The Official Software Testing Skills Path for Jobs in QA, Test Engineering & Development Whether you test software full-time or part-time, ISTQB software testing certifications through ASTQB and AT*SQA offer an easy path to QA jobs and promotions. If you already have ISTQB Foundation Level certification, the roadmap below answers the question, “What comes after ISTQB Foundation Level?” It also answers the question, “What is the best certificate for software testing?” The good news is that after you take ISTQB Foundation Level, the best certificate for software testing is whatever interests you and is valuable to your employer. There are many software testing certification options, so the testing career path below will be very helpful! Remember, only ASTQB and ISTQB exam provider AT*SQA can add you to both the ISTQB Successful Candidate Register AND the Official U.S. List of Certified Testers™ so you must take your ISTQB exam through us. In addition, by taking your ISTQB exam through ASTQB and AT*SQA, you will earn points toward your Testing Tiers® software tester ranking! “I believe that going through the certification process helped me grow tremendously as a software tester, which led to my current position as a Product Manager. Thank you for all that you do!” Use the software testing skills path below to choose certifications for jobs in Software QA, Software Testing, Agile, Test Engineering, DevOps, Continuous Quality, Test Management, Game Testing, and more. Important: You must register for your ISTQB exams through ASTQB and our official ISTQB exam provider, AT*SQA, to appear on the Official U.S. List of Certified Testers.™ Below is a summary of the software testing career path road map above. You may also wish to download a PDF of the QA Analyst and Software Tester Career Path / Software Testing Skills Path. “I appreciate you letting me know about the ‘The Software Testing Career Road Map,’ it will help me in my career path.” Of course, all software professionals should have Foundation Level Certification (CTFL) knowledge. If you don’t have that certification, it’s the obvious place to start. If you have experience testing software, it will be easy. It gets everyone using the same testing terms and principles. Are you interested in testing cutting edge mobile apps and devices? Then Mobile Testing Certification is for you. This does not require Foundation Level Certification as a prerequisite, so many people start with this. If you will work with Agile development teams, then Agile Testing Certification is a must. It’s an easy addition. Then show your Agile leadership with Advanced Agile Technical Testing Certification. It’s in-demand in an increasingly Agile testing world. Are you interested in usability testing? Then Usability Testing Certification is a great Foundation Level step. Does your software need performance testing? (“Yes,” is the likely answer.) Then Performance Testing Certification is an important addition to your resume. Does your software require acceptance testing? Then Acceptance Testing Certification is a vital skill for you and your team. Do you work in the gambling industry ecosystem? Then Gambling Industry Testing Certification is an important certification for your career. Do you work with mobile applications? Mobile Application Testing Certificationshows you have insight into mobile device and mobile app testing methods, techniques and tools. The Advanced Level Certification options provide exciting career choices. Do you want to work with customers through your Test Analyst Certification? Do you want to work with programmers via your Technical Test Analyst Certification? Do you want to lead the team with your Test Manager Certification? The above are considered “core” advanced certifications because every advanced tester should have one or more for their testing career. ASTQB and ISTQB also offer exciting speciality advanced testing certifications: Test Automation Certification Security Testing Certification A model-based tester on a project uses models to drive test analysis and design. The Model-based Testing Certification provides a practical and easy entry to the MBT approach. If you work in the automative industry, it comes with its own set of testing challenges, making Automotive Testing Certification important. If you enjoy working with customers to create requirements for the software, then Business Analysis Certification is definitely for you. It’s also foundation level certification, so it’s a great, easy addition. Hear why a test manager thinks everyone who tests need BA Certification. If you don’t have Advanced Level certification yet, this podcast on Advanced is a MUST: Hear a veteran IT pro describe: 1) Why you shouldn’t fear the Advanced Level testing certification exam, 2) How to prepare for the Advanced Level exam, including two very important tips, and 3) Why it’s important for your career – and your company – that you become Advanced Level testing certified. This is a podcast that will inspire you to build your testing skills and career! Finally, if you want to be regarded as THE expert manager in testing, Expert Tester Certification offers options that will prove you truly are the expert in your field. This requires Advanced Test Manager as a prerequisite, as you would expect. No matter what you want to do with your career, ISTQB software testing certification has the path you need to pursue the testing career that will make you happy. If you want more information about your software testing career path, we highly recommend our free white paper, “Which Software Testing Career Path is Right for You?” Are you a manager or CIO? ASTQB and ISTQB certification are good for testers, of course, but they are also smart for managers and companies, as they can improve quality, reduce costs, and shorten delivery times. See all of the benefits software testing certification for manager and companies.