12 Best Test Management Certifications of 2025
Earning a test management certification is a strategic move for professionals looking to validate their software testing expertise and enhance their qualifications for test manager roles.
To help you find the most suitable certification for your career advancement, I've compiled a summary of top test management certifications, highlighting their unique benefits so you can find the right one for your next career move.
Best Test Management Certifications Shortlist
My top picks of the best test management certifications for 2025, handpicked to advance your skills and maximize your time:
- ISTQB Certified Tester Advanced Level - Test Manager — Best for experienced test managers seeking advanced skills
- Certified Tester Advanced Level Test Management (CTAL-TM) — Best for those focusing on test management techniques
- Certified Software Testing Manager (CSTM) — Best for comprehensive testing management knowledge
- Certified Tester Expert Level Test Management Operational Test Management (CTEL-TM-OTM) — Best for operational test management expertise
- Certified Tester Foundation Level (CTFL) — Best for foundational software testing skills
- Certified Tester Expert Level Test Management Strategic Test Management (CTEL-TM-SM) — Best for strategic test management proficiency
- Certified Software Testing Professional (CSTP) — Best for professional advancement in testing
- ISTQB Test Manager/Management Advanced Level Certification — Best for advanced test management certification
- Certified Tester Test Automation Engineer (CT-TAE) — Best for automation in testing
- Certified Tester Expert Level Test Management Managing the Test Team (CTEL-TM-MTT) — Best for managing and leading test teams
- Certified Tester Foundation Level Agile Tester (CTFL-AT) — Best for agile testing methodologies
- ISTQB Expert Level Test Management Certification — Best for expert-level test management skills
Overview of the Best Test Management Certifications
Below are my detailed summaries of the best test management certifications on my shortlist:
1. ISTQB Certified Tester Advanced Level - Test Manager - Best for experienced test managers seeking advanced skills
This certification validates expertise in software test management, including test processes, defect handling, and team leadership. It assesses skills in planning, monitoring, and controlling testing activities at an advanced level. Test manager exam
Issued by: BCS
Focus:
- Test process management
- Risk-based testing
- Test leadership
- Test team dynamics
- Test management documentation
- Test tools and automation
Prerequisites:
- Education: Training with a BCS-accredited training provider or self-study
- Work Experience: A minimum of three years of testing experience
- Exam: Available via Pearson VUE test centers worldwide
- Other Certifications Required: ISTQB Certified Tester Foundation Level
Renewability: No
Price: £252 (£210 + VAT) in the UK; international prices vary
Who It’s For: Ideal for experienced software test managers looking to demonstrate their ability to test lead, optimize test processes, and apply structured testing methodologies.
2. Certified Tester Advanced Level Test Management (CTAL-TM) - Best for those focusing on test management techniques
This certification focuses on managing testing activities throughout the software development lifecycle. It equips you with the skills to define test strategies, lead teams, and improve organizational test processes.
Issued by: ISTQB
Focus:
- Test organization
- Test strategy and process improvement
- Software development lifecycle
- Risk assessment
- Stakeholder communication
- Team competencies development
Prerequisites:
- Education: No formal education requirements
- Work Experience: Relevant practical experience needed
- Exam: 50 questions, 120 minutes, passing score of 58 out of 88
- Other Certifications Required: Certified Tester Foundation Level certificate
Renewability: Does not expire
Who It’s For: This certification, ideal for project managers, test managers, and QA professionals, validates expertise in aligning testing with business goals, managing stakeholders, and leading test process improvements.
3. Certified Software Testing Manager (CSTM) - Best for comprehensive testing management knowledge
This certification validates the skills to manage a software test function, covering principles and practices essential for test leads and managers. It is based on the Test Management Body of Knowledge (TMBOK) and assesses management-level competencies in software testing.
Issued by: Global Association for Quality Management (GAQM)
Focus:
- Test organization
- Test management processes
- Software test function leadership
- Test project planning and execution
- STQB Syllabus alignment
Prerequisites:
- Education: No formal education requirement
- Work Experience: At least three years of experience in software testing
- Exam: 100 multiple-choice questions, 80% passing score; includes two attempts per voucher, with additional vouchers available for retakes
- Other Certifications Required: Certified Software Tester - Advanced Level (CSTAL) - Test Manager (optional)
Renewability: The certification is valid for five years and requires renewal through re-examination or continuing education.
Who It’s For: This certification is for test leads and managers seeking to validate their expertise in managing software testing teams and processes. It demonstrates the ability to oversee test projects, improve efficiency, and align strategies with industry standards.
4. Certified Tester Expert Level Test Management Operational Test Management (CTEL-TM-OTM) - Best for operational test management expertise
This is a specialized certification within the ISTQB Expert Level Test Management program. It equips you to make strategic decisions, assess and improve test management processes, create comprehensive test plans, and manage human factors in testing projects.
