Top 5 Quality Assurance Certifications You Must Check Out!
Published: 2024-06-26 11:28:51

Are you interested in pursuing a career in the field of quality assurance? 

If yes, this piece of information will help you out. The work of [QA engineers](https://s2-labs.com/blog/become-a-qa-engineer/) or testers is just like finding a pinch of salt in a bowl of flour. This amazing industry has golden job opportunities for those quality assurance enthusiasts, who have the ability to use manual and automated testing processes to test the software applications. 

But, is this enough to land great work opportunities in the future? Obviously not! In this blog, we will provide you with information about Quality Assurance Certifications that can help you become a certified QA expert. Also, we will discuss its needs and provide you with the list of the top five QA certifications that will make your resume stand out in the IT industry.

## Why are QA Certifications Important?

As a student, who is interested in the Quality Assurance industry, it is essential for you to attain [quality assurance](https://s2-labs.com/blog/what-is-quality-assurance/) testing certification because it will improve your testing skills. There is no doubt in saying that the QA teams hold a special place in the software development process because these teams are responsible to maintain that standard quality of products and applications to make it usable. 

In such a case, when you enrol into such quality assurance certification courses, it will add value to your CV which makes you a valuable employee in the team. 

Also, when you get trained under these certification programs, your ability to make strategies and sustainability will improve. There are multiple types of QA certifications available in the market, but you must pick the one that fits your schedule. 


## Top 05 Quality Assurance Certifications to Consider

There are several Quality Assurance Certifications that can help you out and enhance your performance level to meet the industry standards. Therefore, it is a must for you to choose the right courses that match your experience level. It would not matter which type of certification you picked up because any type of certification will surely enhance your resume. 

However, we have mentioned the top five quality assurance engineer certifications that can help you out. 

![Image description](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/fsg5kn91f1pub46d0f5e.jpg)

**1. CSTE (Certified Software Test Engineer)**
This is the first type of software quality assurance certification that you can attain at the initial level. This certification is required to maintain and set the standards that are required for the starting level QA qualification in the tech industry. A CSTE certification is associated with a renowned professional association and can help you out for career advancement. This QA certification for beginners is perfect to boost your skills and resume. 

You must have the following things to pursue this certification program:

- 2 year degree from a recognized college with 4 years of experience. 
- 3 year degree from a recognized college with 3 years of experience. 
- 4 year degree from a recognized college with 2 years of experience.
- 6 years of experience in the quality assurance industry. 

The CSTE fee is $350 to $420 US and includes access to the PDF file for exam prep and the exam itself. A minimum of 70% is required to pass this certification exam.

**2. CSQA (Certified Software Quality Analyst)**
This certification proves you've got the right stuff to become a QA. The program dives deep into the standard ideas, concepts, and leadership skills for planning and security. You'll also master ways to assess software, manage projects, measure success, and keep everything running smoothly –  basically, all the ingredients needed to be a top-notch software quality analyst. To qualify for the exam, you must meet one of the CSTE's (Certified Software Test Engineer) eligibility requirements. 

**3. CAST (Certified Associate in Software Testing)**
Certified Associate in Software Testing (CAST) certification indicates an essential understanding of QA testing and technical aspects of IT software, as well as the ability to use the techniques taught in the course. It is wonderful QA training for beginners. 

Candidates must have one of three prerequisites: 

- A 3-4 year degree from an approved college.
- 2-year degree from an approved college and one or more years of experience.
- Three years in the field. 

The fee of this certification program is $100 US and contains both the exam and a PDF file for the Software Testing Body of Knowledge for CAST, which helps prepare for the exam. You must score at least 70% to pass the exam. 

**4. CMSQ (Certified Manager of Software Quality)**
You can opt for this program because this software quality assurance certification shows that the individual is professionally competent in the principles, skills, and abilities of software QA and possesses strong management skills necessary for leading a QA team. 

Candidates must meet the following criteria:

- Recommended: CSQA Certification
- Presently employed in the certification field
- Prepared to take a manager’s level exam

You are also required to have the following prerequisites:

- Bachelor's degree from a renowned college + 4 years of experience in the QA field
- Associate degree + 6 years of experience
- 8 years of experience
The cost for the certification is $450 US, which includes the exam and a PDF file for relevant reading materials. The passing percentage for the exam is 70%.

**5. ISTQB (International Software Testing Qualifications Board)**
The International Software Testing Qualifications Board (ISTQB) is a top software testing certification organization. It offers a diverse range of certificates for developing, extending, and validating software testing abilities. 

This board is recognized as an internationally accepted benchmark for software testing certifications. It provides professional certificates and skill levels ranging from foundational to advanced to expert.

Foundational has no qualifications other than a recommended 6 months of practical experience. Advanced requires Foundational level certification as well as practical experience, whereas Expert requires Advanced certification and additional expert-level modules. They also recommend seven years of actual experience.

Fees for these quality assurance certification programs differ in each country. The US exams begin at $250 US and can increase depending on the level of exam you are taking. You can also buy study materials at various price points. These courses provide quality assurance training for potential QA leaders as well as those seeking certification as field associates. 

## Winding Up

Lastly, this completely depends on you to choose the best quality assurance certification on the basis of your career goals and experience. Also, it is essential for you to pick the one that matches up with your interest. 

If you want to accelerate your journey to become a Quality assurance engineer, you can also get expert QA training from our experienced professionals. So, make your first move to get successful in the field of quality assurance.