bookmark_borderHow to choose the best QA tester interview questions

How to choose the best QA tester interview questions

Quality assurance (QA) testing is a crucial step in the software development process. QA testers help ensure that the software meets customer expectations and is free of defects. When interviewing candidates for a QA tester position, it’s important to ask questions that assess a candidate’s ability to perform the job. In this article, we’ll share how to choose the best QA tester interview questions to ask candidates.

In principle, software testing seeks to provide a solution to the problem of how to ensure that the program performs as intended and refrains from acting in an undesired manner. Gaining certainty that the software you test generates the proper result for a given input is the main objective of software testing.

How to choose beginner-level QA tester interview questions + answers

What stages of the software testing life cycle are there?

The many stages of the software testing life cycle are as follows:

  • Test Planning

The test approach is established during this step

  • Test Case Development

In this section, precise test cases are built and defined

  • Environment Setup

It refers to a software and hardware setup that the testing team uses to carry out test cases

  • Test Execution

It involves executing the code and contrasting the desired and obtained results

What different testing methods are there?

The following are the three different types of software testing:

  • Black-box testing

It is a testing approach that just takes requirements and specifications into account. This approach does not call for any understanding of the internal structures, routes, or implementation of the software under test.

  • White box testing

It is a testing approach focused on the internal logic, coding, and software implementation of the tested program. White box testing typically calls for in-depth programming abilities.

  • Gray box testing

It is a method of software debugging where the tester has little to no understanding of the inner workings of the program.

What are the multiple kinds of testing?

The four primary testing levels are as follows:

  • Unit Testing
  • Integration Testing
  • System Testing
  • Acceptance Testing

What does Bug life cycle or Defect life cycle mean?

A defect goes through many phases in a process known as a defect life cycle during its lifetime. It begins when you discover a flaw and concludes when you checked that it cannot be repeated.

Based on several variables such as organizational policy, software development, project timescales, team structure, etc., it might differ from company to company and also from project to project.

What is a test case?

A test case is nothing more than a set of circumstances or variables upon which a tester will assess if the system he tested complies with the specifications or performs as intended.

What is the distinction between functional and non-functional testing?

Functional Testing

  • Is carried out prior to non-functional testing.
  • It’s depending on what the customer’s requirements are
  • Explains the functions of the product

Non-Functional Testing

  • Is conducted after the functional testing
  • It’s depending on what the customer’s expectations are
  • Explains how the product works

What does software testing verification and validation involve?

  • Verification

It is a method of static analytics. In this case, you can do testing without running the code. Reviews, inspections, and walkthroughs are a few examples.

  • Validation

It is a method of dynamic analysis where you carry the testing out by running the code.Techniques used in testing that are functional and non-functional are examples.

You can carry the development and QA processes out simultaneously under the V model. Testing does not have a separate phase of its own; rather, it begins with the requirement phase. The actions of validation and verification are complementary.

What is Usability testing?

It is a testing process in which the final user of the program is requested to use it to determine whether the product is user-friendly and to determine how long each task takes.

Utilizing prototype or mock-up software in the early phases is an accurate technique to complete the customer’s perspective for usability.

What different types of defects are there?

Defects are classified into three types:

  • Wrong

It suggests that requirements were not correctly implemented. It deviates from the specified requirements.

  • Missing

This is a deviation from the specifications, a sign that a requirement was not followed, or a sign that client demand was not correctly stated.

  • Extra

It is a necessity that you can include in the product but which is not requested by the final user. It is always a deviation from the specification, although it could be a feature the product’s user wants.

What foundation does the acceptance plan have?

Usually, you can use the following inputs to prepare the acceptance document:

  • Requirement document

It outlines the precise requirements for the projects from the viewpoint of the client

  • Input from the customer

These can be conversations, informal talks, emails, etc.

  • Project Plan

The project manager’s project plan is a valuable resource as you conclude your acceptance testing

What is coverage, and what kinds of coverage approaches are there?

