When I started out in testing, I spent a lot of time thinking about an appropriate title to put on my business card. Nowadays, I can’t imagine why anyone would waste their time doing that. After all, it’s only a title, it doesn’t communicate what your skills are in a very effective manner. Don’t agree? Well, if I told you I was a “Test Manager”, would you have a clear view of what to expect from me if you put me on a project? Ok, maybe you would have, but would it be the same view as your colleague sitting next to you has? Probably not, right?

Sure, if your job includes tasks and responsibilities associated with test and management, and if you need to communicate with others around you about those tasks, then maybe it would make sense to call yourself a “Test Manager” in that context. But when I came across an e-mail a while back that was being sent from someone who signed it with his name and the title: ”ISTQB certified Senior Test Manager”, I got a queasy feeling deep down in my stomach.

Are you one of those employers who write in your ad that you require the applicant to hold ISTQB certification? If not, read this with a smile on your lips. However, if you are one of those who rank ISTQB certification up there on the top, then please read this post seriously. It might not be pleasant for you but consider what I say. I´m here to give you an alternative.

The problem is not whether a tester has ISTQB certification or not. The problem is that you will hire someone based on the sole fact that he has ISTQB certification or not, and nothing else matters to you.

“Being able to demonstrate that you know how to DO something that is difficult is worth much more, with a competent interviewer, than being able to talk about that something or provide its definitions.”
-Cem Kaner

Are you one of those testers who brand yourself as a ISTQB certified tester?

Congratulations then. Over 130 000 ISTQB certified testers cant be wrong (right?) (number taken from FAQ at ISTQBs homepage). Or maybe not. You can also look at it as there are 129,999 certified testers that can replace you. And you know what? Many of those testers earn much less then you do. Say again, why should I hire you? Not so much to brag about now, right?