Testers, like all other roles in technology, need to keep their skills sharp and up to date with the latest and greatest testing techniques and methods. With so many varied training options available, it can be overwhelming to determine which option is the best fit for you.
Identifying which training option is best for you
Software testing training options run the gamut from blogs and conference talks to classroom training and virtual workshops. Determining which option will best help you reach your training goals requires asking yourself some important guiding questions.
- What’s your training goal? What types of testing interest you, do you want to learn test automation or performance testing, perhaps? Maybe you’re looking to dive deeper into test strategy or methodologies? Or perhaps you’re working on leveling up in your career path from junior to mid level or mid level to senior. Each of these goals require different types of training and delivery methods. The clearer your goal, the more you’ll get out of your training experience.
- How do you learn? Think about other training you’ve participated in, what about these experiences worked well for you? Some people learn best when training is self paced and independent. For others, collaborative and structured learning is more beneficial. Remember, adults learn differently than children and what worked well for you in school may no longer meet your needs.
- How much time can you dedicate? Classroom and in-person training requires participants to be fully engaged in learning for a fixed period of time. This may be a few hours once a week over a period of a month or longer or 4-8 hours a day for a week or more. If you have an especially busy schedule or commitments that cannot be delegated to someone else while in training, self-paced learning may be a better option.
- What’s your budget? Many organizations have a learning and development budget for their employees. It’s important to know how much your employer is willing to contribute to the cost of training and how much, if anything, you’re comfortable spending. There are great training options at every price point — including free!
Software testing certifications
Many people consider certifications to be invaluable tools in their career journey. Including your earned certifications on your resume and LinkedIn can demonstrate your skills and help you differentiate yourself from others. Each certification program has a different focus and testing perspective. Some require an exam and classroom training, while others have self-study options that allow you to take the exam without spending time in a classroom.
International Software Testing Qualifications Board (ISTQB)
ISTQB was founded in 1998 with a goal of creating standards for software testing education and training. ISTQB is made up of regional and country member boards who all participate in decision-making and development process of courseware. ISTQB is centered in testing theory and vocabulary and believes that understanding theory leads to success in practice. Certifications from ISTQB are some of the most globally recognized and are offered ranging from foundation through expert level and various functional and non-functional specializations.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Internationally recognized | Can be expensive |
| Self-study option | Achieving CTFL is a prerequisite for taking additional exams |
| Over 20 certifications offered | Can be difficult to find exam providers in some regions |
Cost: $$$ for classroom or $ for self study
Black Box Software Testing (BBST)
BBST traces its origins back to 1994 when Cem Kaner began teaching a testing course with collaborator Hung Quoc Nguyen. Since then, it has evolved with insights added by experts such as Doug Hoffan, Elizabeth Hendrickson, Pat Bond, and others. BBST training is rooted in practice and participants are asked to demonstrate learning through active participation and graded post-class assignments that show skill acquisition. BBST training is highly regarded and is only taught by accredited instructors.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Internationally recognized | Can be expensive |
| Highly structured with a focus on mastery | Must be taken in sequence |
| 3 specializations offered | No self-study option |
Cost: $$$
Rapid Software Testing (RST)
Rapid Software Testing was developed by Michael Bolton and James Bach and is based on the context-driven approach. RST emphasizes the belief that testing contributes to a thorough understanding of the product, ultimately leading to higher levels of quality. To empower testers to excel in their work, RST focuses on training in tactics and techniques, prioritizing exploration over the use of predefined test cases.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Internationally recognized | Expensive |
| Multiple job roles covered | Content is static |
| In-person or online courses | No self-study option |
Cost: $$
ICAgile
ICAgile is an international organization offering training in various aspects of agile disciplines ranging from software development to marketing. ICAgile offers 2 testing trainings, Agile Testing and Agile Test Automation. These trainings are designed to expose testers to the fundamentals of agile practices within the context of testing.