We use Coverage as term to define how thoroughly the source code we test during software testing. Three fundamental categories of covering approaches are as follows:

  1. Statement coverage

It guarantees that every line of source code has been run via testing

  1. Decision coverage

It guarantees that each true/false decision in the source code has been tested and performed

  1. Path coverage

In this phase, we make sure that every path through a certain section of code gets tested and run

What are automation testing benefits?

  1. It makes testing a large test matrix easier.
  2. Facilitates running several repeated test cases
  3. Supports the execution of unattended
  4. Allows for simultaneous processing
  5. Reduces costs and time
  6. Increases accuracy and decreases human-made errors

What are the benefits of using Selenium for automation testing?

We employ open-source software called Selenium to automate web browser testing. Being open-source, Selenium has a significant benefit over other testing tools in that there are no licensing fees. Other factors contributing to selenium’s rising fame include:

  • We can use any of the following programming languages to create test scripts:

Java, Python, C#, PHP, Ruby, Perl, and Net.

  • Any of the following OS can be used for testing: Linux, Windows, or Mac
  • Any browser, including Mozilla Firefox, Internet Explorer, Google Chrome, Safari, or Opera, may be used to conduct tests.
  • It can be integrated to manage test cases and produce reports with tools like TestNG and JUnit
  • For Continuous Testing, it may be coupled with Maven, Jenkins, and Docker

What are the varied Selenium components?

Selenium’s various components include:

  • Selenium Grid
  • Selenium WebDriver
  • Selenium Integrated Development Environment (IDE)
  • Selenium Remote Control (RC)

What are the various kinds of locators in Selenium?

The locator is an address that identifies a specific web component inside the webpage component. To efficiently and precisely recognize web elements, we have various types of locators in Selenium, which are as follows:

  • ID
  • Name
  • ClassName
  • TagName
  • Xpath
  • CSS Selector
  • DOM
  • linkText
  • PartialLinkText

What is XPath?

XPath, also known as XML Path, is a query language for XML documents. It is a significant component for locating elements in selenium. It consists of a path expression and a number of requirements. You can easily write an XPath script/query here to find any element on the page. Its purpose is to enable XML document navigation to select particular aspects, attributes, or other parts of an XML document for processing. It also generates dependable locators.

Explain the distinction between an Absolute Path and a Relative Path

  • Absolute XPath

It is the most straightforward method for locating the element, but the drawback of absolute XPath is that if you change the element’s path, the XPath fails.

  • Relative XPath

The path for Relative XPath begins in the middle of the HTML DOM structure. It starts with a double forward slash (//), indicating that it can search for the element anywhere on the page.

When do I need to use Selenium Grid?

You can use Selenium Grid can to run the same or different test scripts on various platforms and browsers at the same time. It achieves distributed test execution, testing in various environments, and significantly reducing execution time.

How to choose intermediate-level QA tester interview questions + answers

Is testing necessary only after you complete the build and execution phases?

Testing is always performed after following the build and execution phases. The sooner we detect a flaw, the less expensive it is.

What is the connection between environmental reality and test phases?

As the testing phases progress, the importance of environmental reality grows. For example, while unit testing, the environment must be partially real, but during the acceptance phase, the environment must be completely real, or it must be the actual real environment.

A defect that could have been excluded during the first stage is removed later. How does this affect the costs?

If a defect is discovered during the initial phase, it should be excluded during that phase/phase instead of later. Delaying a defect for later phases indeed increases the cost.

When you identify a fault and remove it during the design phase, it is the least expensive.

But if you remove it during maintenance, it is twenty times more expensive.

What do regression and confirmation testing mean?

  • Regression Testing

You can describe it as a method of software testing used to ensure that a recent code change did not negatively impact existing features.

  • Confirmation Testing

When a test fails due to a flaw, you have to report it. Then you can forward a new version of the software with the defect fixed. We refer to it as a confirmation or re-testing.

What is Random Testing?

