How to Become a QA Automation Tester 

QA automation testing is proliferating as a career path due to the increasing demand for faster and more efficient software development processes. As companies prioritize speed, efficiency, and quality in their software development, the demand for skilled QA automation testers is rising, making it a proliferating career path. 

Making your career path as a QA automation tester is a good starting point, and choosing it in software development and user experience is better. From thence, you can Progress your career to the next level as a QA automation tester.  

About one-third of companies want to automate between half and three-quarters of their testing, and around 20% want to automate more than 75%. Additionally, roughly a quarter of companies have already automated over half of their testing process. 

Statistic estimates global spending on digital transformation will reach 2.8 trillion by 2025.  

What is QA automation? 

QA plays a crucial role in the software development process. Tools like Selenium, Appium, Test Complete, Katalon Studio, HP UFT (formerly QTP), and Ranorex aid the tester in automating the software testing process more quickly and effectively and reaching the market faster with the best excellent user experience.  

This QA testing process will enable you to detect bugs and reduce the time-consuming process of manual or manpower.  

QA automation helps software developers test their software more efficiently and frequently. This means they can get products to market faster, update existing software more quickly, and keep up with consumers' wants. The benefits of QA automation testing are its accuracy, time-saving nature, and the ability to reuse test scripts. Plus, you can run automated tests 24/7. As a QA automation tester, you'd create the framework for the testing process. 

Types of QA Automation testing: 

QA automation testing involves using specialized tools and frameworks to automate the execution of test cases. There are various types of QA automation testing, each serving specific purposes in the software development life cycle. Here are some common types: 

1. Unit Testing: 

o Definition: It involves testing individual units or components of a software application in isolation. 

o Purpose: Verify that each unit of the software performs as designed. 

o Tools/Frameworks: JUnit, NUnit, TestNG. 

2. Integration Testing: 

o Definition: Tests the interaction between different units or modules to ensure they work together as expected. 

o Purpose: Identify and address issues that arise when units are integrated. 

o Tools/Frameworks: TestNG, JUnit, Selenium. 

 3. Functional Testing: 

o Definition: Evaluate the software's functionality by testing the application against its functional requirements. 

o Purpose: Ensure that the application behaves as expected. 

o Tools/Frameworks: Selenium, TestComplete, JUnit. 

4. Regression Testing: 

o Definition: Verifies that new code changes do not adversely affect existing functionalities. 

o Purpose: Ensure that modifications or enhancements do not introduce new defects. 

o Tools/Frameworks: Selenium, JUnit, TestNG.  

5. Performance Testing: 

o Definition: Evaluate how a system performs under different conditions, such as load, stress, and scalability. 

o Purpose: Identify performance bottlenecks and ensure the application meets performance expectations. 

o Tools/Frameworks: Apache JMeter, LoadRunner, Gatling. 

 6. Load Testing: 

o Definition: Measures the system's ability to handle a specific load or concurrent users. 

o Purpose: Determine the system's behavior under typical and peak usage scenarios. 

o Tools/Frameworks: Apache JMeter, LoadRunner, Gatling. 

What does a QA automation tester do? 

A QA automation tester is the mastermind behind those automated tests that tirelessly check your applications for flaws. They wear two hats: software tester and coding wiz. They design, develop, and execute automated test scripts using programming languages and specialized tools. They analyze software, identify areas for testing, and then craft instructions for their virtual assistants.  

What does a QA automation tester do daily? 

A QA automation tester's day is a dynamic mix of coding, analysis, collaboration, and detective work. Here's a glimpse into their daily routine: 

Analyzing reports generated by automated tests, identifying potential bugs, and prioritizing issues for further investigation. 

It fixes any errors in the test scripts that might be causing false positives or missed bugs. 

Writing code for new automated tests using programming languages like Python or Java, often utilizing specialized testing frameworks. 

Running the automated test suite and monitoring their progress, ensuring smooth execution and capturing any unexpected behavior. 

 Maintaining clear and up-to-date documentation for all automated tests, making it easy for others to understand and replicate them. 

Presenting test results and progress to the team, providing insights and feedback for future development cycles. 

Explore new automation techniques and tools and attend professional conferences or online events to stay ahead of the curve. 

What are the requirements for a QA automation tester role? 

A QA automation tester's requirements typically include a strong understanding of software testing principles, experience with automation tools and programming languages, and the ability to create and execute test cases. Additionally, knowledge of QA methodologies and excellent problem-solving skills are often sought after. 

