In many technical sectors, quality assurance (QA) testing plays a significant role. The QA testers, therefore, add substantial value to the business.
With such an important role, QA testing has become a bright career that many people want to pursue. If you are among them, do not miss our guide.
This article will show you how to become a QA tester with five steps. Let’s join us and learn how to enter this promising industry!
What Is A QA Tester?
A quality assurance tester, also known as a QA tester, is a specialist that works to create and maintain expectations in a variety of sectors, including software development, digital assets, and internet platforms.
They’re also responsible for detecting defects, identifying error origins, and resolving issues independently and in teams.
They also collaborate closely with programmers to optimize the company’s functionality, efficacy, efficiency, and product reliability.
Many people confuse quality assurance and quality control testing. Yet, they are two different subjects.
Quality control involves identifying defects in previously made items and services given to customers.
QA, on the other hand, works with the internal development of services and products before their introduction to the public.
What Does A QA Tester Do?
A QA tester is responsible for supervising all product preparation and management aspects.
Their involvement improves the manufacturing process by increasing quality and efficiency while detecting early problems.
The specific responsibilities of the testers can vary based on the scope they are working on. Here are some of their most common duties:
- Creating testing methods and calculating risks;
- Keeping track of test performance and results;
- Creating automated testing code;
- Identifying software flaws and bugs;
- Establishing quality standards;
- Conducting manual testing;
- Investigating new testing methods and processes;
- Understanding and assessing product features;
- Receiving user feedback and coming up with solutions.
How To Become a QA Tester
As you can see, QA testers are in charge of many tasks. If you want to complete all of them as a professional tester, follow the steps below.
1. Earn a degree
Consider the needs of the business you want to work in to determine the type of education or certification you need to have.
The most common education choice is college or university since many firms require their employees to have at least an associate degree.
However, some companies may skip the schooling requirement if you show that you are a good worker and willing to devote yourself to your allocated tasks.
2. Earn some certificates
Software QA testers should consider acquiring at least one QA certification to showcase their devotion and catch the attention of employers.
- ISTQB
At the Basic and Professional levels, the American Software Testing Qualifications Board (ASTQB) provides the vendor-neutral ISTQB certification.
ASTQB also offers credentials for mobile software assessment, test automation experts, test supervisors, and business analysts.
- CSTE
ISCB provides eight certificates for testing, quality assurance, and business research.
In addition to completing a certification exam, the CSTE also requires a four-year university education and two years of work experience in data management, or a two-year education and four to six years of work experience.
3. Develop your skills
Some companies prefer skills and experience to academic backgrounds. To make yourself shine out among the applicants, keep sharpening your skills even after getting a job.
QA testers need a set of skills, but the most important ones are:
- SDLC
SDLC (Software Development Life Cycle) is one of the most crucial pieces of knowledge for the testers.
The SDLC’s entire structure will aid them in understanding application development duties and organizing the testing cycle properly.
Having a thorough understanding of the SDLC cycle can also help you expect problems in the program, allowing you to take the appropriate measures ahead of time.
- Database and SQL
SQL has been the primary coding language for database administration for the past four decades.
The software systems have to process a vast amount of data. Since the data settles in multiple databases like MySQL and Oracle, you must be able to interpret and modify the query.
If you are familiar with databases and SQL, it will be easier for you to provide a suitable solution when checking the data.
To verify whether the backend database is storing valid data, you must use a single database and SQL queries.
- Testing
The browser testing process is more important than ever due to the necessity for many browsers across multiple gadgets and variances in phone screen sizes.
This cross-browser screening skill enables you to test your designed application on various platforms.
The test proves that the product can work without any problems or faults and that it functions well on all systems.
- Domain
Knowledge and experience in testing domains might help you be more creative in your duties.
A thorough understanding of the testing procedures makes things easier when you have strong domain expertise.
Your knowledge in domains also paves the way to numerous work opportunities, as some customers want domain expertise in a particular domain, such as legal, healthcare, economics, and banking.
- Attention to detail
You can ensure productivity levels, efficiency, reliability, and client experience if you pay attention to every detail.
Attention to detail is a skill you can learn and practice by avoiding distractions, improving observation skills, and working in order.
- Communication
As a QA tester, you often work in teams and must communicate with coworkers, managers, designers, programmers, and customers. Communication skills can help you to handle these tasks.
Communication involves verbal and written methods. It is pretty beneficial to be able to discuss errors and problems politely.
