How to become a QA tester

Is becoming a QA tester right for me?

The first step to choosing a career is to make sure you are actually willing to commit to pursuing the career. You don’t want to waste your time doing something you don’t want to do. If you’re new here, you should read about:

Overview
What do QA testers do?

Still unsure if becoming a QA tester is the right career path? to find out if this career is right for you. Perhaps you are well-suited to become a QA tester or another similar career!

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How to become a QA Tester

Becoming a QA tester involves learning technical skills, gaining experience, and understanding how software works. Here are the general steps to get started:

  • Earn a High School Diploma or Equivalent: Most employers expect at least a high school education. Some QA testers also complete a college degree or take courses related to computers, software, or information technology.
  • Take QA or Software Testing Courses: You can learn how to test software by taking online courses or attending training programs. These courses often teach you about testing methods, common tools, and how to write test cases.
  • Practice with Real Projects: Try testing open-source software or small apps to get hands-on experience. This helps you build your skills and create examples to show employers.
  • Learn Basic Programming or Tools: Knowing a little bit of programming (like Python or Java) and how to use testing tools (like Selenium or JIRA) can make you more competitive.
  • Apply for Entry-Level Jobs: Look for jobs like QA intern, junior tester, or software testing assistant. These roles help you gain experience and move up over time.
  • Keep Learning: Technology changes quickly, so it’s important to stay up to date with new tools and testing methods as you grow in your career.

Courses
Taking relevant courses can greatly improve your chances of getting hired and succeeding in the field. Here are some online courses that can help you build the necessary skills:

  • Automation Testing with Selenium & Python (Udemy): This course teaches you how to use Selenium with Python to automate web testing. It covers the basics of Python, browser automation, and how to build simple test frameworks. The course is highly rated by students and is widely used by beginners looking to enter the automation testing field.
  • QA Bootcamp (Test Pro): This program offers hands-on training in both manual and automation testing. It includes real-world projects, teaches industry tools like JIRA and Selenium, and prepares students for QA roles. The bootcamp is designed to help beginners get job-ready and is known for its practical approach and job placement support.
  • Manual and Automation QA Training (JanBask Training): JanBask offers instructor-led courses that cover manual testing, Selenium with Java, performance testing, and mobile testing with Appium. The program is suitable for beginners and those looking to transition into QA, with a focus on building a strong foundation in testing concepts and tools.
  • QA Software Testing Certification Course (Sipexe): This course provides training in both manual and automation testing, with a focus on real-world application. It includes instruction on tools like Selenium, JIRA, and TestNG, and is designed to prepare students for certification and entry-level testing roles.
  • ISTQB Foundation Level Training (The Knowledge Academy): This course prepares students for the ISTQB Certified Tester exam and covers the fundamentals of software testing. It is suitable for those new to QA and provides a recognized certificate upon completion, which can enhance job prospects in the testing field.