Technical skills 

Sure, here are the technical skills required for a QA automation tester role in a point-wise format: 

• Proficiency in programming languages such as Java, Python, or C# 
• Experience with automation tools like Selenium or Appium 
• Understanding of manual testing, automated testing, and QA methodology 
• Knowledge of version control systems like Git 
• Familiarity with testing frameworks such as JUnit or TestNG 
• Understanding of web technologies like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript 
• Database querying using SQL 
• Proficiency in continuous integration, continuous delivery, and continuous deployment (CI/CD) 

Soft skills 

While technical skills are crucial for a QA automation tester, soft skills are equally important for success. Here are some essential soft skills for a QA automation tester: 

• Effective communication is key for conveying testing results and issues and collaborating with development teams. 
• Writing clear test documentation, reporting bugs with detailed information, and participating in team discussions. 
• Ability to analyze complex systems and understand intricate relationships within the software. 
•  Ability to identify, analyze, and solve problems efficiently. 
• Debugging and troubleshooting issues, finding root causes of defects, and proposing effective solutions. 
• Effectively managing time to meet deadlines and prioritize tasks. 
• Flexibility in adapting to changes in project requirements, methodologies, and tools. 
• Working seamlessly with developers, product managers, and other team members. 
• Assessing the impact of changes on the overall system, making decisions about test coverage, and prioritizing testing efforts. 

Experience: 

Employers prefer candidates with several years of experience in automation testing using tools like testRigor, Mobot, Kobiton, or Katalon, often starting their careers in QA analysis and having a solid foundation in programming languages, APIs, and writing scripts, possibly gained from experience in software or web development. 

Qualification required: 

Educational qualifications for a QA automation tester typically include a degree in computer science, software engineering, information technology, or a related field. Additionally, certifications in software testing, automation tools, and programming languages can be beneficial. 

What is the job outlook for QA automation engineers? 

The job outlook for QA automation engineers is generally positive as businesses continue to prioritize software quality and efficiency. With the increasing demand for automated testing, QA automation engineers will likely see steady job growth and opportunities in various industries. Additionally, as technology advances, the need for skilled professionals in this field will remain strong. 

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a big surge in software development, quality assurance, and testing jobs, with a projected growth rate of 25 percent from 2021 to 2031, much higher than the average for all industries. 

7 Popular QA Automation Testing Roles to Consider: 

QA Automation Engineer: 

o This is the most common role, responsible for designing, developing, and executing automated test scripts.  

Performance Testing Engineer: 

o Focuses on testing software performance under load, optimizing resource utilization, and ensuring scalability.  

Security Testing Engineer: 

o Specializes in identifying and mitigating potential security vulnerabilities in software. 

Mobile QA Automation Engineer: 

o Designs and executes automated mobile application tests catering to different platforms and devices.  

API Testing Engineer: 

o Tests application programming interfaces (APIs) for functionality, performance, and security.  

Test Automation Architect: 

o Designs and oversees the QA automation strategy, selecting tools, frameworks, and best practices.  

SQA Engineer (Software Quality Assurance Engineer): 

Applies quality assurance principles throughout the software development lifecycle, integrating automation testing activities within the broader QA process.  

Certifications to consider: 

Certified software quality analyst (CSQA) 

Ensure software quality through manual and automated testing, analysis, and collaboration. 

Salary:  $107,770 per year 

Certified test engineer (CSTE) 

Certified Software Test Engineer (CSTE) is responsible for designing, implementing, and managing comprehensive software testing processes to ensure the quality and reliability of software systems, adhering to industry best practices and standards.  

Salary: $85070 per year in US 

Certified Associate in Software Testing (CAST) 

A Certified Associate in Software Testing (CAST) is responsible for conducting basic software testing activities, including test case creation, execution, and defect reporting, to ensure the quality and functionality of software applications.  

Salary: $89,931 per year in the United States 

ISTQB (International Software Testing Qualifications Board) test automation engineer 

The ISTQB Test Automation Engineer is responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining automated test scripts to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the software testing process, ensuring the delivery of high-quality software products. 

Salary: $99,135 per year in the United States 

Certified manager of software quality (CMSQ) 

They manage and lead teams to achieve quality goals, promote continuous improvement, and enhance the software development lifecycle. 

Salary: $130,554 

In conclusion, becoming a successful QA Automation Tester involves a combination of technical proficiency, continuous learning, and practical experience. Mastering automation tools, understanding testing concepts, and staying updated with industry trends are crucial. Building a strong portfolio, earning relevant certifications, and developing soft skills enhance marketability. 

By actively participating in real projects, seeking mentorship, and networking within the testing community, you can carve a rewarding career path as a QA Automation Tester, contributing to the delivery of robust and high-quality software solutions.