Typically, in Random Testing, data is created at random using a tool. This data is generated by a tool or an automated mechanism. The system is then tested with this randomly generated input, and the results are recorded.

Which is written first, white boxes or black boxes?

Black box test cases are usually written initially, followed by white box test cases. We need the documentation and the design or project plan to write black box test cases. These documents are easily accessible at the beginning of the project. White box test cases cannot be initiated in the early stages of a project because they require more architectural clarity, which is not accessible at the outset. As a result, white box test cases are typically written after black box test cases.

What are the fundamental elements of the defect report format?

The following are the basic components of a defect report format:

  • Project Name
  • Module Name
  • Defect detected on
  • Defect detected by
  • Defect ID and Name
  • Snapshot of the defect
  • Priority and Severity status
  • Defect resolved by
  • Defect resolved on

Is automation testing helpful in agile methodology?

Automation testing is very helpful in agile methodology because it allows for maximum test coverage in a shorter sprint time.

In what test cases you can use automated testing?

  • Non-functional test cases
  • Complex calculation test cases
  • Data-driven test cases
  • Smoke test cases
  • Regression test cases

How does Load Testing on websites function?

To access a website, a user submits a “request” to the server of that website. Then the server responds with the website you want to access. To load test a website, quality assurance and automation engineers simply multiply the number of responses sent by the traffic load.

The response of the webserver to the influx of virtual users will then be evaluated to decide server capacity and performance problems.

What is the difference between Selenium and Sikuli?

Selenium

  • It cannot automate flash objects such as video players, audio players, and so on.
  • It has a complex API
  • It can only automate web applications

Sikuli

  • It offers extensive support for automate flash objects
  • It has a simple API
  • It can automate both the web and a Windows application

What is TestNG?

It is a sophisticated framework that is designed to maximize the benefits for both developers and testers. It also includes an exception-handling mechanism that allows the program to run without stopping unexpectedly.

How to choose advanced-level QA tester interview questions + answers

What kind of feedback from the end user is required to start proper testing?

The end user is the most important character because he is the individual who must use the product and is more invested in the project than anyone else.

What does the term workbench concept mean?

At its core, a workbench is a method of documenting how a specific activity must be conducted. It is also known as phases, steps, and tasks.

Every workbench has the following five tasks:

  1. Input
  2. Execute
  3. Check
  4. Production output
  5. Rework

What does Defect Cascading mean?

A defect cascading is induced by another defect. One defect sets off the other. When a defect exists in any phase but is not recognized, it can move to the next stage without being recognized. As a consequence, the number of errors will rise.

What are the various end-user rollout methods?

The following are the rollout methods to be used:

  • Pilot
  • Gradual Implementation
  • Phased Implementation
  • Parallel Implementation

This is a tricky question that the interviewer may ask you. He can present a scenario in which there are 20 links on a web page and we must determine which of those 20 links are operational and which aren’t.

Because you must test the functionality of each link, the workaround is to send HTTP requests to each of the links on the web page and examine the responses. When you employ the driver.get() method to navigate to a URL, it returns a condition of 200 – OK. This suggests that the link is operational and that it was acquired. Any other status indicates that the link has been broken.

To begin, we must use the anchor tags a> to identify the various hyperlinks on the web page. We can achieve hyperlinks for each a> tag by using the attribute ‘href’ value and then analyzing the response received when using the driver.get() method.

In TestNG, how do you skip a method or a code block?

To skip a specific test method or code, set the ‘enabled’ parameter in the test annotation to false.

@Test(enabled = false)

Explain briefly what the code snippet below indicates.

WebElement sample = driver.findElement(By.xpath(“//*[contains(text(), ‘data’)]”));

It declares a variable of type WebElement and uses an XPath search to activate it with a reference to an element with the text value “data.”


And, this conclusez the suect on how to choose the best QA tester interview questions.

If you want to make on how to choose the best QA tester interview questions, make sure that you’re focusing on the core skills and qualities that are essential for the role. A good QA tester will have strong attention to detail, be able to think creatively to solve problems, and have excellent communication skills.