This certification also builds on foundational and advanced knowledge and emphasizes aligning test management with business objectives.
Issued by: ISTQB
Focus:
- Managing third-party relationships
- Project management essentials
- Risk management
- Effective communication in testing
- Reporting test results
- Understanding and using metrics in the testing process
Prerequisites:
- Education: Must have Certified Tester Foundation Level (CTFL) and Advanced Level Test Manager (CTAL-TM) certifications
- Work Experience: At least five years of practical testing experience and two years in the specific Expert Level topic
- Exam: Passing exams for all three parts of the Expert Level Test Management (Strategic, Operational, and Managing the Test Team)
- Other Certifications Required: CTFL and CTAL-TM
Renewability: The certification is valid for seven years and requires renewal after this period
Who It’s For: This certification is ideal for test managers who aim to enhance their expertise in operational test management. It enables them to lead testing efforts effectively and align them with organizational goals.
5. Certified Tester Foundation Level (CTFL) - Best for foundational software testing skills
This certification establishes fundamental knowledge of software testing, including core concepts, terminology, and best practices. It provides a foundation for implementing testing techniques across software development approaches, including Agile and DevOps.
Issued by: ISTQB
Focus:
- Fundamental concepts of software testing
- Testing throughout the software lifecycle
- Static testing techniques
- Test design techniques
- Test management principles
- Tools support for testing
Prerequisites:
- Education: No formal education requirement
- Work Experience: Not required
- Exam: 40 questions, passing score of 26 out of 40, 60 minutes duration (75 minutes for non-native speakers)
- Other Certifications Required: ISTQB Core Advanced Levels, Specialist, and Expert Level certifications
Renewability: Does not expire
Who It’s For: This certification validates foundational software testing skills, making it suitable for testers, test managers, software developers, and project or quality managers seeking to build a solid understanding of testing methodologies and processes.
6. Certified Tester Expert Level Test Management Strategic Test Management (CTEL-TM-SM) - Best for strategic test management proficiency
This ISTQB certification recognizes expertise in strategic test management and integrating testing into business strategy. It equips you with the skills to lead test initiatives, make data-driven decisions, and improve organizational testing processes.
Issued by: ISTQB
Focus:
- Purpose of testing
- Test policy and strategy
- Objectives and metrics for effectiveness and efficiency
- Integration of tools
- Management of external relationships
Prerequisites:
- Education: Certified Tester Foundation Level (CTFL)
- Work Experience: At least 5 years of practical testing experience, including 2 years in the specific Expert Level topic
- Exam: Pass the Expert Level Exam
- Other Certifications Required: Advanced Level Test Manager (CTAL-TM)
Renewability: The certification is valid for seven years
Who It's For: This certification is intended for expert test managers who wish to lead and make strategic decisions in test management. It validates a professional's ability to enhance test management processes and align testing with business objectives.
7. Certified Software Testing Professional (CSTP) - Best for professional advancement in testing
This two-day training program enhances software testing skills for aspiring testers, QA analysts, and IT professionals. It includes a course manual and prepares you for the globally recognized CSTP certification exam.
Issued by: The Digital Academy
Focus:
- Software testing principles
- Testing methodologies
- Test management
- Role of testing in the software development lifecycle
Prerequisites:
- Education: No formal education requirements
- Work Experience: Not required
- Other Certifications Required: None
Renewability: The certification does not expire
Price: $2,295
Who It’s For: This certification validates your expertise in software testing, making you a competitive candidate for software quality assurance and testing roles.
8. ISTQB Test Manager/Management Advanced Level Certification - Best for advanced test management certification
This certification enhances software testing skills and leadership capabilities for those with the ISTQB Foundation Level Certification. It supports Agile and sequential methodologies and offers a reduced ISTQB exam duration of 120 minutes. You can prepare using the syllabus, sample exams, and other resources before registering through the official exam provider.
Issued by: ASTQB
Focus:
- Software testing skills
- Leadership capabilities
- Agile methodologies
- Sequential methodologies
Prerequisites:
- Education: ISTQB Foundation Level Certification
- Work Experience: Recommended experience in software testing or test management
- Exam: Multiple-choice exam administered by ASTQB
- Other Certifications Required: Part of the ISTQB Advanced Level suite
Renewability: Does not expire
Who It’s For: This certification is ideal for test managers, QA leads, and senior testers aiming to lead testing initiatives. It demonstrates the ability to develop test strategies, manage teams, and optimize test processes within an organization.
9. Certified Tester Test Automation Engineer (CT-TAE) - Best for automation in testing
This certification centers on designing, developing, and maintaining test automation solutions. It encompasses a range of methods, tools, and processes pertinent to software testing.
