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!
- How to become a QA engineer
- How to become a software tester without a degree
- Becoming a quality assurance specialist
- FAQ
- Conclusion
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.
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.
Becoming a quality assurance specialist
We have distinguished quality assurance specialists from the others since their roles differ. A quality assurance specialist creates and implements standards and procedures to ensure reliable and repeatable results. If you work as one, your mission is to create a product that meets all the industry standards, ideally without inspection.
Yes, you read that right. A QA specialist will try to manufacture such a great program that there’s no need for further testing. It’s about creating something so good that it can’t fail! To do so, it engages in:
- Inspection of the methods used in production processes
- Documenting procedures
- Conducting audits
- Creating process checklists and standards
As you can see, it radically differs from the QA testing and software development and testing mentioned above. So, how to become a quality assurance specialist?
The path to follow depends on the job you want to land. Be that as it may, there are some requisites to keep in mind:
- A deep understanding of procedures, processes, and systems related to quality assurance.
- A technical qualification or relevant training in the field.
- Training in Quality Risk Management (QRM), with tools like Failure Mode Effect Analysis or Fault Tree Analysis.
Other skills you’ll need, as expected, are analytical skills, a passion for productivity and organization, attention to detail, and logical thinking.
FAQ
Can I work as a QA specialist, engineer, or tester without a degree?
Absolutely! Though companies appreciate degrees, you can make the cut without one. Just make sure you build a portfolio, earn hands-on experience in a bootcamp or course, and develop the necessary skills.
Say you’ve followed this guide, earned high-quality certifications, built a portfolio, and still no company hires you. You can always become a freelancer! As long as you meet the requirements of your clients, you’ll build a reputation, even if you don’t own a degree.
How long will it take to become a quality assurance expert?
Each person requires a different time and schedule. Some will learn the basics fast, while others might need months or years. It also depends on your background – If you’re already familiar with coding languages and management tools, the journey will be shorter.
Where do I take online courses on QA?
You can check Test Pro courses. You’ll work on real projects, which will help build an impressive portfolio to land a position shortly after. Expect a job with a $35-$50/hour range.
Conclusion
Becoming a quality assurance tester, engineer, or specialist is possible, even without formal education. You can learn the necessary skills on your own via online courses, bootcamps, and learning from experts in the field!
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