Is a ISTQB Certification Worth It for QA Testers?

If you're in the QA field —or looking to break into the sector —you've likely at some point during a job search seen an ISTQB certification as a requirement on an advert.

BUT a prevailing topic amongst the industry is whether they’re actually worth your time and money. Many experienced QA engineers and hiring managers argue that ISTQB certification hold a little practical value, yet a quick scan of the job boards will show it still remains a mainstay in filtering during hiring processes.

So, does it give you a competitive advantage, or is it just another line on your CV? We’ve compiled some information from real world QA’s to get to the bottom of the question.

Let’s explore the pros and cons:

The Practical Perspective: Not Essential

From a hands-on, real-world perspective, ISTQB certification doesn’t make someone a better QA Tester per-say. The exam primarily covers theoretical knowledge such as terminology, processes, and structured approaches to testing which, while informative, don’t necessarily translate into the day-to-day testing activities a QA-er will be doing. In fact, taking it a step further experienced QA engineers often point out that they’ve never used most of the ISTQB-specific terminology in their actual work.

What Skills Matter More Than ISTQB?

If you want to stand out in the QA industry, focus on:

• Learning automation and coding: Python, JavaScript, or Java can give you an edge.
• Gaining hands-on experience with Docker and CI/CD pipelines.
• Developing testing strategies and infrastructure knowledge.
• Working on real-world test scenarios and bug-hunting techniques.

For experienced testers, the ISTQB certification becomes even less relevant. A senior QA engineer with seven years of experience, for example, would find that practical knowledge and hands-on experience carry far more weight than a certification.

The Resume Perspective: A Useful Filter

While ISTQB certification may not improve your day-to-day work, it can be valuable when applying for jobs. Many HR departments and recruiters still use certifications as a way to filter candidates, especially for junior roles or when hiring in industries where formal qualifications are highly valued, such as government or heavily regulated sectors.

When ISTQB Certification Can Help:

• If you lack professional QA experience, ISTQB certification can demonstrate foundational knowledge.
• If you're in a highly regulated industry, such as government, finance, or healthcare, employers may prefer candidates with formal certifications.
• If you want to increase your chances of passing initial resume screening filters.

That said, ISTQB certification alone will not get you hired. Employers ultimately value and will ask for practical skills, problem-solving abilities, and real-world experience in the field.

ISTQB for Juniors: Learning the Fundamentals

If you're starting out in the QA field, ISTQB certification can be useful for understanding the fundamentals. It introduces key concepts and structures that can provide a strong theoretical base for beginners. However, this leads to a broader question that extends beyond QA and into education in general:

The Old Debate: Education vs. Experience

Is it more useful to have a formal certification (or a university degree) over real-world experience? The answer, as always, is it depends. Both have value, but most professionals land on the idea that hands-on learning has a greater impact.

Think of it this way: would you learn more from reading a textbook about software testing or from shadowing a senior QA engineer as they debug a complex system? Structured learning can provide a helpful foundation, but real-world exposure—working alongside experienced professionals, solving real problems, and adapting to practical challenges—is where true expertise is built.

This is why many hiring managers prefer candidates with hands-on experience, whether that comes from internships, personal projects, or actual work history. While an ISTQB certification can help get your foot in the door, the ability to apply what you've learned in a real-world setting is what truly sets candidates apart.

Should You Pay for ISTQB Certification?

Another key consideration is whether to pay for ISTQB certification. The consensus among many in the industry is:

• If an employer is willing to sponsor the certification, take it—it won’t hurt and can add credibility to your resume.
• If you’re paying for it yourself, it’s a tougher call. It may not be worth the investment unless you’re in a niche industry that highly values certifications.

In most cases, your time and money would be better spent developing automation testing skills, CI/CD knowledge, and performance testing experience rather than investing in ISTQB certification.

The Verdict: A Nice-to-Have, Not a Must-Have

ISTQB certification is not a game-changer, but it can be a useful addition, particularly for entry-level QA professionals or those working in industries that require formal qualifications. That said, if you’re serious about growing as a QA professional, investing time in automation, coding, and testing strategy will yield far greater career benefits than any certification.

Looking for Your Next QA Role?

At MRJ Recruitment, we specialise in connecting talented QA engineers with leading tech companies across the UK. Whether you're a manual tester, automation engineer, or QA lead, we can help you find the perfect role that aligns with your skills and career goals.

👉 Explore our latest QA job openings here
👉 Need career advice? Connect with our recruitment experts here
👉 Learn more about our QA and Testing department here 

Final Thought: If you're new to QA, ISTQB certification can help you stand out. But if you want to future-proof your career, focus on real-world testing skills, automation frameworks, and continuous integration—that's what truly makes a difference in today’s job market.