Issued by: ISTQB
Focus:
- Design of test automation solutions
- Development of test automation solutions
- Maintenance of test automation solutions
- Various methods, tools, and processes in software testing
Prerequisites
- Education: None specified, but foundational knowledge in software testing is implied
- Work Experience: Prior experience in software testing is recommended
- Exam: 40 questions, requiring a passing score of 49 out of 75 points within 90 minutes
- Other Certifications Required: Certified Tester Foundation Level certificate
Renewability: The certification does not require renewal, but it is retiring soon, with English options ending on June 12, 2025, and non-English on December 12, 2025.
Who It’s For: This certification is crucial for professionals specializing in test automation. It highlights their ability to design, develop, and maintain effective automation solutions in software testing environments.
10. Certified Tester Expert Level Test Management Managing the Test Team (CTEL-TM-MTT) - Best for managing and leading test teams
This certification equips you with advanced leadership, strategic decision-making, and stakeholder communication skills. It focuses on people management, including recruitment, performance reviews, and team dynamics. It also emphasizes developing standardized processes and making data-driven decisions using quality KPIs.
Issued by: ISTQB
Focus:
- Advanced test management skills
- Strategic decision-making based on quality KPIs
- Recruitment and team management
- Performance reviews and stakeholder communication
- Creation of master test plans
Prerequisites:
- Education: Certified Tester Foundation Level (CTFL)
- Work Experience: Minimum of five years in practical testing, including two years in the Expert Level topic
- Exam: Pass the Expert Level Exam
- Other Certifications Required: Certified Tester Advanced Level Test Manager (CTAL-TM)
Renewability: Valid for seven years
Who It’s For: This certification is designed for test managers who want to demonstrate their ability to lead and manage a test team, make strategic decisions, and manage team dynamics efficiently.
11. Certified Tester Foundation Level Agile Tester (CTFL-AT) - Best for Agile testing methodologies
This certification equips professionals with essential testing skills for Agile projects, aligning with Agile principles from the Agile Manifesto. It is intended for those currently working in Agile environments or planning to adopt Agile methodologies.
Issued by: ISTQB
Focus:
- Testing skills for Agile projects
- Collaboration in Agile teams
- Adapting testing knowledge to Agile principles
- Supporting test planning
- Applying testing methods
- Assisting in test automation
- Defining user stories and acceptance criteria
Prerequisites:
- Education: Certified Tester Foundation Level certificate (Version 4 or earlier)
- Work Experience: Not required
- Exam: Passing the CTFL-AT exam (40 questions, 60 minutes)
- Other Certifications Required: None
Renewability: Does not expire
Who It’s For: This certification demonstrates proficiency in agile testing methodologies and showcases the holder's capability to collaborate effectively and contribute in Agile environments.
12. ISTQB Expert Level Test Management Certification - Best for expert-level test management skills
This certification is designed for experienced software testing professionals who wish to advance their expertise and career opportunities. It is part of the ISTQB certification pathway, which aims to enhance software testing skills and career prospects.
The certification is internationally recognized, and successful candidates gain recognition in the industry, potential job promotions, and access to exclusive resources and support.
Issued by: ASTQB
Focus:
- Strategic test management
- Operational test management
- Managing the test team
Prerequisites:
- Education: A strong background in software testing is recommended
- Work Experience: At least five years of practical testing experience, including two years in a specific expert-level topic
- Exam: Must pass a certification exam consisting of multiple-choice questions and essays with a score above 65%
- Other Certifications Required: ISTQB Advanced Level Test Manager Certification
Renewability: Valid for five years and can be extended through the ISTQB Certification Extension Program
Price: Starts at $199
Who It’s For: This certification is for experienced software testing professionals who want to enhance their credentials and career prospects by demonstrating advanced skills in test management.
FAQs about Test Management Certifications
What is a test management certification?
A test management certification is a professional credential that validates an individual's expertise in managing software testing processes. It demonstrates an understanding of test planning, execution, monitoring, and control and proficiency using test management tools and methodologies.
Why is test management certification important?
Test management certification is essential because it enhances a professional's credibility and employability in the software testing industry. It recognizes specialized skills and knowledge, which can lead to career advancement and improved project outcomes.
Who should consider obtaining a test management certification?
Individuals in software testing, quality assurance, or IT project management roles should consider obtaining a test management certification. It suits those who wish to validate their expertise and advance their careers in test management and software quality assurance.
What are the prerequisites for test management certification?
The prerequisites for test management certification vary depending on the certifying body. Generally, candidates should have a software testing or quality assurance background and may require a certain level of work experience or prior certifications in related areas.
How can one prepare for a test management certification exam?
Preparing for a test management certification exam typically involves studying relevant materials, attending training courses, and gaining practical experience in test management. Many certifying bodies offer official study guides and practice exams to help candidates prepare effectively.
Other Useful Resources
Here are a few other valuable resources to check out:
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