Future Proof Your Testing Job in These Uncertain Times

During a recession and layoffs, the demand for ISTQB software testing certifications and AT*SQA micro-credentials has been proven to increase.

Why is this? Staff cuts do not translate to a decrease in workload, so software QA productivity must increase quickly. Companies realize a small investment in these credentials can have a very positive ROI. It also becomes more important for employers to seek the best software testers if they are going to hire, so they want documentation in the form of certifications and credentials to prove the knowledge of potential candidates.

ISTQB certifications through ASTQB and AT*SQA micro-credentials provide this proof by:

• Proving the candidate shares common terminology and testing principles so it will be easy for them to join an existing team.
• Showing that the future employee has an ongoing drive to build their testing knowledge and skills.
• Demonstrating they have the knowledge needed to contribute to their new team.

If you want to future-proof your career, AT*SQA can help you to build on your existing skills to become even more appealing to employers.

Have You Signed Up Yet?

The new AT*Work™ Directory of Independent and Between-Job Software Testers was launched last week. Have you signed up to be in the directory yet?

Despite recent layoff announcements, many employers are still seeking qualified software testers for projects and full-time positions. But finding the correct tester can be difficult.

If you would like to be on the directory, we have opened AT*Work™ in beta testing mode and you can join free of charge. A beta of the search functionality will be announced soon.

If you would like to appear in the publicly searchable AT*Work™ Software Tester Directory, simply do the following:

1. See the AT*Work™ overview
2. Log into your AT*Work profile
3. Update your AT*Work preferences, answer two questions, and add your skills and experience levels

AT*SQA's new AT*Work™ Software Tester Directory makes it easier for testers and employers to find each other.

• AT*Work connects employers with testers who are independent/freelance or currently between jobs due to layoffs or career changes.
• The testers in AT*Work have proven their knowledge through one or more certifications or credentials earned through AT*SQA or ASTQB. These include our ISTQB and AT*SQA certifications plus our AT*Micro micro-credentials. 
• The testers in AT*Work are listed based on Testing Tiers® rankings with the highest levels at the top.

We will announce when the beta for the search functionality has started. In the meantime, opt-in to appear in AT*Work™.

Are You on the List? What is Your Level?

As a professional on the Official U.S. List of Certified & Credentialed Software Testers™, you have shown your commitment to working efficiently with U.S. companies and their software development teams by:

• Demonstrating your American English ability through the exam registration process
• Passing AT*SQA's official American English version of your certification exam
• Building your level in the Testing Tiers® software tester rankings