They will also be able to work well under pressure and meet deadlines. Choose your interview questions based on these qualities, and you’ll be sure to find the right candidate for the job.

If you found this article useful, read about “Feedback for QA testers” too

bookmark_borderQA tester tasks – 8 essential tasks for every QA tester

A QA tester is responsible for quality assurance within a company. In this article we will discus some of the QA tester tasks.

Generally QA testers test products and software to ensure that they meet the required standards. QA testers may also be responsible for creating and maintaining test plans, as well as writing and executing test cases. To be successful in this role, one must have strong attention to detail and be able to work well under pressure.

QA tester tasks

1. Test design

Test design involves planning how you are going to test a product. Depending on the product or software, this can range from very quick and simple to extremely complex.

For example, if you were testing a video game, you would first need to figure out what functions the game has, how the player interacts with it, and what the expected outcomes are. This would be the function of the game. You would then need to figure out how to simulate player inputs and outputs, thus allowing you to determine whether the game is functioning properly about the expected outcomes.

This, however, is only a fraction of the complexity involved in test design. Depending on the industry you work in and the level of quality expected, your test design may range from simple test cases for a web app to complex proof-of-concept designs for medical devices.

2. Requirements gathering

Before you can begin creating and executing test cases, you will need to gather requirements. Those may come from various sources, including:

  • The customer or client
  • The developer or programming team QA, if there is already a version of the product available

3. Test planning

Once you have all the requirements, you will need to plan how you are going to test the product. This will include defining the goals of the testing, as well as the features or functions you plan on testing.

4. Test case development

Once you have planned the testing, you will need to develop the test cases. A test case will be a set of instructions or procedures for how to exercise a feature or functionality of the product to verify if it’s working as expected.

5. Test execution

For each test case you’ve developed, you will need to execute it. This is where the tester will find out if the product is behaving as expected. Depending on the product and your role, you may need to either fix or report any bugs or issues you encounter.

6. Defect management

Once you’ve found bugs or issues in the product, you’ll need to track and manage them. This includes assigning bugs to developers, as well as updating them as they go through various states, such as verification, confirmation, and closure.

7. Reporting

In addition to the above, you will also need to report your findings and results to the customer, developer, or team responsible for the product you’re testing.

8. Process improvements

Even after you’ve finished testing one project, your testing skills and abilities can continue to improve if you find ways to improve the testing process itself. This can include things like introducing automation or changing the way you work as a team.

Overall, QA tester tasks are an important role in the software development process. QA testers are responsible for ensuring that the software meets all the requirements and works as expected. They also play a vital role in identifying and reporting any bugs or issues. QA testers need to have strong attention to detail and be able to work methodically. If you think you have what it takes to be a QA tester, don’t hesitate to apply for the role.

bookmark_borderManual QA tester certifications – 6 QA tester certifications

Many different types of manual QA tester certifications are available, but not all are created equal. Some certifications are specific to a certain software or testing method, while others are more general.

It’s important to choose the right certification for your needs to ensure that you’re getting the most out of your education.

Why get a manual QA tester certification?

There are many reasons to get a certification in manual quality assurance (QA). Certification can help improve your resume and make you more attractive to potential employers.

It can also help you keep up with the latest trends and best practices in the field.

In addition, certification can give you a leg up in the job market and help you earn more money. According to the 2019 IT Skills and Salary Report, certified professionals earn an average of 10% more than non-certified workers.

6 Manual QA Tester Certifications

There are a variety of QA certifications available, but here are six that can help your career:

ISTQB

The ISTQB is a well-recognized organization that offers several different manual QA certifications. These include the Certified Tester Foundation Level, Advanced Level, and Expert Level certifications.

Each of these levels has different requirements, but they all focus on helping improve their skills and knowledge.

Certified Tester Foundation Lever (CTFL)

The ISTQB® Certified Tester Foundation Level (CTFL) certification involves providing testing information that can be utilized in practice, as well as explaining the terminology and notions utilized globally in the testing field.

