In today’s IT world there is no dearth for resources. Many people go for some certification to impress the recruiters & mark their place in the market. So is the trend in software testing. While many people argue that certifications are farce; the amount of certified testers are increasing day by day. Here are some points for all those bemused minds…
S How does a certification help you?
It helps you to understand the basics of testing. Also you can make others believe that you know something!!!
S I can read the basics from a text book or a website. Why should I spend my money for certification?
Very true. But then whats the need for a degree /diploma or any other academic certificates?
S How much can I relate the syllabus of any “XYZ” certification to practical testing?
May be 10 to 20 percent you can relate it to real time testing. For eg: You will have to learn about boundary value analysis & equivalence partitioning in theory. You can make use of this while testing an application.
S Okay will it improve my testing skills?
The answer is NO. Little will it help to improve your skills.
S Will a certification help me in my job hunt?
Yes. The chances are high that if you have a widely accepted certification, you may get a preference over other Equally Qualified Testers. That does not mean that you will be placed in an organization just because you are certified. You need to have the necessary skills. Certification will be just an added advantage.
My conclusion is this: If job is your first priority & your only concern, then I would say you better get certified. No one is going to reject you because you are certified. But at least one person can prefer you just because you are certified. But if you give priority to your testing skills then don’t go for any certification. Dont waste your money, there are several other better ways for that.
It helps you to understand the basics of testing. Also you can make others believe that you know something!!!
S I can read the basics from a text book or a website. Why should I spend my money for certification?
Very true. But then whats the need for a degree /diploma or any other academic certificates?
S How much can I relate the syllabus of any “XYZ” certification to practical testing?
May be 10 to 20 percent you can relate it to real time testing. For eg: You will have to learn about boundary value analysis & equivalence partitioning in theory. You can make use of this while testing an application.
S Okay will it improve my testing skills?
The answer is NO. Little will it help to improve your skills.
S Will a certification help me in my job hunt?
Yes. The chances are high that if you have a widely accepted certification, you may get a preference over other Equally Qualified Testers. That does not mean that you will be placed in an organization just because you are certified. You need to have the necessary skills. Certification will be just an added advantage.
My conclusion is this: If job is your first priority & your only concern, then I would say you better get certified. No one is going to reject you because you are certified. But at least one person can prefer you just because you are certified. But if you give priority to your testing skills then don’t go for any certification. Dont waste your money, there are several other better ways for that.