Before enrolling in any additional training offered by ICAgile, participants are required to complete the Agile Fundamentals training. However, once this training is completed, participants become eligible to enroll in the majority of trainings offered across other tracks as well.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Internationally recognized | Expensive |
| Multiple disciplines available | Exclusively focused on agile |
| Online or in person | No self-study option |
Cost: $$$
Agile Testing Fellowship
The Agile Testing Fellowship was created by Lisa Crispin and Janet Gregory. Their training courses focus on helping software testers and development teams adopt holistic testing practices. The Agile Testing Fellowship offers training for individuals and delivery teams, allowing them to learn together and there is an exam-only option available. However, the biggest benefit of their training is in the experience. These trainings facilitate a hands-on experience, taught by highly respected instructors.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Team centric | Can be expensive |
| Hands on | Not a good fit for beginners/juniors |
| Online or in person | Will not be a good fit for those who do not want to participate in groups |
Cost: $$$
Ministry of Testing (MoT)
The Ministry of Testing was founded by Rosie Sherry who recently rejoined the organization. Ministry of Testing have revamped their learning journeys and have created their very first series of certifications in test automation. The asynchronous and self-paced trainings were co-created by over 150 members of the community, which has helped to ensure the trainings are learner-centric and relevant. They’ve placed a strong emphasis on teaching industry best practices as well as established and up-to-date techniques in test automation.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Self paced | May not be well known |
| Up-to-date | Only focused in automation |
| Affordable |
Cost: $$
Software testing self-paced training
Test Automation University (TAU)
Test Automation University is hosted by Applitools and was the brain child of Angie Jones in collaboration with Applitools. TAU was designed to fill a gap in self-paced automation training. TAU offers learning journeys that cover a range of test automation topics, developed and delivered by highly respected industry experts. Additionally, learners are given a certificate of completion after completing a learning journey to show they’ve completed all training requirements.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Self paced | No learner support offered |
| Instructor expertise | Only focused in automation |
| Certificate of completion |
Cost: Free
Free Code Camp
Free Code Camp is an established development training platform and true to its name, is 100% free. If you’d like, you can contribute to the Free Code Camp mission by making a small monthly donation. Free Code Camp recently added a series of test automation courses in some of the more popular testing languages. Trainings are broken into a series of self-paced modules with activities and challenges associated with each module. Upon completion and review of assignments, learners receive a certificate of completion.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Self paced | Narrow subject matter |
| Very technical | Only focused in automation |
| Certificate of completion | Advanced programming skills required |
Cost: Free
Exploratory Testing Academy
Exploratory Testing Academy was developed by Maaret Pyhäjärvi to help others learn good exploratory testing practices. Unlike other training programs, Exploratory Testing Academy is more like an interactive book, with self-paced text-based learnings and associated hands-on activities. It can be hard to find good resources to get started in exploratory testing, which makes this one of the more unique training programs available.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Self paced | Narrow focus |
| Great for visual learners | Not as effective for auditory learners |
| Hands on |
Cost: Free
Udemy, Coursera, Pluralsight, LinkedIn Learning, and others
Many online learning platforms offer various software testing courses and trainings created by those in the industry. The training offered on these platforms can range from exceptional to questionable, so it’s best to research the training before purchasing. Below are a few high quality options from some of these platforms.
LinkedIn Learning - Agile Testing by Ash Coleman
Coursera - Foundations of Software Testing and Validation
Pluralsight - Selenium 4 Fundamentals with Java
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Self paced | Buyer beware |
| Good mix of options | No learner support |
| Cost effective |
Cost: $
Conferences
Conferences are a great way to learn new skills and techniques and learn from the experiences of others. Additionally many conferences offer workshops and tutorials that can enhance your learnings and takeaways at the event. Conferences are a bit like a “choose your own adventure” book, the talks and workshops you select allow you to tailor your learning to what you want to learn most. One of the biggest unexpected benefits of learning at conferences is the “hallway track” aka, networking. As your network grows, new opportunities to learn from mentors and peers in the industry begin to emerge.
We put together a list of some of the best software conferences to help you get started.
