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As software development becomes more complex, automated testing ensures quality and efficiency. Automation testing certifications provide a solid way to advance for professionals seeking to validate their expertise and demonstrate their capability to design, develop, and execute automated test scripts to ensure software quality and efficiency.

Whether you’re just starting or you’ve been testing for years, this guide will help you navigate the best certifications to boost your career and improve your testing game.

I've summarized the best automation testing certifications with notes about who and what each is best for so you can find the right one for the next step in your career.

Best Automation Testing Certifications Shortlist

Here's my shortlist of the best automation testing certifications:

  1. Certified Tester Advanced Level Test Automation Engineering (CTAL-TAE) — Best for advanced test automation skills
  2. ISTQB Certified Tester Advanced Level - Test Automation Engineer — Best for comprehensive test engineering knowledge
  3. Certified Software Automation Tester (CSAT) - Foundation Level — Best for foundational skills in software automation
  4. MoT Foundation Certificate in Test Automation — Best for beginners in test automation
  5. Agile Test Automation — Best for agile testing environments
  6. Certified Software Automation Tester - Foundation Level (CSAT) — Best for foundational automation skills
  7. Automated Testing with Selenium — Best for Selenium-based testing expertise
  8. Test Automation Engineer Training — Best for UiPath automation training
  9. Software Automation Testing — Best for practical automation testing knowledge
  10. Certified Automation Functional Testing Professional — Best for functional testing skills
  11. Automation Testing Training & Certification Course — Best for comprehensive automation testing
  12. Certificate Of QA Test Automation — Best for quality assurance in test automation

Overview of the Best Automation Testing Certifications

Below are my detailed summaries of the best automation testing certifications that made it onto my shortlist.

1. Certified Tester Advanced Level Test Automation Engineering (CTAL-TAE) - Best for advanced test automation skills

Screenshot of the landing page for the Certified Tester Advanced Level Test Automation Engineering
The Certified Tester Advanced Level Test Automation Engineering Certification (Source)

The Certified Tester Advanced Level Test Automation Engineering (CTAL-TAE) certification, offered by ISTQB, is designed for professionals involved in software testing and test automation. It covers sustainable test automation solutions and emphasizes essential software engineering skills. The certification requires candidates to have a foundational understanding of test automation, with methods and practices that align with industry standards.

Issued by: ISTQB

Focus:

  • Implementing sustainable test automation solutions
  • Software engineering skills
  • Industry standards adherence
  • Test automation infrastructure configuration
  • Tool and strategy evaluation
  • Scalable solution design
  • CI/CD pipeline integration
  • Test automation data reporting

Prerequisites:

  • Education: Certified tester foundation level v4.0
  • Work Experience: Not required
  • Exam: Yes
  • Other Certifications Required: Not required

Renewability: The certification does not expire but transition information is available for those studying a previous version until 2025

Who It’s For: This certification is essential for those looking to enhance their skills in test automation, enabling them to configure infrastructures, design scalable solutions, and integrate tests within CI/CD pipelines. It signals a profound understanding of advanced test automation practices.

2. ISTQB Certified Tester Advanced Level - Test Automation Engineer - Best for comprehensive test engineering knowledge

The ISTQB Certified Tester Advanced Level - Test Automation Engineer certification page screenshot
The ISTQB Certified Tester Advanced Level - Test Automation Engineer certification (Source)

The ISTQB Certified Tester Advanced Level - Test Automation Engineer certification is designed to enhance the skills of testers in automation practices. This certification covers advanced topics in test automation, including the design, implementation, and management of automated tests. It targets professionals looking to deepen their knowledge and expertise in test automation, enabling them to effectively contribute to quality assurance processes.

Issued by: ISTQB

Focus:

Prerequisites:

  • Education: Must hold the ISTQB Certified Tester Foundation Level certificate (CTFL) or the BCS / ISTQB Foundation Certificate in Software Testing
  • Work Experience: Not required
  • Exam: Yes
  • Other Certifications Required: ISTQB Certified Tester Foundation Level

Renewability: Does not expire

Price: £2,305

Who It’s For: This certification is essential for professionals who want to demonstrate and validate their advanced skills in test automation. It signifies a comprehensive understanding of test automation engineering, which can enhance career opportunities in software testing and quality assurance.