CTFL applies to a wide range of software delivery methods and practices, such as Waterfall, Agile, DevOps, and Continuous Delivery.

CTFL certification is accepted as a prerequisite for all other ISTQB® certifications that necessitate Foundation Level.

Certified Tester Advanced Level (CTAL)

The ISTQB® Advanced Level Test Analyst (CTAL-TA) certification teaches you how to conduct organized and comprehensive software testing throughout the software development life cycle.

It describes the responsibilities and duties of the test analyst at each stage of a basic testing procedure and broadens essential testing methods.

ASTQB Certified Tester

This certification is designed for software testers who want to demonstrate their knowledge and skills. The certification is offered by American Testing Qualifications Board.

Certified Professional Selenium Tester (CPST)

This certification is offered by the International Software Testing Qualifications Board (ISTQB) and is internationally recognized.

The CPST certification covers all aspects of software testing and is a great way to show employers that you are knowledgeable and capable in this field.

CLTD

The CLTD certification is one of the most respected and well-known. The CLTD certification is an internationally recognized certification that demonstrates a high level of proficiency in Manual QA.

This certification will help your career in many ways, including:

  • Showing that you have the skills and knowledge required to be a successful Manual QA engineer.
  • Demonstrating your commitment to your career and continuous learning
  • Helping you to stand out from other candidates when applying for jobs

Conclusion

To get certified as a manual QA tester, one must first know what the certification process entails and what is required of them.

Secondly, they must be able to pass the certification exam, and thirdly, they should e familiar with the different tools that are available to help them in their testing process.

bookmark_borderQA analyst vs QA tester – What are the differences?

When it comes to quality assurance in the software development process, there are two key roles: the QA analyst and the QA tester. In this article, we will talk about a QA analyst vs QA tester, what those two job title means, and their responsibilities and skills.

 

 


Both roles are essential to ensuring that the final product meets all quality standards.


QA analyst vs QA tester

So, what’s the difference between a QA analyst and a QA tester? A QA analyst is responsible for developing and implementing the quality assurance plan. This plan outline all the steps that you need to take to ensure that the software meets all quality standards.

The QA tester, on the other hand, is responsible for executing the tests that the QA analyst had designed.

Let’s separate them and look at their responsibilities and skills.

QA Analyst

A QA analyst is responsible for ensuring the quality of a software product or service. They may be involved in the development process, or they may be independent of the development team.

QA analysts typically create and execute test plans, track and report defects, and verify that fixes are properly implemented.

They may also participate in reviews of requirements, design, and code. In some cases, QA analysts may also be responsible for training and mentoring other members of the team.

QA Analyst Skills

Firstly, a QA analyst is more focused on the quality of the software itself. Secondly, a QA analyst is more involved in the development process, working closely with developers to ensure the quality of the software.

Finally, him/she is typically more experienced and qualified than a QA tester, as the role requires a deep understanding of quality assurance principles and practices.

QA Analyst Salary

As of July 26, 2022, the typical QA analyst salary in the USA is $63,230, with a usual range of $55,450 to $70,420. Salary ranges can vary considerably based on a wide range of factors, such as education, certifications, acquired skills, and the amount of time you have worked in your field.

QA Tester

A QA tester is someone responsible for testing the quality of a product before it is released to customers. This includes ensuring that the product meets all required specifications and standards and that it is free of any defects or errors.

A QA tester is responsible for carrying out quality assurance tests, as opposed to a QA analyst, who is responsible for developing and implementing quality assurance plans and procedures.

QA Tester Skills

As a QA tester, you need to have strong attention to detail and be able to spot even the smallest of errors.

Secondly, you need to be patient and able to methodically work through each test case. Thirdly, you need to be able to think outside the box and come up with creative solutions to problems. Finally, a QA tester needs to be able to communicate effectively with developers and other testers.

