Technical competence is expected in software testing, but soft skills are what make for high-impact testers.
AI is changing software testing, but perhaps not in the way you think. Technical skills are still critical for software testing. But technical skills are no longer enough to succeed. Managers want proof of top-notch, software-testing-focused soft skills that will drive projects forward and build efficiency. The ASTQB Soft Skills for Testers certification helps software testers develop and prove they have those skills.
- Why soft skills matter to software testers: Data shows that professionals with strong soft skills, such as collaboration, communication, and sound judgment, result in better pay and more job opportunities, even in technical roles. The ASTQB Soft Skills for Testers certification proves that you understand how testers can work more productively with other testers, developers, business analysts, and product owners.
- Why soft skills matter to organizations: Modern software testing work includes more than just executing tests. Testers need to effectively work with developers, product managers, and business teams. They need to develop relationships and interpersonal skills that move the project forward quickly while making clear that software testing is critical to the organization.
The ASTQB Soft Skills for Testers certification gives managers proof of these skills, and it’s more valuable than a “certificate of attendance” from a training course because:
- It proves retention of key concepts.
- It is focused on the real-world perspective of software testers.
See examples below of how the syllabus builds strong software testing soft skills:
Working with Business Analysts (BAs)
“When working with a BA to frame out the acceptance criteria, it is good to approach this as a task that is needed for testing, not something the tester has to do that the BA should have done.”
Developers
“The goal of a tester with a defect report should be to make that defect easy to fix…this means supplying the developer with all the information they need when the report is written and answering any questions quickly.”
Defect Reports
“Avoid indicating the developer made a mistake – the tester might have made the mistake, the environment or data may be flawed, or the requirements may be unclear.”
Project Managers
“The best way to deal with a project manager is to be factual. The objective information must be available to show why there are issues.”
Project Status Meetings
“Trend information is good for this meeting as it will show longer-term issues rather than just a point-in-time problem.”
Business Writing in Testing
“The professionalism of the test team is strongly reflected in the professionalism of their test documentation.”
The ASTQB Soft Skills for Testers certification proves knowledge of soft skills that help testers to:
- Demonstrate the value of software testing
- Increase the credibility of test results
- Design better tests
- Get defects fixed faster
- Defend testing schedules
- Prevent wasted effort
Why do testers need ASTQB Soft Skills for Testers certification? To prove that as a software tester, you have the professional skills that employers want.
Why do testers want testers with ASTQB Soft Skills for Testers certification? Because it helps them build a software testing team that gets results, is appreciated by others, and is a pleasure to manage.
See additional FAQs about the ASTQB Soft Skills for Testers certification.
Register now for your ASTQB Soft Skills for Testers exam through our official ISTQB exam provider AT*SQA
Purchase your ASTQB Soft Skills Testing exam now through AT*SQA. Only AT*SQA gives you all of these extras in every country in the world:
- Gain confidence when studying for your ISTQB exam. Only ASTQB and AT*SQA give you extra ISTQB sample exams designed to match the style of the real ISTQB exam you take through AT*SQA.
- Boost your recognition and expand your opportunities: You’ll be listed in both the Official U.S. List of Certified & Credentialed Software Testers™ and the ISTQB Successful Candidate Register, giving you greater visibility with employers in the U.S. and internationally.
- Stand out with a free credential: With every ISTQB exam purchase, you can choose a free AT*SQA micro-credential exam to showcase your QA expertise.
- Get support in your job search anywhere in the world: Appear in the AT*Work™ directory, where employers look for testers who are between jobs, seeking freelance projects, or entering the industry.
- Help your company grow: If your company offers testing or consulting services, listing it on AT*Consult™ can help attract new clients.
- Prove you’re among the best: Earn points toward your Testing Tiers® ranking to elevate your status on the Official U.S. List, and rise in visibility on AT*Work™ and AT*Consult™.
Important: ISTQB certifications earned through AT*SQA are valid in every country globally and add you to the ISTQB successful candidate register. Taking your exam through AT*SQA also has the benefit of adding you to the list that American companies check, the Official U.S. List of Certified & Credentialed Software Testers™. You must register through AT*SQA for your ISTQB exam to appear on both lists.
ASTQB Soft Skills for Testers Resources
ASTQB Soft Skills for Testers Exam Format
40 questions | 60 minutes (25% extended time available if English is not your first language)
ASTQB Soft Skills for Testers Prerequisites
none
