The world becomes more digitalized by the passing day, and the need for software testers and developers rises. QA stands for Quality Assurance, one of the most demanded positions at companies today.
Quality assurance comes with several different opportunities besides testing software. There are many possibilities if you enter this tech world. And besides paying well, these positions involve constantly changing environments and new challenges, so you’ll never get bored.
So, this post will review how to become a QA tester, a QA engineer, a software tester, and more. By the end of the guide, you’ll know what to do to become a software QA tester and land an entry-level job!
Are you interested in a career in technology but not sure you have the coding or technical skills? Quality assurance (QA) testing may be the perfect role for you! As a QA tester you get to work closely with developers to help deliver high-quality software and applications.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explain exactly how to start your career as a QA tester, step-by-step You’ll learn about the job duties, essential skills, education requirements, salaries, and more. Let’s get started!
What is a QA Tester?
A QA tester is responsible for thoroughly testing software applications before they are launched to ensure they function properly. Using structured test plans and cases, QA testers
- Identify defects, bugs, and issues with software
- Document and report these defects so developers can fix them
- Verify that fixes and solutions work
- Retest the software after changes to confirm no new issues were introduced
Strong QA testing is crucial for delivering a smooth, flawless user experience. As a QA tester, you safeguard software quality!
Key Job Duties and Responsibilities
As a QA tester, your key duties typically include:
- Reviewing software requirements and specifications
- Creating detailed, comprehensive test plans and test cases
- Setting up test environments and data
- Performing manual tests by inputting diverse data sets
- Automating tests by writing scripts in tools like Selenium
- Identifying and documenting defects accurately
- Retesting fixed defects to confirm resolution
- Improving test coverage for new features
- Staying up-to-date with new testing methods and tools
- Collaborating with developers, product managers, and other team members
- Generating status and progress reports
- Tracking quality metrics like defect rates
QA testing requires attention to detail, organization, communication skills, and persistence. Patience is also key when conducting repetitive tests.
Essential Skills and Qualities
To succeed as a QA tester, important skills and qualities include:
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Analytical mindset – Meticulously follow test protocols and cases. Identify root causes of issues.
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Communication skills – Clearly document defects and discuss issues with team members.
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Problem-solving – Develop creative test cases to uncover defects. Devise fixes for tests.
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Collaboration – Work constructively with developers and stakeholders.
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Technical aptitude – Learn new systems, tools, coding languages quickly. Automate tests by writing scripts.
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Persistence – Thoroughly retest defects to ensure proper resolution.
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Organization – Methodically categorize and document all tests and results.
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Attention to detail – Carefully execute test steps and scrutinize results to detect issues.
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Creativity – Take an exploratory approach to identify hard-to-find defects.
Educational Requirements and Background
While some QA testing roles require a bachelor’s degree in a technical field like computer science, it’s often possible to break into the career with:
- High school diploma or GED
- Relevant coursework, certifications, or training programs
- Strong interest in technology and troubleshooting
Many aspiring QA testers pursue coursework related to software testing and quality assurance to build relevant skills. Subjects like programming languages, system administration, databases, and project management are helpful.
Certifications such as Certified Software Tester (CSTE) also demonstrate knowledge and proficiency. Gaining hands-on experience through internships is invaluable for understanding the QA testing workflow.
Steps to Start Your QA Testing Career
If you’re ready to launch your QA testing career, follow these steps:
1. Earn a relevant certification. Programs like ISTQB or QAI provide recognized certifications that bolster your resume.
2. Pursue an associate’s degree or specialized training. Further develop your QA knowledge and skills.
3. Gain hands-on experience. Seek out internships, volunteer roles, or freelance gigs to build your portfolio.
4. Master in-demand testing tools. Learn popular tools like Selenium, JMeter, Bugzilla, and TestComplete on your own.
5. Develop programming fundamentals. Take beginner coding classes to learn basics like SQL, Java, Python, etc.
6. Build a strong resume. Highlight your QA testing training, technical expertise, and certifications.
7. Search and apply for QA testing jobs. Look for roles like QA Analyst, QA Technician, Software Tester, etc.
8. Aim for junior/associate QA roles to start. Then work your way up to senior positions.
9. Keep learning new testing techniques and tools. Attend trainings and conferences to stay up-to-date on QA testing best practices.
With persistence and dedication to building your skills, you can gain that crucial first job as a QA tester. The key is getting your foot in the door!
Typical QA Testing Work Environments
QA testers typically work full-time office jobs in these settings:
- Tech companies and startups
- Consulting firms
- Software service providers
- Corporate IT departments
- Healthcare organizations
- Financial institutions
- Government agencies
You may work independently or collaborate closely with a software development team. Some QA testers even work remotely.
