If you are considering entering the software testing profession, a qualification will serve you well. There are numerous available to you, however, which can make the decision on which one to pursue a confusing one. You should choose one which suits your requirements, of which will likely involve a few varying factors. Some of the certificates include the CSTP and CTM.

The first question to ask is if the certification offer different levels? Different levels can continue to build your certification as your career progresses. A career in testing generally starts at the test analyst level, then progresses to senior tester, test lead and then test manager. A certification program that offers certifications aimed at different levels starting from a basic or foundation level to advanced and test manager levels, may be more useful than one that only provides a single certification level.

Further, you should think in where you will be completing the course. If the course is required to attended in class format, you may be more motivated as you will have to complete assignments by set dates and the course as a whole, by a certain date. You will further have the added benefit of an instructor on hand to help you should it be needed. It can be expensive, however and it may be more cost-effective to take a home-study course, whether online or through traditional mail.

It may be that the certificate can count towards another qualification which holds more credence within the industry. The ISTQB counting as credit towards the CSTQ is an example of this. There may even be some certificates which count against degrees.

Your local newspaper, or internet job sites, can be useful as they will list software testing jobs and some of these positions will require a qualification. Note them down and you will get an idea of which are seen with more seniority by software company's.