Difference between ISTQB Advanced Test Analyst certification vs ISTQB Test automation engineer certification?

Question

What's the difference between ISTQB Advanced Test Analyst certification vs ISTQB Test automation engineer certification?

How can a manual tester with no automation testing project experience prepare for these exams?

Which one should prepare first?

Answer 1

The different syllabus sections relevant for each level can be found here:

• https://www.istqb.org/certification-path-root/advanced-level/advanced-level-technical-test-analyst.html
• https://www.istqb.org/certification-path-root/advanced-level/advanced-level-test-analyst.html

For ISTQB, it helps to have hands-on experience beforehand, but you should manage by studying the course and taking a training.

Answer 2

For taking up the ISTQB Advanced Level Certification, you must hold ISTQB Foundation Level Certification. Refer the official ISTQB site to know more about the certification levels

1. Know the latest syllabus and understand the structure of the exam

2. Self-study is the best option

Answer 3

My answer to Q1:

I attempted both the certifications in which failed in ATT and passed in TAE hence I am more relevant in answering here. ATT: It was the exam I chose to take when I was 4+ years experienced and failed with 47% due to following reasons:

1. Complex combinations of questions
2. Not even relevant to Testing Projects

But I attempted TAE certification after having 12 years of experience and cleared the exam. I liked the certification on TAE for following reasons:

1. There is no code involved in this certification but a lot of practice examples related to projects are being discussed
2. I managed to map the exam questions direct to my automation testing experiences.

Some useful resources on both these certifications:

• ATT
• TAE

My Answer to Q2:

I had 4+ years automation experience hence the TAE certification has been more relevant. But I don't recommend it if you are not having any project experience. The purpose of TAE is to serve clarifications or following best practices in test automation project; Without project experience, it will not be useful. That is my honest answer (not opinion)

Sharing one of my friend's post related to it:

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/activity-6698379357737562112-A0FF

But ATT is more suitable for manual testing experience and relevant to formula such as Boundary Value Analysis, Equivalence Partitioning, Static Testing, Dynamic Testing, White Box Testing etc.