OVERVIEW
What Is a User Acceptance Tester?
UATs provide test results and advice during the life cycle of software development, ensuring that impact analysis occurs and is communicated to and understood by all relevant parties. UATs lead teams in executing test plans, scenarios, scripts, and procedures, as well as testing system modifications to prepare for implementation. They may also develop system testing programs that address database impacts, software scenarios, or usability. As a final step in the process, UATs document and report software defects when they arise so that modifications can be made before an official release to end users.
UATs are responsible for creating a UAT strategy, which must include the following components:
- Out-of-scope situations worth testing
- Expectations for the test
- General agreements about the standards for passing
- How to carry out the test
- Owners and participants
- Scope of work
- Venue or platform used
RESPONSIBILITIES
What Does a User Acceptance Tester Do?
User acceptance testing is the final phase of the software development process. In making certain that the software meets the necessary specifications and is ready for release, UATs have the following responsibilities:
- Plan and control testing methods, such as integration testing and regression testing.
- Create test profiles and test concepts.
- Coordinate test case creation, test execution, and test resources.
- Set up and carry out deviation management in test projects, including documentation of the interim and final results.
- Create test-specific status reports and final reports.
- Create the risk table and responsibility for test-specific risk management.
- Achieve the overall technical and functional acceptance and overall approval.
- Document the test execution and communicate with developers regarding the deviations.
- Participate in creating professional and technical test cases.
- Recommend modifications with end users in mind.
- Document the test results and deviations.
EDUCATION & BEST DEGREES
How Do I Become a User Acceptance Tester?
User acceptance testing is a highly technical and important job, so professionals are expected to have a good education and some job experience before they enter the field. The steps to become a professional UAT include:
Earning a bachelor’s degree in computer science, IT, or engineering.
WGU’s computer science and IT bachelor’s degrees will put you on the right track towards success in this career. In either degree program, you’ll gain the essential tools to solve problems, impact industries, and face a new challenge each day. Upon graduation, you’ll have background knowledge in designing, developing, and optimizing systems that will meet current and future industry needs. This kind of education will lay a strong foundation for you to thrive in your career as a UAT.
Acquiring UAT skills through an internship or a part-time role.
In your early career, you’ll want to focus on building up your software testing experience in internships and entry-level positions. Even while you’re in the process of earning your degree, you can start applying for internships. Keep reading to learn the skills that every UAT needs.
Considering a master’s degree in computer science, IT, or engineering.
If you envision yourself as a leader in your field, you should consider getting a master’s degree in computer science, IT, or engineering. WGU’s master's in IT management builds on what you learned in your bachelor’s degree and equips you to lead an effective testing team. Today’s employers are looking for skilled IT professionals to lead at every level of the organization. If you feel like you’re suited to lead a UAT department, then this is the degree for you. You’ll take courses in leadership, technology operations and integration, sourcing, risk, planning, influence, finance, solutions development, and project management with a global perspective on emerging technologies, practices, and methodologies.
Best Degrees for a User Acceptance Tester
Technology
Information Technology – B.S.
Award-winning coursework and value-add certifications make this online...
Award-winning coursework and value-add certifications make this online program a top choice.
- Time: 61% of graduates finish within 39 months.
- Tuition: $3,725 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 36 total courses in this program.
Certifications included in this program at no additional cost:
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Network+
- CompTIA Security+
- CompTIA Project+
- CompTIA IT Operations Specialist
- CompTIA Secure Infrastructure Specialist
- Amazon AWS Cloud Practitioner
- ITIL®*^ Foundation Certification
- LPI Linux Essentials
Skills for your résumé that you will learn in this program:
- Scripting and programming
- Networking and security
- Systems and services
- Data management
- Business of IT
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
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
Information Technology Management – M.S.
A degree for experienced IT professionals ready to lead....
A degree for experienced IT professionals ready to lead.
- Time: 60% of graduates finish within 18 months.
- Tuition: $4,040 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 10 total courses in this program.
Included in your program—at no extra cost—is the opportunity to earn the valuable PMI Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) certification.
- Technology operations and integration
- Sourcing and planning
- Risks and influence
- Solutions development
- Project management
Maximize the opportunities that your IT career path has afforded you—earn your master's and keep moving up.
Technology
Front End Web Development Certificate – School of Technology
The Front End Web Development Certificate equips learners with the skills...
The Front End Web Development Certificate equips learners with the skills necessary to create responsive, visually appealing, and functional websites.
- Time: 6 months from start to finish.
- Cost: $3,950 for the certificate.
- Courses: 6 courses total in this program.
This certificate is designed to help aspiring web developers begin their journey, gain valuable experience, and add a critical credential to their résumé. You are also guaranteed admission into a WGU School of Technology degree program. This certificate will prepare you for the next step in your career.
This certificate can help build fundamental skills in front-end development, and also help those with no technical background begin to build vocational identity for a long-term career in IT. Learners will gain critical skills including version control, scripting, web development, JavaScript programming, and UI design.
How Much Does a User Acceptance Tester Make?
$91,500
The salaries of UATs in the U.S. range from $73,200 to $109,800, with a median salary of $91,500.
What Is the Projected Job Growth?
22%
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics says the employment of software developers, quality assurance analysts, and testers is projected to grow by 22% from 2020 to 2030, much faster than the average for all occupations. Over the course of the decade, this will equate to about 189,200 new jobs each year, on average. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or retire.
SKILLS
What Skills Does a User Acceptance Tester Need?
Software companies depend on UATs as the last line of defense against failed product releases. It’s important that they have a comprehensive set of skills so their employers have peace of mind that they can do the job effectively.
These skills include:
- Ability to write test documentation such as test plans, scripts, and reports.
- Strong technical skills and abilities including databases and SQL.
- Knowledge of software development life cycle (SDLC).
- Skilled at testing process and methodologies.
- Good problem-solving and analytical skills.
- Ability to create UAT test plans, cases, and scripts.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills.
- Strong multitasking abilities and time management skills.
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