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Software testing certifications

I am often asked by new testers if certifications in software testing are something they should pursue, and if certifications are viewed favorably by employers. Let me begin by stating I am not a big fan of certifications, but that is not to say they may not have value.

Also, I am not against tester training. In fact, if anything I think many testers could use more training in formal testing methods and approaches, and need to constantly increase their technical skills and knowledge.

There is a growing plethora of certifications in software testing. There are several organizations that offer 'certification' in software testing. There are also a few universities that offer certificate programs in software testing. Perhaps the biggest problem with these 'certifications' is there are no officially recognized standards for the various certification programs or the criteria to become 'certified.'  So, the question we must ask ourselves is one of these 'certifications' better than other certifications, or should a person get as many certifications as possible just to cover all their bases.

With regard to certifcations being valued by employers I think that certifications seem to carry more weight in IT departments as compared to the commercial software industry. So, if you are applying for a job in an IT department, then look at the company to see if which 'certification' the majority of their employees have, or which is preferred in the various job descriptions.

But, with regard to pursuing a certification in general I tell the person to ask themselves 2 questions (acutally more because the first question is a multipart question). The first question is why there is a push to 'certify' testers, and exactly what are testers being 'certified' to do, and what is the certifying authority recognized throughout the industry? The second question to ask is this; if certifications in software testing are important then why is there no push for certification among software developers?

Depending on how you answer these questions will determine whether or not pursuing a 'certification' is worth your investment.

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Published Friday, November 17, 2006 5:20 AM by I.M.Testy

Comments

# re: Software testing certifications

In the UK the standard certification is ISEB Foundation from the British Computer Society (BCS).  Many employers now state this as 'preferred'.  However, from my perspective the fact that is is a multiple choice exam of basic concepts, it does not really prove to myself (as an employer) of a testers skill, knowledge or commitment.

I'm more interested in how a tester can prove themselves as dedicated to the profession.  It's not hard to tell between those doing it as a 'day job' and those that truly enjoy it as a career.

For me, for example, a great example would be a portfolio.  Take someone who can show you they have been committed to a blog on software testing - to me this is a type of portfolio, showing what they know, what they have been thinking about and gives a sense of character.  A great way to truly get an understanding of an individual.  This to me is better than any software testing certification.

Friday, December 01, 2006 5:14 PM by rosiesherry

# re: Software testing certifications

I agree. 'Certifications' in general may not be an indication of a person's ability beyond the ability to memorize specific things at a moment in time. For example, when I got my Ham radio operator's license I had to learn Morse code, but I have never had to use it and thus 'ditty-bop' has long dropped from my repertoire of skills.

Some companies do view 'certifications' as a good thing. Perhaps they think certifications  provide a baseline of common knowledge for their employees, or perhaps they have a false expectation that certifications give individuals super-human knowledge.

Unfortunately, especially in the later case these companies or the managers who desire certifications  really don't understand (nor want to understand) the role of testing in the organization, and thus "farm-out" the responsibility of training of their employees to a 'certification' organization.

The bottom line (regardless of what I think) is that until individuals in the testing profession are regarded as credible, highly trained technical professionals, and until we (testing professionals) can clearly articulate the value (in quantifiable business terms) we provide to the organization, then some companies will continue to promote 'certifications.'

Saturday, December 02, 2006 12:10 AM by I.M.Testy

# Contextual blindness: or How to take things completely out of context

Many testers are familiar with the concept of inattentional blindness (or at least should be in my opinion

Wednesday, February 13, 2008 4:59 AM by Noticias externas

# Certification Wars

I started diving in the late 70's, and in1985 I became a PADI certified open water scuba instructor.

Saturday, May 31, 2008 8:43 PM by I. M. Testy
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