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How to Get Into QA

Around 6,000 mobile apps are released through the Google Play Store every day. App and software development have become an integral part of B2B and even B2C. Quality assurance is crucial to the success of any application. In fact, companies allocated 31% of their development budget to quality assurance (QA) in 2016.

QA is a growing field that shows no sign of slowing. Firms like QAwerk provide QA outsource services to customers around the world and are entirely dedicated to QA.

But how do you get started in QA? What skills and experience are required?

What Does a Software Tester Do?

Software testers may take on a variety of roles, depending on the project and the type of testing that needs to be done.

Those involved in the QA process are in constant communication with developers and other teams to clarify all requirements and tasks before testing even begins. The first step is to determine whether the testing will be manual or automated.

There are several different types of testing, including:

These tests work together to improve overall performance and eliminate bugs that affect the user’s experience.

Skills Needed for QA Testing

Although there are many specific skills learned through quality assurance training, testers should also have some basic knowledge of:

Testers should also have excellent customer facing skills, analytical thinking, problem-solving skills and the desire for continuous learning.

Communication skills are arguably more important than the technical skills required. In order to provide valuable feedback that customers will be looking for, you must be able to communicate your ideas clearly and succinctly.

Anyone who works in QA needs to have excellent people skills.

While communication is crucial, you cannot underestimate the importance of technical knowledge. If you understand how the software is built, it will be much easier to spot bugs and provide clear feedback.

But programming skills aren’t a requirement for QA. You can still master QA with experience and training.

How to Get Into QA

Entering any IT sphere can be a challenge unless you’re eager to learn and are ready to constantly improve your skillset. QA is not an easy career path to pursue, but it’s a rewarding one.

There are multiple ways to get started in this field. You can learn testing on your own and at your own pace. There are courses you can take, or you can gain testing skills through first-hand experience.

As a professional QA tester, you will be required to perform web, desktop and mobile app quality assurance. While you may not necessarily need a certificate or degree to get into this field, it does help to have proper training.

There are many courses available for beginners that will give you basic skills and some experience in QA.

Taking a certification course will give you a head start and help you get your foot in the door.

A few of the top software testing certifications include:

International Software Testing Qualifications Board (ISTQB)

ISTQB is the industry’s  leading software certification with exam centers across the globe. Headquartered in Belgium, ISTQB certification is required to work as a tester in any U.S. company. It is also the preferred certification for acquiring software testers overseas and in India.

ISTQB has several levels of certification ranging from beginner to advanced and expert. Even after finishing the expert level certification, there is more to learn through the post expert level training.

Certified Associate in Software Testing (CAST)

CAST is offered through the Quality Assurance Institute in the U.S. This course is only available to those who have:

Those who qualify and register for the course will receive the book Software Testing Body of Knowledge, which will provide all of the information needed to pass the exam. A score of 70% will be required to pass the test.

Certified Software Testing Engineer (CSTE)

CSTE is also provided by the Quality Assurance Institute, and this course is available for those at the second level or intermediate level of software certification.

In order to qualify for this course, you must have:

The course provides all of the information needed to prepare for the examination.

Training and certification will give you an edge on the competition, but, depending on the company, may not be required. Many employers are willing to hire applicants without much experience. These employees will be supervised and learn skills in a hands-on way, which in many cases, is more effective than theory.

As you can see, there are many avenues to enter the QA field. Choose the path that best fits your goals and skill level.

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