The Growth Series [Part 3]: Getting an ISTQB Certification
As a lifelong learner, I try to gather new knowledge every day, always aiming to enhance my skills with the best and most up-to-date information available. This philosophy is especially relevant in the dynamic and rapidly evolving world of software testing. In a field where new tools, techniques, and methodologies are constantly emerging, staying current is not just beneficial—it’s essential.
When considering how to advance your knowledge and become a more proficient tester, certifications often come to mind. Among these, one certification stands out and is almost universally recognized in job descriptions: the ISTQB. The International Software Testing Qualifications Board (ISTQB) positions itself as the leading global certification scheme in software testing, boasting a reputation for excellence and comprehensive coverage of essential testing principles. I completed the ISTQB foundation level in the past and considered the test manager certification for quite some time.
But is the ISTQB certification worth your time and effort? Does it truly delivver the value it promises? In this post, which is part of my ongoing series "The Growth Series," I will delve into the ISTQB certification. We will explore its benefits, drawbacks, and whether it genuinely adds value to your career as a software test engineer.
What is the ISTQB and What Certifications Does It Offer?
The International Software Testing Qualifications Board (ISTQB), founded in 2002, has established itself as a prominent entity for software testing certifications. With over 1.3 million exams administered and more than 957,000 certifications issued across more than 130 countries, the ISTQB has made a substantial impact on the global software testing community.
The ISTQB offers a comprehensive suite of 23 certifications designed to cater to various levels of expertise, from beginner to advanced. These certifications also cover specialized areas within software testing. The range includes foundational certifications for those new to the field, as well as advanced and expert-level certifications for experienced professionals seeking to deepen their knowledge and skills. Almost every software tester is familiar with the ISTQB, and many know colleagues who hold at least one ISTQB certification.
Benefits of the ISTQB Certification
Foundation Level Insight
When I pursued the foundation level certification, I had already been working as a tester for two years. Despite my practical experience, the certification introduced me to a structured framework of common terminologies and concepts that I was previously unfamiliar with. It not only reinforced my existing knowledge but also filled in numerous gaps that I didn't even realize were there. For instance, terms like bug, defect, and failure, which I had often used interchangeably, were clearly defined and differentiated. Understanding these distinctions can be beneficial in our field, as precise communication can significantly impact the efficiency and effectiveness of testing processes. The certification also provided a comprehensive overview of different testing methods, which broadened my perspective on how to approach various testing scenarios. I learned about stress testing, white-box testing, and API testing among others, each with its unique applications and benefits.
Career Advancement
One of the primary benefits of obtaining an ISTQB certification is that it will show up on your CV. The ISTQB has effectively marketed its certifications, making them widely recognized. As a result, many recruiters list ISTQB certifications as job requirements, giving you a competitive edge when applying for new positions. This advantage holds even if the recruiters themselves may not fully understand the certification's significance. Especially as a beginner with no experience, it can show that you already have some basic knowledge and that you are willing to put in the work to learn and educate yourself.
Drawbacks of the ISTQB Certification
Too Many Different Levels
The foundation level certification covers only the basics, providing a solid introduction to software testing principles and practices. However, if your interests lie in specialized areas such as testing AI or gaming, or if you aspire to roles like test manager or team lead, you will need to pursue additional certifications. These advanced certifications delve deeper into specific topics and equip you with some new information required for these specialized roles.
But do you really need a new certification for every small step? Is a separate certification necessary to be an agile tester? Can't these skills be taught simultaneously? Pursuing additional certifications can require a significant investment of both time and money. Each certification requires dedicated study and preparation, often involving coursework, training sessions, and exam fees.
In my opinion, the ISTQB's extensive range of certifications can be perceived as profit-driven. The need for multiple certifications to prove competency in various areas might suggest that revenue generation is a key driver behind their certification structure. Many of the concepts covered in these certifications could potentially be presented more compact, reducing the need for testers to invest in multiple exams.
Hierarchical and Rigid
The ISTQB certification path promotes a hierarchical structure within the testing profession, implying a rigid separation of roles such as test executors, test designers, and test managers. This structured approach does not always reflect the realities of the workplace. In many organizations, testers are encouraged to gain a wide range of experience and develop diverse skills rather than being confined to specific roles. This flexibility allows testers to adapt to various project needs and contributes to a more dynamic and versatile testing environment. Since ISTQB heavily promotes their certifications and solutions, many companies believe they need to align their internal structures accordingly. However, this is often unnecessary and frequently impractical. Rather than endorsing a specific hierarchical structure, ISTQB should focus on the value of the information itself.
One-Size-Fits-All Approach
The ISTQB often advocates a single solution or approach to testing, which may not always be applicable in real-world scenarios. As an advocate of context-driven testing, I believe that the software's context should significantly influence testing strategies. The ISTQB's standardized solutions can sometimes fail to address the unique challenges encountered in different testing environments.
For example, many exam questions cannot be answered universally for every real-world situation. These fictional scenarios often lack practical value for companies facing real market challenges. So, why pose questions this way? Instead, why not focus on teaching various approaches and how different industries pursue diverse solutions?
Should You Pursue the ISTQB Certification?
Reflecting on my experience, I would say that the ISTQB foundation level certification can be beneficial for beginners. If you are new to software testing or have just started your career, this certification can provide some new knowledge and insights, laying a solid foundation for your future in the field. It introduces essential concepts and standard terminologies that are helpful for any software tester, helping you build a strong baseline of understanding.
However, for more experienced testers looking to advance their skills, the benefits of additional ISTQB certifications may be limited. While these certifications can enhance your CV and may meet certain job requirements, the actual learning and value gained might not always justify the significant cost and effort involved. Advanced ISTQB certifications often reiterate concepts that seasoned professionals may already be familiar with through practical experience.
In my opinion, instead of pursuing multiple certifications, consider alternative learning opportunities that might offer more practical and applicable knowledge. Specialized training programs, unconferences, and self-study can provide in-depth understanding and hands-on skills in specific areas of interest. These alternatives often focus on current trends and technologies, offering a more dynamic and up-to-date learning experience.
In conclusion, the ISTQB foundation level certification can be a useful starting point for beginners in software testing, providing essential knowledge and a recognized credential. For seasoned professionals, however, other learning methods might be more beneficial in enhancing your expertise and career prospects. Exploring diverse educational resources can lead to more practical skills and a broader understanding of the testing landscape.