The work involves a mix of hands-on testing, communicating with stakeholders, documenting results, attending meetings, and analyzing reports. Strong computer skills are essential.
Average Salary and Job Outlook for QA Testers
According to PayScale, the average annual salary for QA testers in the United States is $56,297 as of February 2023. Salaries range from $38,000 for entry-level up to $88,000 for senior QA testing roles.
Specific salaries vary based on:
- Location – Major technology hubs pay more
- Experience level
- Industry – Tech companies offer high compensation
- Certifications held
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects strong 11% growth in demand for software quality assurance analysts and testers through 2031. As technology continues advancing rapidly, qualified QA professionals will be needed.
Why Pursue a Career in QA Testing?
There are many excellent reasons to pursue an exciting career as a QA tester:
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Opportunity to break into tech without extensive programming skills
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Meaningfully contribute to creating high-quality software
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Continually learn new systems, tools, and testing techniques
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Collaborate closely with developers, managers, and end users
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Express creativity through exploratory test approach
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Gain problem-solving experience that is valued across fields
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Build expertise that translates well to other IT roles
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Earn a good stable income with potential for growth
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Work in a wide variety of industries
Ready to start your QA testing career? Follow the steps outlined in this guide to position yourself for success. With dedication and persistence, you can land a rewarding role that allows you to leverage your attention to detail and problem-solving skills in the dynamic technology sector.
How to become a software tester without a degree
Software testing means checking whether the software matches the requirements and functions properly. Long story short, you’re responsible for software quality – Ensuring the software product doesn’t have errors.
Your purpose is to identify gaps or errors that could lead to a bad user experience (UX), negative reviews, and an overall profit loss. Software testing is vital in any corporation, as it helps solve potential problems before the final product is released.
But how to become a software tester without a degree? It seems like every company requires certifications these days. Nevertheless, here’s good news: Becoming a software tester without a degree is possible. The trick is that you’ll need vast experience before applying for jobs.
That’s where bootcamps and courses come in. Bootcamps have one mission: To help you land a job after a few months of experience and hands-on learning. Many tech positions benefit from these camps, from software development to quality assurance engineering.
If you want to become a software test engineer without a BA or MA degree, this is your opportunity. You’ll need to build an impressive and promising portfolio during your training. If you do enroll in one of these courses, ensure to make the most of it.
How to become a QA engineer
A Quality Assurance engineer helps improve the software by detecting errors and preventing them from happening again. This specialist works closely with engineers and software developers, though their responsibilities are not the same.
As a software developer, you ensure the program runs and does its job. As a QA engineer, you assess risks, plan tests to determine whether everything runs smoothly, check the product to see if it complies with the requirements, and come up with ideas to enhance the program.
You then work with the developers to test these new ideas, fix and debug errors, and much more. But how to become a QA engineer? According to Upwork and other sources, the most important step to becoming a QA engineer is to pursue high-quality training. Most hiring companies prefer candidates with degrees in computer science or engineering, but you can make the cut without these requirements.
You must prepare for the upcoming interview and technical test you’ll undergo if preselected. Here are some things you must be familiar with:
- Common programming languages like Java, C#, HTML, and Python.
- Problem-solving skills.
- Knowledge of databases and SQL.
- Experience with automation tools.
- Experience with test management tools.
Some automation and bug tracking tools testers use all the time are as follows: Appium, Bamboo, GitLab, Bitbucket, qTest, Zephyr, PractiTest, and Test Collab. There’s no need to master them all (trust us, there are many more tools than these!), but you should be familiar with one or two.
You can learn these on your own or take online courses to prepare you for the tech world.
This Is Really How To Become A Software QA Tester In 2023
How do I start a career as a QA tester?
Start as a junior QA tester. Before you begin a career as a QA tester, a company might ask that you start as a junior QA tester. In this position, you work closely with QA engineers and analysts to create testing strategies and plans.
What certifications are available for QA testers?
Two of the more common certifications available for QA testers include the following: International Software Testing Qualifications Board (ISTQB) Certified Tester: Administered by the American Software Testing Qualifications Board (ASTQB), this certification has two levels including the Foundation and Advanced levels.
How do I become a software quality assurance tester?
The Software Quality Assurance Tester works under moderate supervision. Gaining or has attained full proficiency in a specific area of discipline. To be a Software Quality Assurance Tester typically requires 1-3 years of related experience, or may need 0 years of experience with additional specialized training and/or certification.