QA Tester Salary

As of, the ordinary Software QA Tester salary in the USA was $71,733, with a salary range of $64,149 to $78,840. Salary ranges can vary greatly based on a variety of factors, such as education, certifications, acquired skills, and the amount of time working in this field.

Conclusion

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the roles of a QA analyst and a QA tester can vary depending on the company and project.

However, in general, a QA analyst is responsible for more strategic tasks, such as planning and designing test cases, while a QA tester is responsible for more executional tasks, such as running test cases and reporting bugs.

bookmark_borderQA tester skills

The job of a QA tester is important in the software development process. QA testers are responsible for finding and reporting bugs in software.  At QA-House, we prepared a list of the most common QA tester skills and why they are important.

QA tester skills

1. Analytical skills

One of the most important skills is analytical skills. QA testers need to be able to analyze a problem and find the root cause. They also need to be able to analyze a problem and find the root cause. They also need to be able to understand complex systems and how they work together.

Without strong analytical skills, a QA tester will not be able to effectively find and fix bugs.

2. Communication skills

As a QA tester, communication skills are paramount. You need to be able to communicate clearly and concisely with your team to ensure that everyone is on the same page.

Additionally, you need to be able to listen carefully to instructions and feedback to make the most of your testing. Without strong communication skills, it will be difficult to effectively carry out your role as a QA tester.

3. Computer skills

It is important to have strong computer skills as a QA tester. You need to have the ability to use a computer for basic tasks such as word processing, email, and internet browsing.

4. Detailed-oriented

To be a successful QA tester, it is important to be detail-oriented. You need to pay attention to detail to catch even the smallest of errors.

5. Observation skills

Observation skills are critical for any QA tester. They need to be able to spot errors and potential problems in the software under test, and then report them to the development team.

There are different aspects to the observation skills, and different testers will have different strengths. However, there are some key skills that all QA testers should strive to develop:

  1. Pay attention to the detail: This is perhaps the most important skill for a QA tester. They need to be able to pick up on even the smallest of errors or potential problems.
  2. Be methodical: A QA tester needs to be able to approach testing in a systematic, organized way.

6. Organizational skills

Organizational skills are key for any QA tester. Without the ability to organize and manage their work, it will be very difficult to succeed in this field. The are a few organizational skills that every QA tester needs:

  • The capability to prioritize and run multiple tasks at the same time
  • Outstanding oral and written communication abilities
  • The ability to create and maintain detailed documentation
  • The capacity to work independently as well as cooperatively
  • The ability to stay calm under pressure and meet deadlines
  • Troubleshooting and problem-solving abilities

7. Persistence

Persistence is important because it takes a lot of time and effort to find software bugs. QA testers need to be able to keep looking for bugs even when they haven’t found any in a while. They also need to be able to keep track of bugs that have been found and make sure they are fixed.

8. Quick learner

It is important to be a quick learner to keep up with the constantly changing software. You need to have the ability to learn new things quickly and to adapt to change.

9. Resourcefulness

As a QA tester, resourcefulness is key. You need to be able to find and use the right tools for the job and be able to quickly adapt to new situations.

10. The management skills

Time management skills are essential for any QA tester. QA testers need to be able to prioritize their time and resources to effectively test software. They also need to be able to track their progress and identify areas where they need to improve.

There are a few key time management skills that every QA tester needs.

First, they need to be able to prioritize their time and resources. Second, they need to be able to track their progress. And third, they need to be able to identify areas where they need to improve.

Conclusion

As a QA tester, you need to have a combination of analytical, communication, computer, and detail-oriented skills. You need to be able to analyze a problem and come up with a solution. You also need to be able to communicate effectively with other members of the team.

Additionally, you need to be proficient with computers and have a keen eye for detail.

bookmark_borderHow to become a QA tester with no experience

There are many ways to become a quality assurance (QA) tester with no experience. One way is to look for entry-level QA tester jobs in the video game industry.

Many video game companies hire QA testers with little to no experience. You can also look for QA testing jobs in other industries, such as software development or website design and testing.

