OVERVIEW
What Is a Software Tester?
A software tester is a trained professional who uses their skills and expertise with computers to make sure a computer program functions as it is intended to. They work collaboratively with other team members to verify the software operates smoothly, to troubleshoot any bugs or errors, and to identify any holes in the program’s security. Software testers help companies and businesses provide a satisfactory product to consumers and protect the software from any potential cyberattacks. The role of a software tester in software development is crucial, as they help take months, if not years, of development into the application stage and refine a product before it’s launched to users.
RESPONSIBILITIES
What Does a Software Tester Do?
Software testers have various responsibilities, from creating test scenarios to reporting to managers to interacting with users. A typical workday may include:
- Reviewing software requirements and determining test scenarios: A software tester spends the bulk of their time reviewing the requirements of a certain software and determining the best testing scenarios to assess whether that software will perform as intended.
- Collaborating with a team of colleagues to develop efficient testing systems: Software testers do not work alone. They depend on the collaborative input and knowledge of software developers, designers, programmers, and other software testers to create the most efficient testing systems.
- Designing and creating automated testing systems using computer code: Software testers design testing scripts through coding with programming languages such as Ruby, Python, Java, and C#. These testing scripts allow them to run thousands of automated test scenarios. For example, if you use a social media app that requires a username and password to access your account, a software tester can design an automated system to test correct and incorrect user information, making sure that the app’s log-in works properly and remains secure.
- Detecting and analyzing software defects or issues: A software tester relies on strong analytical skills to break down complex software into manageable pieces and to properly detect areas where improvements or corrections are needed.
- Providing feedback and assistance with software design or function: The essential function of a software tester’s role is to help enhance a product's design and function. They readily provide written and verbal feedback to colleagues throughout the SDLC in order to improve and refine the software.
- Interacting with clients to understand software or product requirements: A software tester’s goal is to design a product that works for a client’s specific needs and lifestyle. Understanding user experience is an important part of a software tester's daily responsibilities. These client interactions inform the suggested changes software testers give to developers, designers, and programmers.
- Reporting major findings to senior managers and executives: Software testers are responsible for creating short- and long-format reports of their testing systems and communicating the results of those reports to managers and executives. This feedback becomes essential when determining a product’s budget or timeline for release to the public.
EDUCATION & BEST DEGREES
How Do I Become a Software Tester?
The first step to becoming a software tester is to earn a degree in software engineering or a related field, such as information technology or mathematics.
The next step is to gain experience working closely with computer programs or coding. Experience is especially important in this field, as the more hands-on opportunities you have with the SDLC, the more knowledge you’ll have to bring to software testing and collaborating with other team members.
In addition to earning your degree and gaining experience, many organizations seek out highly competitive individuals to help their software stand out among other products on the market, and they often prefer testers to be certified as a Certified Software Test Engineer (CSTE) or an International Software Testing Qualifications Board (ISTQB) Tester.
Best Degrees for a Software Tester
Technology
Computer Science – B.S.
Problem solvers and math lovers needed! Your task:...
Problem solvers and math lovers needed! Your task:
Lay the groundwork for the computing breakthroughs that will enable tomorrow's technologies. Utilize your previous college courses or IT experience to help you complete your degree faster.
- Time: 60% of graduates in similar programs finish within 24 months.
- Tuition: $4,085 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 37 total courses in this program.
You'll have the opportunity to earn these certifications:
- Linux Essentials
- Axelos ITIL Foundation
You can also accelerate your program and complete both a B.S. in Computer Science and an M.S. in Computer Science together, requiring less courses overall and saving you time and money. Learn more about this option.
Skills for your résumé that you will learn in this program:
- Artifical Intelligence (AI)
- Machine Learning
- Logic
- Architecture and systems
- Data structures
- Computer theory
- Version Control
- Linux
Technology
Software Engineering – B.S.
You're a creative and tech genius who wants the bigger opportunities....
You're a creative and tech genius who wants the bigger opportunities.
- Time: 60% of graduates finish similar programs within 35 months.
- Tuition: $4,085 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 36 or 38 total courses in this program depending on your track.
Certifications included in this program at no additional cost are:
- CompTIA Project +
- AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner
- ITIL®1 Foundation Certification
You can also accelerate your program and complete both a B.S. in Software Engineering and an M.S. in Software Engineering together, requiring less courses overall and saving you time and money. Learn more about this option.
Skills for your résumé that you will learn in this program:
- Scripting and programming
- Web development
- Mobile application development
- User experience design
- Software quality assurance
Technology
Software Engineering – M.S.
Earn a master's degree in software engineering and boost your career...
Earn a master's degree in software engineering and boost your career options.
- Time: 61% of graduates finish similar programs within 20 months.
- Tuition: $4,085 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 10 total courses in this program.
This program features three specializations that help you focus your studies and boost your résumé with specific skills and experience. The specialization areas are AI Engineering, DevOps Engineering, and Domain Driven Design.
Skills for your résumé that you will learn in this program include:
- Software design
- Architecture
- Project management
- Testing
- System integration
Technology
Java Developer Certificate – School of Technology
The Java Developer Certificate helps students gain a critical foundation...
The Java Developer Certificate helps students gain a critical foundation in databases, Java, SQL, and other areas that are crucial for success in the field.
- Time: 6 months from start to finish.
- Cost: $499 for the certificate.
- Courses: 5 courses total in this program.
This certificate is designed to help individuals who want to pursue web development gain important skills and experience, boosting their résumé right away. This program is an important step for your career.
Build your foundational skills in back end web development with a focus on SQL queries, user interface, database management, Java fundamentals and frameworks, and more.
Technology
Computer Science – M.S.
A degree in computer science can give you critical IT skills for your...
A degree in computer science can give you critical IT skills for your future.
- Time: 61% of graduates finish similar programs within 20 months.
- Tuition: $3,985 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 10 total courses in this program.
The M.S. in Computer Science at WGU has three specializations for students to choose from, giving them the opportunity to focus on an area that is meaningful for their career and life. The specializations are Computing Systems, Human-Computer Interaction, and Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence. You can also accelerate your program and complete both a B.S. in Computer Science and an M.S. in Computer Science together, requiring less courses overall and saving you time and money.
Skills for your résumé that you will learn in the computer science programs include:
- Programming and Logic
- Architecture and Systems
- Data Structures
- AI
- Project Management
How Much Does a Software Tester Make?
$127,260
The average salary for a software tester in the U.S. is $127,260 per year, with the lowest 10% earning less than $71,280 per year and the highest 10% earning up to $198,000 per year. While many software testers work full-time, the increasing need for their skills and expertise puts freelance opportunities on the rise.
What Is the Projected Job Growth?
22%
In this digital era, the constant need for new software programs and applications secures a high demand for software testers. Currently, the job field for software testers and quality assurance analysts is projected to grow by 22% from 2020 to 2030, significantly faster than the average occupation.
SKILLS
What Skills Does a Software Tester Need?
A software tester needs a wide variety of technical and non-technical skills to be successful. Some of the necessary skills include:
- Basic knowledge of Database/SQL
- Basic knowledge of Linux commands
- Knowledge of and hands-on experience with test management tools
- Knowledge of and hands-on experience with defect tracking tools
- Knowledge of and hands-on experience with automation tools
- Knowledge of scripting languages, such as VBScript, JavaScript, and C#
- Knowledge of Shell/Perl scripting
- Analytical skills
- Organizational skills
- Communication skills
- Time management skills
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