How to apply for Software Testing Certification exam?

Many readers don’t know how to apply and prepare for these Testing and QA certifications. I will briefly guide here about the certifications available and the locations where you can give the exams.

Certifications In software testing some history:

In 1980 Quality Assurance Institute (QAI) established an association to represent Quality Assurance professionals. Currently many beginners and advanced level certifications are offered by QAI. Certifications like CSQA (Certified Software Quality Analyst), CSTE (Certified Software Test Engineer), CSPM (Certified Software Project Manager) and Some Advanced level certifications like CMST (Certified Manager of Software Testing), CMSQ (Certified Manager of Software Quality).

Normally people having these certifications are recognized as proficient in Quality Assurance. (As what they believe) But there is definitely a plus when it’s comes to your promotion. Other advantage of having certification what I feel is you will brush up the testing knowledge and methodologies while preparing for exam.

There are some prerequisite you should meet before applying for these software Testing certifications. These depend on the certification you are applying for plus some common prerequisites like:

• 4 years degree from reputed college + 2 years of IT experience OR
• 3 years degree + 3 years UT experience OR
• 2 years degree + 4 years IT experience OR
• 6 years IT experience OR

AND Should be worked in IT field for the last 18 months.

To apply for the certification fill out the form available at Testing certification application form. Please check which certification you want to pursue and then fill the form accordingly.

Please note that the application fee for any fresh certification is US $350 in which you can also get the exam guide CD. You must mail or fax the above filled application form to the appropriate address provided in the application form with your fees payment.

Note that these certifications exams are conducted in the location of your choice. Your application is first reviewed by QAI board and on approval further notes are sent to the local exam centers approved by QAI. You can check the current year schedule and locations of testing certification here.

For example if you want to give software testing certification exam in India, Pune center (MIT college) you must fill the application form before 15th October 2009 and can give the exam on 15th December 2009. Total 2 retakes are allowed for any certification. If you still not cleared the exam then forget about the testing certifications and even Testing.

More guides on available certifications and filling the form can be found here