Research the field of quality assurance testing

Researching the field of quality assurance testing is the best way to start if you have no experience. There are many ways to learn about QA testing, including online forums, books, and courses.

Once you have a basic understanding of the concepts, you can start looking for entry-level positions. Many companies are willing to train new testers, so don’t be afraid to apply for positions that you may not be fully qualified for.

With some hard work and dedication, you can start your career in quality assurance testing.

Understand the duties of a QA tester

To become a QA tester, you do not need any specific experience or qualifications. However, it is important to have a strong understanding of the duties and responsibilities of a QA tester.

As a QA tester, you will be responsible for testing software to ensure that it meets all requirements and works as intended. This includes performing various types of testing, such as functional testing, regression testing, and performance testing.

You will also need to create and execute test plans and cases, and report any bugs or issues that are found. To be successful in this role, it is essential to have strong attention to detail, good problem-solving skills, and excellent communication skills.

Find a company that is willing to train you

There are a few ways to become a QA tester with no experience. One way is to find a company that is willing to train you. Many companies are willing to invest in their employees by providing training on the job.

This is a great way to get your foot in the door and learn the ropes of the job. Another way is to look for entry-level QA testing jobs. These types of jobs will not require as much experience and will give you a chance to learn and grow in the role.

Finally, you can also consider taking a QA testing course. This will give you the skills and knowledge you need to succeed in the role.

Whichever route you choose, make sure you are passionate about the role and the company you plan on working with.

Get your foot in the door by any means necessary

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to the question of how to become a QA tester with no experience. However, there are a few things you can do to increase your chances of success.

First, get your foot in the door by any means necessary. Once you’re in, be sure to learn as much as you can and work hard to prove your worth. If you can show that you’re a quick learner and have a good work ethic, you’ll be in a good position to advance in the field.

With time and experience, you’ll eventually become a QA tester with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed.

Offer to work for free

If you’re interested in becoming a QA tester but have no experience, there are a few things you can do to get your foot in the door.

One is to offer to work for free. Companies are always looking for ways to save money, so if you’re willing to work for free, they may be willing to give you a shot. Another way to become a QA tester is to look for entry-level positions. Many times, these positions don’t require much experience and are a great way to get your start in the industry.

Finally, you can also try to get a job in a related field, such as customer service or technical support. Many times, the skills you learn in these jobs can be transferred able to QA testing and can help you make the case for a career change.

Start your own testing business

Starting your own testing business is a great way to become a QA tester with no experience. You can start small, testing websites or apps for businesses, and then expand your services as you build your clientele.

You’ll need to be detail-oriented and have strong problem-solving skills to be successful in this role. There are many online resources available to help you get started, so do some research and then take the plunge into starting your own business.


Although a lot of people seem to think that you need the experience to get into quality assurance testing, this simply isn’t true. With the right attitude and a little bit of elbow grease, anyone can become a QA tester. So if you’re looking for a career change or just want to get started in the tech industry, don’t let a lack of experience hold you back. With these tips, you’ll be on your way to becoming a QA tester in no time.

If you are interested in this domain, you may want to read “What is a QA tester?” too. 

bookmark_borderWhat is a QA tester?

A Quality Assurance (QA) tester is a professional responsible for testing a software application’s quality. They ensure that the software meets the end user’s requirements and is free of any defects. QA testers use various tools and techniques to test the software, including manual testing, automated testing, or a combination of both.


A QA tester is a quality assurance specialist who tests software to ensure it meets customer expectations and is free of defects. They work closely with software developers to investigate and resolve issues. QA testers typically have a background in computer science or engineering.


Origins of QA tester role

The QA tester role originated in the 1950s with the advent of computer technology in the workplace. Companies began to recognize the need for employees who could evaluate computer programs and hardware for accuracy and effectiveness.

The first QA testers began working closely with computer engineers to learn the programming language, Using hand-drawn flowcharts, they created detailed test plans and organized lists of test cases.

