Top 5 Software Testing Certifications

Software Testing has helped a lot of ventures to evaluate and verify the quality of every software component so that the software can respond aptly to different inputs of stakeholders. Besides, the techniques, associated with the testing of programming, driver, or application software involve risks which, can run intentionally or intentionally in different environments. Those risks need to be remediated proactively and for doing that, businesses must have that production unit acquiring an overall knowledge of the practical implementation of risk analysis [which is an imperative part of Software Testing].

You may think about the demand for a software tester at this instance. Yes, the requirement is humongous and will always be till the creation and maintenance of software will occur!! Either you plan dynamic or static testing, you need to bring the quality testing practices on the table and for doing that, this becomes necessary – certified testers with recognition through certification by reputed institutions. Let’s take a look at top software testing certifications which won’t only land a high-paying job for you but also help the ventures reduce the risks so that their software may gain acceptance from their customers globally.

1. CAST (Certified Associate in Software Testing)

This certification can professionally identify the ability of an applicant or a candidate while demonstrating the software testing principles and their quality practices at a foundational level. Some prerequisites are there like: –

◉ 3 or 4 years degree from college-level [accredited] institution 

◉ 2 years degree from college-level [accredited] institution + 1-year experience in the IT services field 

◉ 3 years experience in the IT services field 

From the above, you must possess any ONE OF those for qualifying the candidacy of CAST. The fee of this certification is 100 US Dollars and one can pay this online after reading the payment terms carefully. Apart from all this, the certification will test your knowledge in various skill areas. They will be like how one can build ST i.e Software Testing ecosystem keeping in mind the conditions and influences surrounding, your vocabulary about methods and approaches of ST, managing the allotted software project through communication, monitoring, staffing, budgeting, and scheduling. Also, there are some other skill areas such as the magnitude of risk(s) associated with the lifecycle of the deployment current software system, designing of the test cases (like black-box), checkpoint reviews and the required exceptions, testing of the assimilated specialized technologies of mobile applications or cloud-based applications, and reporting of the tests after collecting the metrics and graphs of the data interpreted.

2. CSQA (Certified Software Quality Analyst Certification)

This certification will let you receive recognition since the candidature is identified and evaluated on the grounds of a professional level of competence. Such competence is regarding the knowledge about the practices and principles of QA i.e. Quality Assurance used in Software Testing. Undoubtedly, one needs to ethically note these prerequisites down, and they start with: –

◉ 4-year degree from college-level [accredited] institution + 2 years experience in the IT services field 

◉ 3-year degree from college-level [accredited] institution + 3 years experience in the IT services field 

◉ 2-year degree from college-level [accredited] institution + 4 years experience in the IT services field 

◉ 6 years experience in the IT services field. 

From the above, you need to acquire any ONE from those for letting your candidacy qualify. In spite of all these four pre-requisites, the fee of CSQA certification is 350 US Dollars or $450. You must access the payment policy section for knowing accurately about the terms and conditions. Indeed, the certification will be testing your knowledge about assessing the software products and the connected services in accordance with the concepts and principles of Quality Assurance; defining, implementing, and improving the quality control leadership initiatives aligning with the behavior and commitment with management, assessing the baselines of software modules so that the organizations can proactively measure the overall customer satisfaction well. Not only this but also the knowledge, about outsourcing and COTS in the internal control audits, is cross-examined that can simplify the addressed quality assurance plans.

3. International Software Testing Qualifications Board (ISTQB) Certification

This certification is most widely recognized for software testing at a foundational level as well as an advanced level. Currently, expert-level certification is being developed. For all these levels, the working groups of ISTQB are operating internationally so that the candidates can prepare well for the roles like software testers, test managers, test analysts, IT directors, and QA managers i.e. quality assurance managers. In the foundational level (one module), you may either opt for the Foundational Level Core certification or Foundational Level Specialist certification. Similarly, the advanced level (three modules) is divided into Advanced Level Core certification and Advanced Level Specialist Certification. For the candidates willing to receive advanced level certification, they must possess the Foundational one. If we talk about the fees, the foundational level certification costs 229 US Dollars while each of the advanced level ISQB certification costs $249. 