3. Certified Software Automation Tester (CSAT) - Foundation Level - Best for foundational skills in software automation

Certified Software Automation Tester webpage screenshot
The Certified Software Automation Tester (Source)

The Certified Software Automation Tester (CSAT) - Foundation Level certification is designed to enhance skills in software test automation, covering not only functional testing but also performance, load, and code-level testing. It aims to deepen understanding and competence in implementing automated testing frameworks and scripts. The certification process includes a mandatory E-Course, which spans 10 to 15 hours and forms the basis for the certification exam.

Issued by: Global Association for Quality Management (GAQM)

Focus:

Prerequisites:

  • Education: No formal education requirements
  • Work Experience: Not required, but experience in software testing is beneficial
  • Exam: Yes
  • Other Certifications Required: Not required

Renewability: Does not expire

Price: $170

Who It’s For: This certification is ideal for software testers, automation testers, and test analysts who seek to validate and improve their foundational skills in software automation testing. It signifies proficiency in using automated testing tools and frameworks beyond basic functional testing.

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4. MoT Foundation Certificate in Test Automation - Best for beginners in test automation

MoT Foundation Certificate in Test Automation page screenshot
The MoT Foundation Certificate in Test Automation (Source)

The MoT Foundation Certificate in Test Automation (MoT-FCTA) is a beginner-level certification designed to provide essential knowledge and practical experience in the field of test automation. This certification covers various programming languages and frameworks such as Java, C#, and JavaScript, focusing on understanding test automation, evaluating tools, creating automated feedback loops, and maintaining testing tools. This course is self-paced and community-driven, making it accessible for those starting their journey in test automation.

Issued by: Ministry of Testing

Focus:

  • Understanding test automation
  • Evaluating tool options
  • Creating automated feedback loops
  • Investigating failed checks
  • Developing or adopting testing tools
  • Maintaining testing tools

Prerequisites:

  • Education: Basic coding knowledge
  • Work Experience: Experience in software testing and familiarity with a development team
  • Other Certifications Required: Not required

Renewability: Does not expire

Price: $849

Who It’s For: This certification is ideal for individuals starting their careers in test automation, providing them with foundational skills and practical experience to enhance their capabilities in the field.

5. Agile Test Automation - Best for agile testing environments

Agile Test Automation Certification website screenshot
The Agile Test Automation Certification (Source)

The Agile Test Automation (ICP-ATA) certification by ICAgile is designed to validate the skills necessary for designing and implementing test automation within agile and continuous integration environments. This certification focuses on developing scalable testing strategies and integrating automated testing into workflows to enhance software quality and efficiency. It is recognized globally and increases credibility with employers and peers.

Issued by: ICAgile

Focus:

Prerequisites:

  • Education: No formal education requirements
  • Work Experience: Not required
  • Other Certifications Required: Not required

Renewability: Does not expire

Who It’s For: This certification is ideal for individuals aiming to improve their skills in test automation within agile environments, enhancing their career prospects in software development and testing leadership roles.

6. Certified Software Automation Tester - Foundation Level (CSAT) - Best for foundational automation skills

Certified Software Automation Tester - Foundation Level (CSAT) page screenshot
The Certified Software Automation Tester Certification (Source)

The Certified Software Automation Tester - Foundation Level (CSAT) certification focuses on equipping candidates with essential skills in test automation. This certification is designed to simplify testing processes through the use of automated testing tools. It covers running tests, reporting results, and conducting performance and load testing. The course duration is between 10 to 15 hours, and the exam consists of 40 multiple-choice questions, with a requirement of answering at least 28 correctly to pass. The certification is aimed at software testers and automation testers, enhancing their ability to build a test automation framework.

Issued by: Global Institute of Professional Management (GIPMC)

Focus:

  • Foundational concepts in test automation
  • Challenges in test automation
  • Building a test automation framework
  • Performance and load testing

Prerequisites:

  • Education: Must first complete an online course from the GIPMCBok portal
  • Work Experience: Not required
  • Exam: Yes
  • Other Certifications Required: Not required

Renewability: Does not expire

Price: $500

Who It’s For: This certification is designed for individuals seeking to establish foundational skills in software automation testing, allowing them to efficiently automate testing processes and improve testing accuracy.

