short answers or essays.
• The exam duration is 4 hours 30 minutes and the passing marks are 75%. The examination retaking fee is $100.

Check out some more CSTE sample questions here.

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#2) CSTP

CSTP is the short form for “Certified Software Test Professional”. This was initiated by the International Institute for Software Testing (IIST) in 1991 and so far this has been successful in enhancing the careers of thousands of aspirants by providing the professional skill set for Software Application Testing.

This certification program could be taken by any newcomer in the testing field as well as for the managers and leaders in the testing field.

The requirements to take this exam include a minimum of 10 days of formal training or education which includes the following topics:

• Principles of Software Testing
• Test Design
• Managing the Testing Process
• Test Execution and Defect Tracking
• Requirement Definitions, Refinement, and Verification.
• Test Automation
• Static Testing

Along with this, the applicant must be experienced in testing related roles for at least one year. The formal approval from the candidate’s manager is also necessary for him/her to apply for this certification.

A minimum of 80% marks is required to claim this certification successfully. The cost of this certification exam is $120, which is non-refundable and upon clearing the certification, it will not expire before 3 years.

How to Apply:

Visit: International Institute for Software Testing for the application form or Call at (763)546-0072 or shoot your query to [email protected].

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#3) CTM

CTM stands for “Certified Test Manager”. This certification aims to support test managers and Senior Testers to handle the test projects efficiently by enhancing their management capability. Test Management Body of Knowledge (TMBK) is the foundation of CTM certification.

This program is focused on managers, senior-level testers, or anyone who has over 3 years of industry experience and folks who are already done with CSTP certification.

The formal educational requirements to take this exam include the following compulsory topics:

• Test Process Management
• Test Project Management
• Test Process Measurement and Improvement
• Test Organization Management
• Risk Management
• Test Automation Strategies and Architecture
• Software Quality Assurance

Eligibility:

As mentioned above, a minimum of 3 years of experience is the eligibility requirement for appearing on this test.

How to Apply:

Application forms are available at the IIST office and should be submitted to the IIST chairperson, along with a non-refundable fee of $120. Upon grant, the CTM certification will not expire before 3 years. A minimum of 80% marks is required to get CTM certified.

The application form is directly accessible at IIST. You can forward any of your concerns to [email protected] or call them at (763)546-0072.

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#4) HP QTP Certification

QTP certification by HP is meant for QuickTest professionals who wish to gain mastery in testing tools by HP called QuickTest. Since August 1^st, 2010, HP has come up with the HP QTP Certification v10.0.

AIS is a beginner level certification exam whereas ASE is an advanced level certification exam.

These exams are particularly famous with the following names:

• Exam HPO-M31 – HP Quality Center 10.0 Software
• Exam HPO-M39 – HP QuickTest Professional 10.0 Software

You can download the preparation guide by HP at HP QTP certification preparation, which covers the subject of examination precisely. The cost of HP QTP certification is $150.

Note: All HP certifications are now in Microfocus. You can visit this page to check all the related certifications and other details.

In Part II of this article, we’ll discuss in detail on ISEB & ISTQB, CMST, CASQ, CSQA, and CMSQ certifications.

Till then, if you have queries on any of the testing certifications, feel free to ask in the comment section below.