- Deductive reasoning
Deductive reasoning is a sort of logic that emphasizes clarifying answers and conclusions based on facts or evidence.
In technological businesses, you must be familiar with “If-then” phrases. They are examples of deductive reasoning.
- Time management
The time needed for a QA testing project can vary dramatically based on the problems identified. Sometimes, you have to meet tight deadlines.
As a result, you must be good at managing your time to ensure that you don’t miss any tasks and can perform them well.
- Flexibility
Quality assurance testers may use different testing methods at the same time.
For example, manual testing techniques are good, but they can’t alone handle a project. The complexity of a system requires more than one tool.
Moreover, managers look for more than basic tools. They expect their testers to learn new things to apply in their jobs.
4. Look for job opportunities
You can search for open QA testing opportunities after satisfying all academic requirements and having some experience.
Try to look for job vacancies in businesses that you are interested in and reflect your skills and education.
To make your CV and cover letter look more personalized, compose them while recalling the job description.
Also, take advantage of your professional network to seek vacant positions and professional references.
If you receive numerous career opportunities, you can cut them down depending on where you wish to live and the income and incentives each company offers.
5. Advance your skills
After settling on a stable job, keep working to sharpen your skills and get more opportunities. This industry is competitive. Hence, once you stop, you will be out of the competition.
You can advance your skills in many ways, such as:
- Earn more certificates
The benefit of getting a certificate is that you can focus on one aspect of your profession. There are many courses available to help you develop your skills.
- Follow higher education
You can consider earning a master’s degree, which will help you apply for senior or manager positions.
- Freelance
Since this job allows working from home, you can work on more projects. Practicing is the best way to perfect your skills, strengthen your experience, and expand your network.
Career Opportunities
Quality assurance testing is a promising career path because it has a high salary rate and is in high demand.
Salary
The salary rate for quality assurance testers depends on several criteria, including qualifications and experience.
Your income also changes according to your company’s location and the industry you work in. Security QA testers, for example, earn more than video game QA testers.
In the USA, the national average income for these positions is about $53,690 per year. It comes with other benefits, such as health insurance, a retirement package, visa sponsorships, and referral programs.
Demand
Experts highlighted quality assurance as one of the professions with the growing preference, and the human resources were still low in 2023.
Quality isn’t something that emerges by coincidence. QA testers will be necessary for tech companies if they wish to produce high-quality goods.
Many of the testers can work from home. People may find this enticing, allowing them to expect a work/life balance.
Frequently Asked Questions
People who are hesitant to choose this career path have sent us many questions. Here are a few of them.
1. How long does it take to become a QA tester?
This job requires two years of work experience. That time doesn’t include the time for formal schooling.
When you factor in the time required to complete a bachelor’s degree, it takes about five to seven to enter this sector.
2. Can I be a QA tester without experience?
Yes, you can. However, you need a computer-related background, training course, and computer programming skills to get this job without experience.
Most firms require that entry-level workers have a degree in information technology, computer science, or a related area. Working as an intern during your school years can help you earn experience.
3. Do you need a degree in QA?
Most quality assurance tester employment requires at least an associate degree, with a bachelor’s degree being recommended.
Some companies, on the other hand, may not require a degree but rather your expertise and, more significantly, experience.
Basic education is not very important to some employers who have years in testing majors.
4. Does QA write code?
Because a tester’s role is less technical than a programmer or a developer, you may not need to learn how to code. However, with coding skills, you will have a lot of benefits, such as:
- You can develop test models faster and more accurately. You can also learn about the software’s framework and operation.
- You may analyze code and find faults in it.
- You can accomplish your task with a single click and avoid repeating tiresome chores.
- You will undoubtedly provide more value to your business, as well as enhance your job opportunities.
5. How hard is QA testing?
QA testing is not hard to learn. It does not require as much skill as coding. You’ll have to learn some code, but not as much as a developer.
6. Is QA a good job?
Quality assurance has become a good career option for many people due to the business’s rapidly increasing demand and resources.
Although some firms have just a few quality control professionals and others have support staff, it’s reasonable to assume that the demand for this sector is growing.
Conclusion
As technology and digital advances progress, there is an increase in QA tester demand in the software industry, creating big chances for QA testers.
If you want to work as a QA tester, you need a bachelor’s degree, appropriate work experience, and relevant certificates.
We hope you can land a good job and keep climbing your career ladder. If you need our help, please feel free to ask. Thank you for reading!