7. Automated Testing with Selenium - Best for Selenium-based testing expertise

Automated Testing with Selenium landing page screenshot
The Automated Testing with Selenium Certification (Source)

The Automated Testing with Selenium certification comprehensively introduces Selenium, an open-source web application testing framework. This course is structured to provide training from industry experts, and it offers 24/7 lab access along with potential discounts on certification vouchers. Students will gain proficiency in using XPath, handling alerts, accessing web forms, and utilizing the TestNG framework for efficient testing.

Issued by: Montreal College

Focus:

  • Selenium WebDriver setup
  • Scriptwriting for various browsers
  • Web element management
  • XPath usage
  • Alerts and web forms management
  • TestNG framework
  • Test case prioritization and grouping
  • Page Object Model (POM) design pattern
  • Cross-browser testing

Prerequisites:

  • Education: Knowledge of Java programming, SQL, and front-end technologies
  • Work Experience: Not required
  • Other Certifications Required: Not required

Renewability: Does not expire

Who It’s For: This certification is ideal for career starters and professionals seeking to enhance their skills in software testing. It demonstrates proficiency in Selenium-based testing, preparing participants for official Selenium certification and enhancing their employability in the software testing field.

8. Test Automation Engineer Training - Best for UiPath automation training

Test Automation Engineer Training page screenshot
The Test Automation Engineer Training (Source)

The Test Automation Engineer Training is designed to enhance your skills in test automation using the UiPath Test Suite. The program provides hands-on experience through simulated projects, teaching participants to create automated test cases, integrate third-party tools, and perform various types of testing. This training course prepares individuals for the UiPath Certified Professional Test Automation Engineer exam, covering essential topics like project creation, API testing, and CI/CD pipeline development. Upon completion, learners receive a credential that is accessible from their dashboard.

Issued by: UiPath Academy

Focus:

  • Automated test case creation
  • Integration of third-party tools
  • API testing
  • CI/CD pipeline development
  • Various types of testing

Prerequisites:

  • Education: No formal education requirements
  • Work Experience: Not required
  • Exam: Yes
  • Other Certifications Required: Not required

Renewability: No

Who It’s For: This certification is ideal for those looking to improve their test automation skills using UiPath tools, providing a foundational understanding necessary for professional roles in test automation.

9. Software Automation Testing - Best for practical automation testing knowledge

Landing page screenshot of Software Automation Testing Certification
The Software Automation Testing Certification (Source)

The Software Automation Testing certification from the London School of Emerging Technology (LSET) is designed to equip students with essential skills in automation testing. The program offers hands-on training with popular automation tools like Selenium, Cypress, and Appium. It prepares participants for careers in software testing and automation by providing practical knowledge and real-world development experience within a professional environment.

Focus:

  • Selenium
  • Cypress
  • Appium
  • Manual software testing
  • Agile methodologies
  • Automation frameworks
  • Continuous Integration and Delivery (CI/CD)

Prerequisites:

  • Education:
    • Prior knowledge of Java or Java programming certificate
    • Prior knowledge of JavaScript or JavaScript certificate
    • English language requirements of either any one of the following (IELTS 5.5 or NCC Test or GCE “O” Level English C6)
  • Work Experience: Not required
  • Exam: Yes
  • Other Certifications Required: Not required

Renewability: Does not expire

Price: 

  • Online Fees: £200
  • Home Classroom: £250
  • International Classroom: £280

Who It’s For: Ideal for individuals seeking to establish or advance their careers in software testing and automation, providing them with the skills needed for roles as Automated Testers.

10. Certified Automation Functional Testing Professional - Best for functional testing skills

Certified Automation Functional Testing Professional webpage screenshot
The Certified Automation Functional Testing Professional (Source)

The Certified Automation Functional Testing Professional certification is designed to validate and enhance skills in automation software testing, with a particular focus on QuickTest Professional (QTP). This certification covers essential topics such as automation testing fundamentals, QTP basics, object repository management, debugging, and test results analysis. It is tailored for both professionals and students seeking continuous improvement in their career prospects in IT by demonstrating proficiency in software application testing.

Issued by: Vskills

Focus:

  • Automation testing
  • QTP basics
  • Object repository management
  • Debugging
  • Test recording and playback
  • Error handling

Prerequisites:

  • Education: No formal education requirements
  • Work Experience: Not required
  • Exam: Yes
  • Other Certifications Required: Not required

Renewability: Does not expire

Price: $49

Who It’s For: This certification is ideal for individuals aiming for IT roles in companies like Infosys, TCS, IBM, and Cognizant. It validates expertise in functional testing using QTP, enhancing career opportunities within the IT departments of major corporations.

