The quality of a product delivered to the client primarily determines the success of a project. Before releasing a product, software developers want to know that it is of high quality. They must plan and carry out a series of operations known as Software Quality Assurance (SQA). Here is where SQA professionals pitch in to assure the quality of the product.
As a Software Quality Assurance professional in today’s highly competitive world, it’s critical to ensure you get certified as an SQA professional from a well-recognized board. To do so, you should make sure to select the appropriate course associated with the SQA certification as per your expertise level. Nowadays, there are alternatives for both classroom and online quality assurance certifications.
When choosing a quality assurance certified training or software testing certified training, ensure that it is designed such that it helps to understand the concepts with regards to Software Quality and Testing thoroughly. Apart from this, it ought to cover concepts like Process Engineering and Implementation, Quality Assurance Activities, Tools, Quality Standards, Quality Models, and popular Frameworks.
This article list some of the popular SQA and Software Testing certifications and shares some tips on choosing the right certification exam and training program to help you succeed.
Certified Software Quality Analyst (CSQA)
The Certified Software Quality Analyst (CSQA) certification is designed to establish criteria for the initial qualification as an SQA. Certified Software Quality Analyst (CSQA) certification denotes a high degree of expertise in the concepts and methods of quality control and quality assurance in the IT industry.
As per the present criteria, each candidate must be presently working. Otherwise, they should have worked within the prior 18 months as an SQA. Also, they must fulfill ONE of the four criteria mentioned below to be considered for candidacy:
- A four-year degree from an accredited college/university + two years of experience in the Information services domain.
- A three-year degree from an accredited college/university + three years of experience in the Information services domain.
- A two-year degree from an accredited college/university + four years of experience in the Information services domain.
- Six years experience in the information services field.
The questions in the exam comprise concepts discussed in the Software Quality CBOK. MCQ and Essay questions appear in the certification exam.
CMSQ (Certified Manager of Software Quality)
Obtaining this certification demonstrates that the individual is professionally competent in software QA concepts, skills, and abilities and has strong management capabilities to head a QA team.
Candidates must possess the following qualifications:
- Certification by the CSQA (recommended)
- Currently employed in the certification industry.
- Prepare for a manager’s level test.
Also, they should meet any of the following criteria –
- A bachelor’s degree from an approved college or university and four years of experience in software quality assurance
- An associate’s degree in software quality assurance and six years of experience
- worked in the software quality assurance sector for eight years.
The test is divided into two parts: constructed response (essay) questions and multiple-choice questions. The exam assesses a candidate’s practical knowledge in the categories below: The Quality Assurance Function, Quality Leadership, Communication and Relationships, Quality Planning and Execution.
Certified Software Tester (CSTE)
This Certification establishes the first level as a Software tester. Tests are done to assess the candidates knowledge and practise of the Software testing skills defined in the Software Testing Body of Knowledge known as STBOK.
As per the present criteria, each candidate must be presently working. Otherwise, they should have worked within the prior 18 months as a Software Tester.
Also, they must fulfill ONE of the four criteria mentioned below to be considered for candidacy:
- A four-year degree from an accredited college/university + two years of experience in the Information services domain.
- A three-year degree from an accredited college/university + three years of experience in the Information services domain.
- A two-year degree from an accredited college/university + four years of experience in the Information services domain.
- Six years experience in the information services field
The exam comprises both MCQs and short answers/essays.
Certified Manager of Software Testing (CMST)
This Software tester Certification provides an impartial assessment of an IT professional’s management abilities.
The Certification was created to address a gap in the management abilities necessary for test managers and test leads to successfully manage the test process, the test project, and the test organization. Refer to the Software Testing Body of Knowledge for CMST (STBOK) for more details on the content.
Each candidate must meet the following requirements-
- Currently possess a CSTE certification that is valid (recommended but not required).
- Working in the software testing field as per the software testing manager designation is needed.
- Make sure you’re ready to take the required manager’s level test.
Also, you must fulfill at least one of the following three requirements:
- A bachelor’s degree from an authorized college or university, as well as four years of experience in software testing
- Six years of software testing expertise and an associate’s degree
- Have eight years of expertise in the field of software testing.
The test is divided into two parts: constructed response (essay) questions and multiple-choice questions. The exam assesses a candidate’s practical knowledge in the categories below:
- Management and Analysis of Tests
- Planning and Execution of Tests
- Relationships and Communication
What should you look for in a certification course?
Here are some of the essential topics that the course should cover so that you can fare well in the exams –
- Understand the basic ideas, concepts, and methods of software quality assurance.
- Recognize the significance of process orientation.
- In the context of software engineering life cycles, be able to connect quality and procedure.
- Recognize the significance of measurements in determining quality.
- Describe The tasks, aims, and responsibilities of Software Quality Assurance (SQA).
- Recognize and put into action the actions that are involved.
- Learn how to perform reviews and how to understand and apply the ideas of reviews.
- Understand and apply the ideas of some of the most widely used quality models and methodologies like Six Sigma, ISO, CMMI, etc.
Tips
Here are some essential tips to follow before you appear for your exam.
- Check the prerequisites before you apply for the certifications—for example, work experience prerequisites.
- Book the exam date well in advance to have time to attend a course and practice what you have learned.
- Prepare well – Solve mock question papers.
- Understand the exam certification format.
- Be aware of the count of MCQs and theory questions.
- Be aware of the duration of the exam and be prepared accordingly.
- On the exam day – keep your ID proofs in handy.
Conclusion
A certification is a form of acknowledgment of their expertise from business and professional associates. Eventually, being certified as an SQA or Tester adds to your resume and helps your profile stand out. Also, you will hold the possibility of faster career progression.
So, why are you waiting? Look no further and apply for a certification exam and prepare well by enrolling yourself in a well-designed certification program!