The QA testers would report their findings and lists of test cases after they complete the test. Once the tests were completed, the QA testers would report their findings to programmers. Together, they would analyze the results and identify bugs and critical errors in the software.

Over time, the QA testers developed the skills to perform some of the basic debugging functions themselves. Over the next decades, the QA testing role expanded to include black box testing and other duties.

What do they do?

A QA tester is a professional who evaluates software to ensure that it meets quality standards. They are also involved in writing and executing test plans and test cases.

Automated testing

Automated testing is the use of software to perform the test execution. This allows for many tests to be run in a short amount of time. While this does remove some of the human error from the testing process, it is important to note that automated testing only confirms that the software works according to its internal logic. It does not assess whether the software meets the needs of its users.

Manual testing

Manual testing is the purest form of testing and involves using the software to test its functionality.

This is often the first step in the testing process as it allows testers to discover and report critical bugs. While manual testing is time-consuming, it is highly effective at finding critical bugs and confirming that the software meets the needs of its users.

Black-box testing

Black-box testing refers to the test environment being a black box. The tester has access to an external interface of the application under test and can execute their tests based on their knowledge of the system,

This is the most common testing method and involves both execution time and complexities.

White-box testing

White-box testing refers to a white-box test environment, where the tester has direct knowledge of the application source code.

Using this knowledge, the tester can strategize and effectively test the system.

This highly effective testing method involves both execution time and complexity.

Regression testing

Regression testing refers to the process of re-running previously completed tests to ensure that recently changed code has not altered the functionality of the application.

Most software aims to ensure that all tests are run in each regression cycle to identify any bugs as soon as possible.

What is required to be a QA tester?

QA testers need to have strong attention to detail, excellent communication skills, and experience with various testing tools and methodologies.

To be successful, a QA tester must be able to work collaboratively with developers and other stakeholders to identify and resolve any issues.

Attention to the details

The ability to look at all the details ensures overall productivity, performance, efficiency, and client satisfaction. This ability can be applied wherever you see an opportunity to implement a higher level of task performance.

Organization

You can become more productive and efficient in the workplace by practicing your organizational skills. While some ways can be learned, others need to be taught.

If you neglect the development in this area, you may have trouble getting things done.

Skills of listening

QA testers need to be diligent as to how they listen to and follow instructions given by supervisors, as well as how they communicate with their QA peers.

Communication skills

It is common for quality assurance testers to communicate with and collaborate with other team members. This communication may be about issues and errors with your product, so the ability to discuss it tactically is a must.

Solving problems

Quality assurance (QA) testers play a key role in identifying errors at work, QA testers often use repetitive, computer-based tasks to identify subtle problems in their work.

Additionally, good thinking and reasoning skills are necessary for these positions.

Showing cause and effect

An important type of logical thought that is part of the Logical Thinking module is Deductive Reasoning.

In Deductive reasoning, we are using statements or conclusions to lead to one or more particular outcomes. We find this in if-then statements.

How to organize your time

Depending on varying wildfire-related issues, the time required by a quality assurance tester to complete their duties and tasks can often vary greatly. They are also often required to thrive under strict and potentially unexpectedly tight deadlines.

Being able to allocate their time efficiently to perform their duties and meet their deadlines is vital to a QA tester’s ability to execute their duties and responsibilities.

What education is required?

QA testers typically have a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field. They must have strong analytical and problem-solving skills and be able to work independently. Although the position does not require it, many QA testers also have a certification in software testing, such as a CASA or CSTA certification.

QA tester salary

How well you do in your job and your experience level is the two most important factors that influence your salary as a quality assurance tester. Other factors that may be involved are the business’s location, the industry it is in, and the demand for that position.

The government assessed that the national average wage for quality assurance testers is $53,688 per year or $27.73 per hour. This will likely vary depending on your location, experience, and working style and may fluctuate.

 

A QA tester’s job is important because they play a vital role in ensuring that the software meets the quality standards set by the client or company. A career as a QA tester can be both challenging and rewarding, and it offers opportunities for career growth.