Choosing the right software testing certification can improve your career and open new opportunities. If you’re wondering how certifications like CSTE, CAST, CMSQ, and others compare to CTFL and other ISTQB certifications, read our analysis below.
There are several software testing certifications available. Which is the best software testing certification for you and your company?
Based on our analysis, ISTQB software testing certification stands out as the best choice for software testers worldwide, especially when taking it through the official ISTQB exam provider AT*SQA, which gives you free, extra benefits below.
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Note: If you are seeking a comparison of software testers, please see the Testing Tiers™ software tester rankings instead.
How Do Other Software Testing Certifications Compare to ISTQB?
Below is a comparison of five software testing certifications using their entry-level testing certification as a starting point:
- Certified Tester Foundation Level (CTFL) from ISTQB, the International Software Testing Qualifications Board (ASTQB is the official board for ISTQB in the U.S.)
- Certified in Testing Essentials (AT*Essentials) from AT*SQA (AT*SQA is also the official exam ISTQB provider for ASTQB)
- Certified Software Tester (CSTE) from Software Certifications (a division of the Quality Assurance Institute)
- Certified Software Test Professional (CSTP) from International Institute for Software Testing (a division of Software Dimensions Consulting and Training, Inc.)
- Fundamentals Software Testing Certified (FSTC) from Asociación Internacional de Calidad de Software (a division of aics LLC) – note: only a Spanish exam is offered
Many software testing certifications are available, including CAST, CSTE, CMSQ, and others. However, ISTQB offers significant advantages that others cannot match.
How Do the Software Testing Certifications Compare?
Not for Profit or For-Profit?
ISTQB is a not-for-profit organization. Its official U.S. board, ASTQB (“ISTQB in the U.S.”) is also a not-for-profit organization. AT*SQA is a not-for-profit organization as well. The other three certifications are from private, for-profit companies.
In contrast, most other certifications are managed by for-profit companies. This affects transparency, priorities, and long-term value.
Volunteer Board for the U.S.
In the U.S., the not-for-profit volunteer board is ASTQB, the American Software Testing Qualifications Board. AT*SQA also has a not-for-profit volunteer board that is headquartered in the U.S. The other three certifications do not have volunteer boards because they are for-profit organizations.
Validity of the Software Testing Certifications
ISTQB offers certification exams through ASTQB and AT*SQA that meet rigorous global certification standards and are evaluated via psychometric standards to ensure they are valid and fair. AT*SQA’s certification exams also meet rigorous global certification standards, being evaluated via psychometric standards to ensure they are valid and fair. The other English exams do not provide information about their exams. The FSTC exam appears to be of low credibility because it does not follow industry standards for the types of questions, the number of possible answers, or the passing percentage (moreover, the certificate for this exam is in English, which is misleading because the exam is in Spanish).
Ranking Based on Number of Testing Certifications
It is estimated that ISTQB is by far the #1 software testing certification organization based on the number of certificates awarded. AT*SQA does not release certification numbers. The other two English-exam organizations no longer publicly disclose the number of certificates issued, but it is estimated that CSTE has more usage than CSTP. ISTQB reports more than 700,000 software testing certifications globally and is the most commonly used software testing certification in the United States. It is estimated that CSTE has less than 20% of ISTQB’s industry usage, and CSTP has less than 5% of ISTQB’s industry usage. The for-profit Spanish exam (FSTC) has approximately 300 certified individuals.
Most importantly, employers ask for ISTQB in their job postings more than any other software testing certification. See some of the companies asking for ISTQB. Learn more about why employers want ISTQB through ASTQB and AT*SQA.
Certification Course Sales and Required Fees
ASTQB (ISTQB in the U.S.) does not sell training courses directly; instead, you may choose the education that works best for you, be it self-study or the use of a third-party training provider (ASTQB does accredit training courses offered by third parties in the U.S. to ensure quality if you do choose a training provider, but their use is not required). AT*SQA offers inexpensive online education but it is not required. The other two English-exam certification companies sell training directly. The for-profit Spanish exam (FSTC) does not offer training.
All organizations except for the for-profit Spanish exam (FSTC) offer a free body of knowledge (often called the syllabus), but the bodies of knowledge from ASTQB (ISTQB in the U.S.) and AT*SQA are much more comprehensive in content. ASTQB (ISTQB in the U.S.) and AT*SQA also offer a free glossary of software testing terms, as well as free sample exam questions and answers.