11. Automation Testing Training & Certification Course - Best for comprehensive automation testing

Automation Testing Training & Certification Course page screenshot
The Automation Testing Training & Certification Course (Source)

The Automation Testing Training & Certification Course offered by JanBask Training is a comprehensive program designed to equip individuals with expertise in automation testing, focusing on software quality assurance. The course includes extensive live instructor-led classes covering crucial topics like Selenium and various testing frameworks. Participants benefit from job placement assistance and resume guidance, and receive an industry-recognized certification upon completion. This course aims to prepare individuals for real-world challenges in automation testing through practical exposure and expert mentorship.

Issued by: JanBask Training

Focus:

  • Automation testing concepts
  • Selenium basics
  • Selenium WebDriver
  • Testing frameworks
  • Software quality assurance

Prerequisites:

  • Education: No formal education requirements
  • Work Experience: Not required
  • Other Certifications Required: Not required

Renewability: No

Price: 

  • Live Class: $1,199
  • One-on-One Module: $1,999
  • Self Learning: $998

Who It’s For: This certification is ideal for individuals looking to enhance their skills and career prospects in the growing field of automation testing. It allows professionals to gain practical expertise and recognition in automation testing, making them valuable assets in quality assurance roles.

12. Certificate Of QA Test Automation - Best for quality assurance in test automation

Certificate Of QA Test Automation landing page screenshot
The Certificate Of QA Test Automation (Source)

The Certificate of Software QA Test Automation offered by ICITB is structured to equip professionals with essential skills in QA Automation. The course includes hands-on experience tailored to meet industry standards, providing comprehensive training in various areas such as Java OOP, Maven, performance testing with JMeter, unit testing with TestNG, API testing, GUI automation using Selenium, and Behavior Driven Development (BDD) with Cucumber.

Issued by: ICITB

Focus:

  • Java OOP
  • Maven
  • Performance testing with JMeter
  • Unit testing with TestNG
  • API testing
  • GUI automation using Selenium
  • Behavior Driven Development (BDD) with Cucumber

Prerequisites:

  • Education: Basic programming knowledge
  • Work Experience: Not required
  • Other Certifications Required: Not required

Renewability: Does not expire

Price: LKR 48,500

Who It’s For: This certification is ideal for HND and final-year IT students, fresh graduates, entry-level IT professionals, and QA engineers, allowing them to gain practical skills and knowledge in QA test automation.

FAQs about Automation Testing Certifications

What is automation testing certification?

Automation testing certification is a credential that validates an individual's skills and knowledge in using automation tools and techniques to test software applications. It demonstrates proficiency in designing, executing, and maintaining automated test scripts, which are essential for ensuring software quality and reliability.

Why should I pursue an automation testing certification?

Pursuing an automation testing certification can enhance your career prospects by showcasing your expertise to potential employers. It provides a competitive edge in the job market, often leading to better job opportunities, higher salaries, and recognition within the industry. Additionally, it helps in keeping up with the latest trends and tools in software testing.

What are the common prerequisites for enrolling in an automation testing certification program?

Common prerequisites for enrolling in an automation testing certification program include a basic understanding of software testing concepts, familiarity with programming languages, and experience in manual testing. Some certifications may also require prior knowledge of specific automation tools or frameworks.

How long does it typically take to complete an automation testing certification?

The duration to complete an automation testing certification varies based on the program and the individual's pace of learning. Generally, it can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months. Some programs are self-paced, allowing learners to progress according to their schedule, while others may have fixed timelines.

Are there different levels of automation testing certifications?

Yes, there are different levels of automation testing certifications, ranging from foundational to advanced. Beginner-level certifications cover basic concepts and tools, while advanced certifications delve into complex automation frameworks, strategies, and best practices. These levels cater to individuals at different stages of their careers in software testing.

Other Useful Resources

Here are a few other useful resources to check out:

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Katie Sanders

As a data-driven content strategist, editor, writer, and community steward, Katie helps technical leaders win at work. Her 14 years of experience in the tech space makes her well-rounded to provide technical audiences with expert insights and practical advice through Q&As, Thought Leadership, Ebooks, etc.