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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Comments

• Anonymous
  December 01, 2006
  The comment has been removed

• Anonymous
  December 01, 2006
  The comment has been removed

• Anonymous
  February 12, 2008
  Many testers are familiar with the concept of inattentional blindness (or at least should be in my opinion

• Anonymous
  May 31, 2008
  I started diving in the late 70's, and in1985 I became a PADI certified open water scuba instructor.

• Anonymous
  November 23, 2010
  is microsoft providing any Software Testing certification?