Both these certifications will test your knowledge about the fundamentals of testing and quality assurance; defects, effects, and root causes of test processes, tasks, and work products, basic to the mid-level understanding of the lifecycle of software testing i.e. STLC, configuration management of the automated and agile test cases. Other than the above, tools and techniques for estimating risks (related to testing) and tracking the behavior and development of work products will be included in ISTQB certification. With this, applicants all around the world can plan and schedule the test strategies so that they help businesses progressively develop the deliverables in accordance with the key project requirements.  

4. Certified Quality Engineer (CQE)

The certification for CQE costs around 498 US Dollars and has an examination in two modes. The first one is computer-delivered (in English) which has 175 Questions in total which you need to complete in 5 hours 18 minutes. From those, 160 questions are multiple-choice type i.e. MCQ, and 15 questions are unscored which means they won’t impact your final marks. On the other side, the paper-and-pencil examination (in English, Portuguese, Spanish, Mandarin, and Korean in certain locations) for Certified Quality Engineer has 160 questions that need to be completed in 5 hours. Before getting enrolled in CQE certification, you must have 8 years of experience in one or more areas of CQE or a minimum of 3 years of experience (full-time, paid role as an intern or employee) in the decision-making position (i.e you are involved with the execution and controlling of quality inspection processes) in any of its areas. 

There will be a variability in the set of topics asked like notions of service quality control and evaluation of products’ principles; development and analysis of statistical models, human factors correctly diagnosing the metrology of management information systems. Rather than these, the certification will document your critical skills related to validation and verification of sampling, distributions, and capability studies based on the hypothetical statistics of risk assessment and its acceptance.          

5. Certified Manager of Software Testing (CMST)

This certification assesses the capabilities and competencies of the applicants inclined towards software testing. Soon, they will be working at the ST management level. If one wants to be on the qualifying list of CMST’s candidacy, then any ONE from these three prerequisites must be fulfilled:

◉ Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or another field of engineering from a college-level [accredited] institution + 4 years of experience in ST field 

◉ Associate Degree + 6 years of experience in ST field 

◉ 8 years of experience in the ST field. 

Besides, there are 100 Multiple Choice Questions from which the candidate must answer 70 correctly for passing CMST certification whose fee is 450 US Dollars. On an overall basis, this certification will assess your candidature on grounds of resource planning, traceability, and controlling of various test processes, implementing and designing the product which will meet the requirements of the customers, and maintenance of releases somewhere related to the quality standards of this competitive market.  

Source: geeksforgeeks.org

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Six Sigma and Lean Six Sigma Certification: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide

Six Sigma is a quality management program that seeks to minimize or eliminate defects or errors in products and business services. Originally developed to enhance manufacturing processes, the tools and techniques used in Six Sigma are now held industry-agnostic, which means they have been successfully used in such sectors as aeronautics, electronics, pharmaceuticals, retail, and more.

The sigma part of Six Sigma applies to the data analysis portion of the process. Following Six Sigma methods, a team gathers and analyzes data about product manufacture or service creation/delivery to discover the standard deviation (sigma) between the mean and the nearest customer specification limit. The aim is to limit defects or errors to a peak of 3.4 per million opportunities.

Organizations that have used Six Sigma processes may also view improved customer service, shorter cycle times, and better compliance with management and business development standardization. However, the difficulties of Six Sigma make its processes somewhat challenging to implement, and it typically takes months or years before all appropriate employees are on board, following the procedures closely and consistently enough to obtain such benefits and value.

Overview of Six Sigma and Lean Six Sigma Certifications

Unlike most IT-related certifications, Six Sigma certifications are available from several various certification bodies, such as the American Society of Quality (ASQ), iSQI Lean Six Sigma Academy (LSSA) and the International Association for Six Sigma Certification (IASSC). That indicates either the individual seeking certification or the individual's business must research and analyze programs before committing to one in particular.

Each certification body offers similar no same Six Sigma certification levels, although the following are mostly regular across programs:

• Yellow Belt: This person is a project team member who helps project improvements.

• Green Belt: This person also supports project improvements, helps with statistical analysis, and may manage projects in a part-time capacity.

• Black Belt: This person leads projects usually full time and often trains, coaches, and manages project members.