ISTQB (through ASTQB and AT*SQA) provides the freedom to choose your learning path:
- Self-study using ISTQB’s free resources like the official syllabus, glossary, and sample exam questions.
- Any training provider that suits your needs and budget.
- Accredited training providers who have proven that their courses align with the ISTQB syllabi.
By contrast, the for-profit certifications often require you to purchase courses, leading to additional costs.
Recertification Requirement
ISTQB does not have a recertification requirement for entry-level (Foundation) or advanced certifications. AT*SQA requires continuing education every three years for its certification exams but not its software testing micro-credential exams. Both the English-exam for-profit organizations require recertification every three years along with payment. The Spanish exam does not require recertification.
Virtually all ISTQB certifications, including ISTQB Foundation Level (CTFL), do not expire. Once you’re certified, the credential is yours for life.
Other certifications like CSTE require recertification every three years, which involves time and additional financial costs.
Why Is ISTQB the Best Software Testing Certification?
Global Popularity and Industry Recognition
ISTQB’s Foundation Level (CTFL) certification is recognized as the most popular software testing certification globally. Its widespread adoption by leading organizations ensures that ISTQB-certified professionals are highly valued.
Flexibility: Self-Study or Choose Your Training Provider
ISTQB gives you flexibility that many other certifications do not. You can self-study using free resources, choose the training provider that works best for you, or use accredited training providers if you want proven alignment to the ISTQB syllabi.
No Recertification Requirements
Unlike many competing certifications, virtually all ISTQB certifications do not expire. Once you earn them, they are yours for life.
Exclusive Free Extras with ISTQB through ASTQB and AT*SQA
When you take your ISTQB exams through ASTQB and AT*SQA, you unlock additional free benefits that other certifications don’t offer:
- Official U.S. List of Certified Software Testers™: Proof of certification employers recognize. (ASTQB and AT*SQA also add you to the ISTQB successful candidate register.)
- AT*Work™ List of Testers for Hire: Visibility for software testing job opportunities.
- Testing Tiers® Ranking Points: A career advancement system that builds your tester ranking.
- Free LinkedIn Updates: Add and showcase your certification directly on LinkedIn.
- Comprehensive Free Resources: Access the official syllabus, glossary, and exclusive practice exams to succeed along with free videos, exam preparation tips, and more.
It should also be noted that:
- ASTQB (ISTQB in the U.S.) offers additional, free benefits for those who are ISTQB certified through ASTQB or its exam provider AT*SQA. These include the free exam retake offer if you qualify, the higher level Proficiency Distinction designation if you quality, inclusion on the Official U.S. List of Certified Software Testers™ as well as the ISTQB registry, points toward your Testing Tiers® software tester ranking level, local software quality sponsorships, free addition of certifications to LinkedIn, podcasts, webinars, white papers, videos, and more. See the ASTQB software testing certification home page for a full list of software testing resources. See the complete list of reasons you should take your ISTQB exam through ASTQB and AT*SQA.
- AT*SQA also offers the same additional, free benefits as ASTQB on their ISTQB certification exams because they are ASTQB’s official ISTQB exam provider.
- AT*SQA offers software testing micro-credentials that are different than certifications. They offer the ability to learn and demonstrate very focused software testing knowledge. As such, they can be useful for exploring software testing topics such as performance testing or test automation that one can then follow with full ISTQB certifications if they are interested in that area.
Make the Smart Choice: Choose ISTQB
ISTQB software testing certification stands out for its global recognition, cost efficiency, and unmatched free benefits when you take your ISTQB exam through ASTQB and AT*SQA.
By registering for your ISTQB certification through ASTQB‘s official ISTQB exam provider AT*SQA, you gain lifelong credentials that position you as a trusted software testing professional.
Get Started Today: Earn Your ISTQB Certification. If you have an old CSTE or other QAI certification, contact us about a special discount when you move to ISTQB.
You may also find it interesting to view the comparison of software testing certifications in a table format. Also see the one-on-one comparison of CSTE vs. ISTQB.
Note: The information used to create this comparison came from the public websites and press releases for CTFL, CSTE and CSTP. We cannot guarantee the completeness or accuracy of this information. Please contact ASTQB if you have any updated information.
