Monday 14 December 2009

Software Testing and Quality Assurance Certifications - Which One Do You Need?

By John Peters

Software testing and quality assurance are both an integral party of a software product. Before we actually discover the differences between the software testing certifications and quality assurance certification, let us see what the difference between software testing and quality assurance is.

While software testing is more to do with the functionality and technical testing of the software product, quality assurance cover and certifies the product and process both to be of a specific standard. Quality certified products have greater value associated with them. But yes they need to be tested on all parameters - that is where the software testing comes in. Now we know where software testing and quality assurance differ lets discuss where the certification associated with the each, software testing certifications and quality assurance certifications, differ.

Software Testing Certifications covers the niche of software testing process. It certifies your awareness and knowledge of the terms associated with software testing and your understanding of those terms. A software testing certified professional, depending on the level or certification though, has proved his awareness of the various software testing tools and demonstrated expertise on the usage of these tools. A certified professional is expected to efficiently use the tools and techniques and make decisions on the appropriate usage of them for the project or the software product.

Quality Assurance Certifications on the rather hand certifies you of being acquainted with the software quality process and its glossaries. A Software Quality Assurer or SQA as he is called is involved in all the life cycles of a project and is there to ensure that not just the deliverables meet the standards but also the approach used in the project life cycle is followed. He ensures that testing covers all aspects and does not lack any conditions or criteria. Compliance of the Quality Assurance Certifications, you have proven yourself to be aware of the processes and process management. It is always accounted as a stepping stone to success into the management stream.

Though it is the quality assurance certifications that contributes and account for immediate success and stability in your career, but actually it is software testing certifications that help you achieve that. Getting yourself software testing certified is building the foundation for progress and promotion in the testing and quality assurance domain in the IT industry. All said and done, passing the certifications, be it in software testing or quality assurance or any other kind of certification, is no guarantee for the promotion and rise in your field, but it greatly increases your chances and adds more value to your profile and designation.

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