How to become a QA tester? Skills, Requirements, and Jobs in 2023

Becoming a Quality Assurance (QA) tester in 2024 requires a combination of education, technical skills, practical experience, and a commitment to ensuring software excellence. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you get started:

Education and Training

Bachelor's Degree: Most employers prefer candidates with a bachelor's degree in computer science, information technology, engineering, or a related field.

Courses and Certifications: Take courses in software testing, quality assurance, and software development methodologies. Consider obtaining certifications like ISTQB (International Software Testing Qualifications Board) to demonstrate your expertise.

Technical Skills

Programming Knowledge: Familiarize yourself with programming languages like Python, Java, and C++.

Software Development Methodologies: Understand Agile, Scrum, and Waterfall methodologies.

Testing Techniques: Learn various testing techniques like black-box, white-box, and gray-box testing.

Automation Testing: Familiarize yourself with automation testing tools like Selenium and TestRail.

Performance Analysis: Understand performance analysis and security principles to ensure software quality and reliability.

Soft Skills

Communication: Develop strong written and verbal communication skills to efficiently track, troubleshoot, and document test results.

Problem-Solving: Improve analytical and problem-solving skills to identify defects and suggest solutions.

Teamwork: Cultivate teamwork and collaboration skills to work effectively with developers, project managers, and other stakeholders.

Adaptability: Practice adaptability and flexibility to adapt to new technologies, tools, and methodologies.

Job Roles and Salaries

QA Engineer: $82,591 per year

Test Manager: $149,969 per year

Test Engineer: $86,211 per year

Test Analyst: $92,276 per year

Test Automation Engineer: $104,656 per year

Job Growth and Outlook

Job Growth: The US Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 25% job growth for QA testers between 2022 and 2032, translating to about 411,400 new jobs.

Average Salary: The average total yearly wage for QA testers in the US is $72,662, including an average base salary of $66,955 per year combined with the median reported additional pay of $5,707 annually.

Conclusion

Becoming a QA tester requires a combination of technical and soft skills. By developing these skills and staying up-to-date with industry trends, you can excel in this dynamic career and ensure high-quality software products.