Meet Sergej Urbanovic, a man who doesn’t believe in doing things halfway. In just six years of working in software testing—a field where many are happy with a single certification —Sergej has collected an incredible 11 ISTQB certifications. Yes, you read that right: eleven. That’s roughly one certification every six months.

You might think Sergej spends all his evenings in study marathons, but that’s only part of the story. When he’s not working on certifications, you’ll likely find him at the gym, maintaining his fitness and keeping his biceps as sharp as his testing skills.

And let’s not forget the discipline it takes to keep this pace. Passing one exam after another while managing a full-time job and—hopefully—finding time to eat isn’t just dedication, it’s the kind of determination that leaves the rest of us wondering where he finds the time and energy.

To learn more about Sergej’s incredible journey, we asked him six key questions about his approach, his methods, and his advice for future testing professionals.

Why did you decide to earn ISTQB certifications, and what motivated you to achieve so many?

I once heard an analogy that really stuck with me:

“You can drive a car without a license and do it well, but having a license brings confidence and safety.” It’s the same in testing—being certified doesn’t just validate your skills; it also inspires confidence and trust in your abilities”

These certifications offer a good combination of theoretical and practical knowledge, which you can apply directly in your daily projects—whether it’s mobile testing, performance, accessibility, UI, or even test management in leadership roles.

I was also fortunate to have a great example and motivator early on, Dmitrij Nikolajev. At the time, I thought having so many certifications was impossible—but as you can see, it’s not!

Now, I find inspiration in people like Daniel Van Der Zwan and Mattijs Kemmink. Great job, guys—you truly are stars and an inspiration to everyone pursuing ISTQB certifications!

How did you prepare for each ISTQB exam?

There isn’t a universal method or strict rules for studying—you need to find a study approach that works best for you. In my experience, the biggest challenge is finding the motivation and answering the question:

“Why do I need this certification, and how will it help me in my testing journey?”

Once you have a clear purpose, your studies will become much more focused and efficient.

Here’s an example of how I approached preparation:

• Read the syllabus at least three times to fully understand the material.
• Watch relevant videos on YouTube.
• Optionally, read a book on the topic if you want a deeper understanding.
• Practice as many mock tests as you can find.

How do you manage your time between work and preparing for these certifications?

I usually study after work and on weekends. It’s definitely a challenge to balance full project responsibilities and mentoring colleagues, but I make it work by dedicating specific time slots to studying and staying consistent.

How have your colleagues and peers responded to your achievements?

My biggest support comes from my family, who have always encouraged me. I also regularly receive compliments from my managers, which is very motivating.

ISTQB certifications have also brought me closer to colleagues who share the same interests. We support each other and work together toward similar goals, creating a strong sense of teamwork.

Which certification has been the most valuable to your work, and why?

The most valuable certification for me so far has been the Test Manager certification. I was able to apply this knowledge immediately, as I’m currently leading a team. It has helped me monitor and control testing activities effectively to ensure we achieve our project objectives.

What would you advise someone at the beginning of their testing career?

If you know what you want, everything else will fall into place. A motivating mentor and supportive colleagues can make all the difference in helping you achieve your goals.

Want to connect directly?

Find Sergej Urbanovic on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sergej-urbanovic