Ultimate Guide to Becoming A QA Tester in 2023

Quality tester is probably one of the most in-demand jobs in the tech industry. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, QA Analysts or Software tester jobs have a steady increase, having a 22% upsurge from 2020 to 2023.

And this statistic is justifiable since QA testers have a significant role in software development. They are the unsung heroes of the story. They are the ones who make sure that the software or product is perfect with the least number of defects before its release.

That is why being a QA tester is not easy. A QA tester needs to evaluate, test, and recommend solutions to issues in the software. They must have the skills of a developer, the mind of a stakeholder, and empathy for the end users. They need to ensure that all business requirements are met.

Likewise, this article will review what a QA tester is, the skills needed to be one, and stop tips on how you can qualify for this career.

What is a QA Tester?

A QA tester is a person who tests the software to find bugs and errors. They are the ones who try the software to ensure that it is working correctly and meets the requirements. In addition, QA testers are responsible for finding bugs in the software before it is released to the public.

With the help of QA testing, the software can be more efficient and reliable.

What does a QA Tester do?

QA Testers have a lot of freedom in their work environment. They can work remotely or onsite, as part of a team or individually, and may be assigned tasks by a manager or be self-directed.

Likewise, here are some responsibilities of a QA tester aside from those mentioned above:

• Prepare and implement quality assurance strategies, procedures, and policies
• Create training manuals for new employees
• Routinely perform inspections and tests during software development
• Ensure that requirements and standards are followed and observed
• Safeguard documentation and other audit reports
• Recommend points for improvements, solutions, and answers to errors in the software

What are the requirements to be a QA Tester?

As a QA tester, you will always test new features and fixes for bugs, which means that their skillset is constantly evolving and changing. Moreover, the person needs to be detail-oriented and keen to spot flaws.

As such, here are some personal skills that a QA tester must have:

• Attention to detail
• Practical communication skills as you will be working with different skills.
• Organization skills
• Analytical and logical skills.

Likewise, here are some must-have technical skills of a QA tester:

• Understanding of the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC)
• Have necessary programming skills
• Expert in various coding languages
• Knows the fundamentals of software testing and using automation testing tools
• Professional certifications such as Six Sigma, ISTQB, CQA, and more
• Understanding of Agile or Scrum method

How much does a QA Tester make?

Software tester or Quality Assurance Analysis is one of the top paying remote jobs in the tech industry. The salary of a QA tester depends on their experience and the location of their work. Typically, however, a quality assurance analyst’s median pay ranges from USD 110 to USD 129 thousand annually.

How to become a QA Tester?

As mentioned earlier, being a QA tester is not easy. You need to have certain qualities and skills to be hired as one. This job is not for everyone; it takes a lot of time and effort to become a successful QA tester.

If you want to pursue this career, follow these steps.

1. Get a degree in computer science or computer engineering

To start your career as a QA engineer, consider getting a degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or Computer Engineering. You will work, test, and evaluate computer programs as a QA tester.

A degree in such will help you learn the fundamentals of software development and prepare you to tackle these technical parts of development. Moreover, a computer science or engineering degree will increase the likelihood of getting hired as some big companies tend to require a four-year course.

2. Consider an internship

If you do not have any experience in software development, an internship should be able to give you this experience. Internships are an excellent avenue for new graduates to learn and experience actual software development.

In addition, it can help you build your resume as a QA tester and establish your skills with the next employer.

3. Acquire certifications

A certification can also help you as a QA tester. It can help you establish your qualification, skills, and capability as a QA tester. Moreover, certifications demonstrate superiority amongst other candidates in the industry. It shows that you are committed to upholding the industry standard of QA testing.

You may choose these top organization that provides certification for Quality assurance.

• Association for Software Testing (AST). An organization dedicated to enhancing the understanding of science, technology, and practice of software testing.
• International Software Testing Qualification Board (ISTQB). The leading global software testing certification scheme provides more than 1 million exams worldwide.
• Quality Assurance Institute (QAI). An organization offering software certification programs with more than 50 thousand professionals worldwide
• International Institute for Software Testing (ISST). An institution for educating professionals in development and software testing.

4. Enhance communication skills

Just because you will be working with technologies doesn’t mean you don’t need communication skills. As a QA tester, you will work with many people, including developers, product owners, stakeholders, and others involved in the SDLC.

As such, you need to have the ability to collaborate and communicate with others. You must have a harmonious relationship with them to prevent the issue and fully maximize your skills.

5. Learn relevant skills for QA Testing

Lastly, you need to learn fundamental skills for QA Testing. QA or software testing takes a lot of time and process. You must be mindful when verifying a computer system, program, or application and see if it meets specified requirements. You also need to identify bugs in the software that could hinder its purpose or result in a more significant issue.

And without the right technical skills, you may miss some of the issues or requirements in the software. Likewise, having the right skills will help you deliver professional and accurate programs for your company and client.

Ready to become a QA Tester?

Software testing is an integral part of SDLC. It ensures the software’s quality and safeguards the customer’s satisfaction. As a QA Tester, you must ensure that all these roles are met.

As such, you must have at least the minimum skills and know the fundamental of software testing. And as you grow your career, you can learn other skills and gain more clients.

And if you want to enhance your QA testing skills, a remote developer can help you. Contact us now!