• Master Black Belt: This person develops project metrics and plans, works as an organization's go-to Six Sigma person, and trains and mentors Black Belts and Green Belts.

Unlike some IT certifications, Six Sigma certifications do not form certification steps. That means a Yellow Belt is not a requirement to a Green Belt, and you do not require a Green Belt to become a Black Belt, and so forth.

ASQ Six Sigma Certifications

The American Society for Quality (ASQ) certification program has 18 certifications. It covers the Yellow Belt, Green Belt, Black Belt, and Master Black Belt credentials, along with 14 others that are particular to job roles.

Candidates for ASQ certifications can save money by becoming a member, which costs $29 to $159 per year, depending on whether you register at the Student, Associate, or Full level.

IASSC Lean Six Sigma Certifications

IASSC concentrates on Lean Six Sigma, which connects lean manufacturing processes and systems within the Six Sigma structure. IASSC exams are based on topics in the IASSC Globally Accepted Lean Six Sigma Body of Knowledge.

The IASSC Lean Six Sigma certification curriculum has only three but reliable certifications: Certified Yellow Belt, Certified Green Belt, and Certified Black Belt.

IASSC stands out in the Six Sigma track because the organization does not offer training, and it does not need work experience or hands-on projects as an element of its certification specifications. Candidates must pass a written exam.

The cost of IASSC certification exams is $395 for the Certified Black Belt, $295 for the Certified Green Belt, and $195 for the Certified Yellow Belt.

iSQI LSSA Lean Six Sigma Certifications

Six Sigma is a method for process improvement by using analytical and statistical techniques. Six Sigma is based on the Continuous Improvement Maturity Model (CIMM), which is used for developing world-class products. Lean in this connection means that several processes are considered comprehensively, enabling holistic process optimization.

The internationally recognized LSSA Lean Six Sigma certifications provide four levels of specialization in the fields of process improvement, quality management, and product development. These are called the Yellow Belt, Orange Belt, Green Belt, and Black Belt.

There are no particular requirements or expected pre-certifications. All four LSSA certificates can be obtained independently of one another by taking an exam.

The cost of iSQI LSSA certification exams is $568 for the Certified Black Belt, $425 for the Certified Green Belt, and $240 for the Certified Yellow Belt.

Becoming Six Sigma and Lean Six Sigma Certified

To achieve a Six Sigma and Lean Six Sigma certification, a candidate should require to meet experience elements, pass a written certification exam, and demonstrate hands-on competency. Most of the different certification bodies offer training which is suggested but not typically required as part of a certification package, which also covers training materials and written exam costs. Exams are conducted by Pearson VUE, Prometric, or the certification bodies at specialized conferences and educational events.

Written exams are usually multiple-choice and increase in allotted time and stress at each certification level. Where a Yellow Belt written exam may take 90 minutes, a Black Belt exam may need four hours. The hands-on portion of certification testing means typically making one or more quality projects with signed affidavits.

Read: REASONS WHY LEAN SIX SIGMA BLACK BELT CERTIFICATION IS DESIRABLE

For example, a Green Belt might be needed to perform one project, a Black Belt two plans, and a Master Black Belt 10 or more projects. Most certification bodies provide applicants to count college or university degrees toward the work experience requirements.

Job Opportunities for Six Sigma and Lean Six Sigma Certified Professionals

Just as there is not one industry to which Six Sigma processes apply, Six Sigma job roles vary. The most popular characters are project manager, project or process engineer, and quality assurance engineer. However, because employees from many various departments may participate in a Six Sigma team, you can also get business intelligence analysts, operational risk managers, software developers, and consultants, to name a few.

There is a healthy job market for Six Sigma certified professionals.

The average annual salary for a Yellow Belt is about $66,000, and a Green Belt is $82,000. A Black Belt can expect just under $98,000 on average, whereas a Master Black Belt averages $119,000, but it is common to see job descriptions with salaries of $135,000 to $122,000, and sometimes more.

Summary

ProcessExam offers extensive online practice exams for Six Sigma and Lean Six Sigma certificate programs with different levels of Six Sigma experience. The online practice exams Six Sigma and Lean Six Sigma certificate prepare professionals to satisfy the enormous demand for Lean expertise, skills, and certification.

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