Software Test Engineer Certificate Program

Acquire software testing skills to complement your detail-oriented personality and build high-quality software products.

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Why invest in Software Test Engineer Certificate Program

  • Software testing is one of the most sought-after career skills by employers that want high-quality software

Duration

199 hours on instruction

Typically takes 12 months to complete

Schedule

Evenings, Weekends, Days

Cost

$6,820
payment plan

Registration details

Software Test Engineer Certificate Program

Acquire software testing skills to complement your detail-oriented personality and build high-quality software products.

What you’ll be able to do—competencies

  • Discover software testing principles
  • Apply professional software testing methods, protocols and processes
  • Create software testing planning, modeling and reporting
  • Develop SQL and C# programming skills
  • Apply testing automation to C# programs
  • Apply learning and skills to capstone project

Program description

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The Software Test Engineer Certificate Program is designed to qualify students for jobs as entry-level software testers. These jobs require workers who can successfully find software bugs and provide logical, concise written reports on them. The program was designed with the guidance of software testing industry professionals to best reflect the skills needed to succeed in today’s workplace.

Digital BadgeA digital badge (shown left) will be issued to students who successfully complete the certificate program.

This certificate program begins twice each year during spring and fall. Get notified on start dates by our newsletter here.

Program map

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Click the link below for the recommended course path to complete the program.

View program map

Current Software Test Engineer Certificate Program Classes

Principles of Software Testing

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Develop software testing skills in this hands-on lab course.

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Test Planning, Modeling and Reporting

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Develop advanced skills in test planning, prioritization and modeling.

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C# Programming: 1

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Learn C# programming in a Windows environment using Visual Studio.

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Professional Testing Methods

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Explore test case development for the two most fundamental types of software testing: black box and white box.

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C# Programming: 2

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Learn C# programming in a Console environment using Visual Studio.

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Structured Query Language: (SQL) Level 1

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Gain hands-on practice using a standard structured query language (SQL).

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C# Automation

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Learn to create software automation that builds, tests and reports results.

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Software Test Engineer Certificate Capstone

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Utilize the STE skills gained in the program to create the foundational component of your portfolio.

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Who should consider this program

The program was designed with the guidance of software testing industry professionals to best reflect the skills needed to succeed in today’s workplace. Because courses emphasize learning by doing, they incorporate extensive lab exercises to teach skills such as client-server testing and bug eradication. All instructors are experienced professionals currently working in the software-testing field, and Tombolo Institute at Bellevue College has been successfully training software testers for more than ten years.

What previous students are saying about this program

“I still use the testing methods and models I learned in this program and I have to test all of my own code.” –R.W.

FAQs

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What can I do as a software tester?

Some of the job titles in software testing include applications or systems software tester, quality assurance tester, software test engineer, and game tester.

The primary job skills associated with software testing are the ability to work closely with programmers and program managers to understand product requirements and functionality, and design tests to verify features and functionalities. Software testers perform all aspects of product testing including functional, regression, performance, usability, and acceptance testing to identify and report bugs. Some testers may analyze and design databases within an application area, working individually or coordinating database development as part of a team. They may test operating systems-level software, compilers and network distribution software for medical, industrial, military, communications, aerospace, business, scientific, and general computing applications. Testers apply principles and techniques of computer science, engineering and mathematical analysis.

Are there websites listing software testing jobs?

Yes, there are both industry-specific and many general websites you can search for software testing jobs. Several industry-specific sites are listed below, but we does not endorse any specific company.

  • monster.com
  • careers.microsoft.com
  • qajobs.com
  • sasqag.org

What are the technical and nontechnical skills a software tester needs to have?

The skills required can vary immensely from industry to industry. For instance, a tester working on a banking application might be required to have accounting skills, while a tester in the aerospace industry may have to know about jet propulsion. The following list provides some of the basic, common technical skills potential job seekers might find in a job posting.

Technical

  • Programming skills — automated testing
  • Knowledge of various languages (C#, Python, C++, Java, JavaScript)
  • Winrunner/ Silk Test — automation tools
  • Database design/use — SQL
  • Client/server relationship
  • Web technologies — HTML, XML, ASP, SOAP
  • Internet and networking protocols
  • Testing methods and practices
  • Test plan/case development
  • Familiarity with Windows or Linux OS

Nontechnical

  • Creative
  • Detail-oriented
  • Good problem-solving skills
  • Discipline
  • Perseverance
  • The desire to break things or find faults with the program to make it better
  • Teamwork
  • Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing
  • Willingness to take a project to completion, even if it means working long hours

If I have no experience and do this program, are there entry-level jobs I would be qualified for? What is the salary range?

The program teaches the tools necessary to be successful as an entry-level software tester. Beginning testers often work with a team, and have the opportunity to learn from their more experienced colleagues. The salary range varies by experience, industry and geographic area. Many students begin their work experience with staffing agencies. The U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook provides information on demand and salary ranges.

What if I have an extensive experience in some of the topics taught? Can I skip or substitute classes?

Yes, on case-by-case basis and subject to approval based on work history, experience and prior education, one of the required classes might be substituted with a different class. However, students must still complete the total number of required/substituted classes. To request a class substitution, please fill out the Class Substitution Request Form.

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