Which Certifications Are Best for a QA Tester?

QA testers have told us that their resumes get more attention when they have software testing certifications. So which certifications are best for a QA tester? Here are the top 5 as of today.

1. ISTQB Foundation Level Certification. ISTQB Foundation Level certification, also called ISTQB CTFL, is the most popular certification in the world and the U.S. for QA testers. Part of its popularity is because it covers the foundational aspects of software QA, which explains the name. ISTQB Foundation Level is also the most popular request for a software testing certification in U.S. job openings. 
    
2. ISTQB Agile Tester Certification. ISTQB Agile Tester certification is popular globally and is the second most popular request among U.S. companies after ISTQB Foundation Level. For those who already have ISTQB Agile Tester, ISTQB Agile Technical Testing certification sets you apart. (Also see an Agile micro-credential stack option below!)
    
3. ISTQB Test Analyst Certification. It's difficult to choose among the three ISTQB "core" advanced-level offerings of ISTQB Test Analyst, ISTQB Technical Test Analyst, and ISTQB Test Manager. It's more about which career path interests you the most. ISTQB Test Analyst certification is the best choice if you enjoy working with internal and external customers on a software QA project. ISTQB Technical Test Analyst is better if you like to work with code, and ISTQB Test Manager is best if you want to lead the team.
    
4. AT*SQA DevOps Testing Certification or ISTQB AI Testing Certification (it's a tie!). Many QA testers have been concerned about how DevOps or AI will affect their testing careers. The answer is that it gives you more career opportunities if you can prove you know that area. One or both of these certifications are going to be essential for your career.
    
5. AT*SQA AT*Micro Credentials. While each AT*Micro credential is not technically a certification, if you get all 8 micro-credentials in the AT*SQA Testing Essentials stack, or all 4 micro-credentials in the AT*SQA Agile Testing stack, you'll automatically receive the AT*SQA certification as well! Even if you don't stack them, these micro-credentials cover various testing specialty areas including test techniques, test approaches, performance testing, cybersecurity testing, and many others. The AT*SQA AT*Micro credentials are an easy way to broaden your QA testing knowledge and strengthen your resume.

Get the Attention of Employers
The Official U.S. List™ and Testing Tiers™ Software Tester Rankings

As a professional on the Official U.S. List of Certified & Credentialed Software Testers™, you have shown your commitment to working efficiently with U.S. companies and their software development teams by:

• Demonstrating your American English ability through the exam registration process
• Passing AT*SQA's official American English version of your certification exam
• Building your level in the Testing Tiers™ software tester rankings