Certifications can feel a bit like a menu at a restaurant: there are so many options, all with tempting descriptions, but how do you pick the right dish that satisfies your learning appetite? What’s more, what’s going to be a great combination that will go well together to create a balanced plate?
When considering your professional development, the challenge isn’t just which certification to take; it’s how they fit together. Should you start with ISTQB® for testing? Is PRINCE2® still relevant in agile organisations? Where does AgilePM® sit in the mix? And most importantly: how do you build a roadmap that makes sense for your career goals?
The truth is that no single certification can meet all career needs. But when combined strategically, they create a skill stack that makes you more versatile, employable, and effective.
Why certifications still matter
With AI tools writing test scripts and project boards questioning the ROI of training, some professionals are questioning whether certification is still relevant.
The answer is a clear yes, but not for the reasons you might think. Certifications today are less about badges on a CV and more about:
- Structured learning, which gives you a framework of knowledge and practice
- Credibility by showing employers you’ve invested in your professional growth
- Shared language that enables teams to collaborate using common terminology
- Career mobility that helps you pivot between roles in testing, agile delivery, and project management
ISTQB®: Foundation of software testing
If your role touches software quality in any way, ISTQB® is the global benchmark.
Why it matters
Employers know and trust it. It provides a common language across testers, developers, and business analysts.
Pathway
Start with ISTQB® Foundation, then move to Advanced levels (Test Analyst, Test Manager, Technical Test Analyst) or Specialist tracks like Agile Tester or Test Automation Engineer.
Best for
Testers, QA engineers, developers, and anyone working closely with software quality.
How it fits in the roadmap
ISTQB® gives you the technical grounding. It ensures you understand quality at the product level, which you can carry into every role, even if you later move into project or programme leadership.
AgilePM®: Delivery and governance
AgilePM (developed by APMG) fills a sweet spot: it’s not as heavyweight as PRINCE2, but it provides more structure than frameworks like Scrum.
Why it matters
Organisations want agile delivery but still need accountability, especially in regulated or high-value projects. AgilePM® offers that balance.
Pathway
AgilePM® Foundation gives you the basics; AgilePM® Practitioner equips you to apply it in real projects.
Best for
Project managers, business analysts, product owners, or testers stepping into delivery roles.
How it fits in the roadmap: AgilePM® helps you step beyond product-level quality into project-level delivery. It’s a natural complement to ISTQB® for testers looking to understand the bigger picture, and a stepping stone toward hybrid project roles.
PRINCE2®: The standard for project management
PRINCE2® is still one of the most widely adopted project management frameworks worldwide, and its Agile variant makes it even more relevant in 2025.
Why it matters
Employers value PRINCE2 because it provides a structured approach, clear roles, and effective governance that can be applied in any sector. The Agile extension blends this with iterative delivery.
Pathway
PRINCE2® Foundation introduces the methodology; PRINCE2® Practitioner equips you to apply it. Consider PRINCE2® Agile if you’re working in hybrid environments.
Best for
Project managers, delivery leads, and senior testers or analysts aiming for leadership.
How it fits in the roadmap
PRINCE2® builds your governance and leadership skills. It helps you align project outcomes with business strategy. This is a skillset that sits neatly on top of technical expertise and agile knowledge.
Building a career stack
Think of these certifications not as separate silos but as complementary layers:
- Layer 1: ISTQB®
o Builds your product-level quality expertise
o Gives you credibility in testing and software development
- Layer 2: AgilePM®
o Teaches you how projects run in agile environments
o Bridges the gap between testing/delivery and business outcomes
- Layer 3: PRINCE2®
o Provides governance and strategy alignment
o Equips you for leadership and cross-project roles
Together, they form a roadmap that can take you from hands-on tester → project-level contributor → strategic leader.
Roadmaps by career goal
Tester → Test Lead → Test Manager
- ISTQB® Foundation: Cement your testing basics
- ISTQB® Advanced Test Manager: Prepares for leadership in test teams
- AgilePM® Foundation: Understand agile project environments
- PRINCE2® Practitioner: Align test management with overall project governance
Result: You can manage teams, speak the language of project managers, and position yourself as a quality leader.
Tester → Agile Delivery Lead
- ISTQB® Foundation + Agile Tester Extension: Agile quality mindset
- AgilePM® Practitioner: Lead agile projects with confidence
- PRINCE2® Agile Practitioner: Step into hybrid delivery roles
Result: You’re ready to bridge between agile teams and organisational governance, with both delivery and quality credibility.
Business Analyst / PM → Strategic Leader
- AgilePM® Foundation: Get agile delivery foundations
- PRINCE2® Practitioner: Strengthen governance and leadership skills
- ISTQB® Foundation: Build credibility in quality and testing
Result: You’re a well-rounded project leader who understands both delivery governance and product quality.
Employability and versatility
A top employability factor is professionals who can adapt, communicate across disciplines, and align with strategic goals. By combining ISTQB®, AgilePM®, and PRINCE2®, you show that you:
- Understand quality at the product level
- Can lead projects in agile environments
- Can manage governance and strategy at the organisational level
That versatility makes you more employable, more promotable, and more valuable to any organisation navigating the complex delivery landscape.
If you’re looking to build your career stack, talk to the team at TSG Training to design your customised training plan.
