How to Build Experience in Software Testing

• The good news is that sometimes ISTQB certifications can substitute for job experience.
   
• Moreover, ISTQB software testing certifications and AT*SQA software testing micro-credentials are needed to prove your software testing knowledge, and testers report that they help in getting interviews.
   
• But how do you get experience if you don't have a job? One idea: Use your testing skills in open-source software projects. Open-source software relies upon open collaboration, meaning any capable user can volunteer to help in development and testing. 

1. Build and prove your skills. ISTQB software testing certifications and AT*SQA software testing micro-credentials from ASTQB and AT*SQA will add you to the Official U.S. List of Certified & Credentialed Software Testers™, the AT*Work™ List of Testers for Hire, and the ISTQB SCR.
    
2. Then use those skills to gain experience. To get you started, we have identified several open-source projects that appear to need software testers. 

Use Advanced & Speciality Certifications to Get Ahead

• If you work in an Agile environment, Agile Testing and Agile Technical Testing are the obvious choices.
   
• If you work with customers, then Acceptance Testing, Usability Testing, and Advanced Level Test Analyst will help your career.
   
• If you want to set yourself up for some amazing possibilities, go for AI Testing now.
   
• If you love a technical challenge and want to be the go-to expert, Advanced Level Test Automation Engineer, Performance Testing, Advanced Level Technical Test Analyst, and Model-Based Testing should all be on your list.
   
• If you're working on mobile apps or the Internet of Things, then Mobile Application Testing or IoT and Mobile Testing should be on your list of upcoming certifications.
   
• If you want to work in a specialized industry, you should have the associated certification such as Game Testing, Automotive Software Testing, or Gambling Industry Testing.
   
• If you see yourself as a leader, Advanced Level Test Management, Test Automation Strategy, and Expert Level Test Management are the top choices.
   
• If you want to round out any of the above, then Security Testing gives you an extra competitive edge.

• Companies recognize employees who are constantly improving. An ASTQB survey showed that more than 90% of ISTQB-certified testers feel that certification aids in gaining professional recognition.
   
• It builds your ranking level and recognition. Each new certification through ASTQB and AT*SQA will increase your level in Testing Tiers®. That moves you up in the Official U.S. List of Certified & Credentialed Software Testers™ and, if you need a job, the AT*Work™ List of Testers for Hire.

Tips for Passing Your ISTQB Exam

• Preparation is key: Give yourself enough time to prepare for your ISTQB exam before you schedule your ISTQB exam date. Purchase your exam voucher now through AT*SQA and then you have up to 365 days to take your exam.
   
• Download the free syllabi and glossary: The free syllabi and glossary provided for the ISTQB exams are very important. 
   
• Study the sample exams – but not just the sample exams: The free ISTQB sample exams are useful but don’t rely on them completely. Just because you know those ISTQB sample exam answers doesn’t mean that you know the answers to the exact questions on the exams. Again, study the syllabus and glossary.