How to become a QA tester

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.
How to become a software tester without a degree

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
  • Conclusion
  • FAQ

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.

test pro bootcamp

Open a new world of possibilities with Test Pro

Test Pro is an innovative platform that provides an opportunity to learn in the field of testing for any category of people regardless of age, article, level of knowledge or nationality, where diligence and dedication to the field of testing is valued. We offer exciting and useful courses thanks to which you can focus on real projects in real life, and you can also acquire the skills and knowledge that you will definitely need in the future as a tester.

There are no limits to excellence in Test Pro, so don’t miss your chance to improve your testing potential. So, hurry up to visit our official website, register for our free webinar and open new doors to a more successful future. There will be a perfect place for you on our boat, what do you say, are you with us?

APPLY NOW

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!

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.

What if no company hires me?

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.

APPLY NOW

Read more

Data science or full stack? Which career is better?

The world of tech has so many career options that it can be overwhelming to choose one. In this blog post, we review and compare two careers in vogue: data science and full-stack development. As the tech world continues to evolve, it gets even more challenging to decide whether to become a full stack developer or data scientist. Data science or full stack? Which one is for you? If you are unsure and don’t know which role has more benefits and salary or what skills you need for each position, you are about to find out!

All About Testrail

Ask any engineer and they’ll tell you that the tools you use matter almost as much as your existing knowledge; which of course means we all want to find out what the best possible testing software out there is. Well, today we want to make that entire process easier for all of you, and we’ll do it by explaining what the TestRail tool is all about.

How to Become a Good QA Tester

Quality assurance testing calls for a wide range of skills, some of which you could be born with and others you might hone over time. Learning the necessary technical abilities is necessary. A keen eye for detail and an insatiable curiosity about the world around you are essential requirements. An excellent QA tester is someone who enjoys looking at the big picture and is always thinking of ways to make the product better. If you are looking for how to become a best QA tester, this article is for you.

In this piece, we’ll discuss some of the most effective methods anybody has used to advance their careers. Test Pro Bootcamp will go into further depth on many of these topics, but remember that your dedication and hard work will ultimately decide how far you go in the field of quality assurance and software testing, and it’s important to understand how to become a good software tester.