Tips on How To Become a Software Tester

Software testers play a critical role in application development. They're quality assurance experts who place applications through the wringer to root out bugs, bad performance, and funky interface issues. To do this, they operate all kinds of tests -- pressure, performance, operational, scalability, user approval -- at different stages of the software life cycle. Because software testing is so important to the quality and usability of the end item, testers are typically brought in at the design and planning stage, and frequently stay involved during post-release support.

Most testers work on groups that develop vendor programs.

The software tester is an unsung hero for many development projects. They conserve users from working with exceptionally buggy applications or software that simply don't do the job well, greatly decreasing tech support calls from dissatisfied customers. They also make the development team and the software vendor appear great in the eyes of consumers by ensuring that there are no essential bugs that prevent the software from working as designed and promoted.

Essential education, background, and Techniques for software testers

Many companies look for software tester candidates with a bachelor's degree in computer science, math or technology, though it is not necessarily required. If you've got a lot of experience, a stable work history and strong references or letters of recommendation, then it's likely to acquire a job without a college degree. An intermediate-level position typically requires three to six years of direct experience in software testing or some combination of education and experience.

·         Make and document automated and manual test plans and processes, implement tests, analyze results, and report on test Issues and anomalies (document bugs)

·         Perform software testing in all phases of their design-develop-test-release-maintain software life cycle

·         Understand various development methods, such as Agile and Scrum, and applications testing platforms or environments

·         Possess a thorough understanding of types of software testing tools

·         Be eloquent in UNIX, Linux or Windows in Addition to scripting and command-line tools

·         Be a multitasker

·         Be a Superb communicator (written and verbal) with development, operations, product management, and clients

·         Have knowledge of various programming languages, including Java, JavaScript, C# or C++, SQL, Python, PHP and Ruby on Rails

Some positions require programming skills and an understanding of databases. You do not necessarily need years of programming expertise to be a tester, but it doesn't hurt.

Many governments or military work in federal security and intelligence, as well as some federal contractors, need a TS/SCI clearance. TS/SCI is brief for Best Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information. It's sometimes referred to as a"TS/SCI poly clearance" because a polygraph is generally part of the process. If you presently have a TS/SCI clearance, then that gives you a significant competitive advantage in the software tester job marketplace.

Must-have certificates

Software testers should consider acquiring one or more certificates to show their mettle and to get the attention of hiring managers. Most software tester certifications are vendor-neutral, and recognize knowledge and techniques applicable across all facets of software testing.

Here are the two most popular software tester certifications:

ISTQB Certified Tester: The American Software Testing Qualifications Board (ASTQB) provides the vendor-neutral ISTQB Certified Tester credential at the Foundation and Expert levels.

Certified Software Tester (CSTE): The International Software Certification Board (ISCB) supports eight certificates for software testing, quality assurance and company analysis. In addition to passing a certification exam, the CSTE certification requires (1) a bachelor's degree and two decades of experience in information services, (2) a two-year degree and four decades of expertise, or (3) six decades of experience. Plus, you must demonstrate you've worked in software testing within the previous 18 months. If you do not fulfill CSTE work experience requirements, consider the Certified Associate in Software Testing (CAST) as a beginning point.

Vendor-specific or platform-specific software development certifications are plentiful, but it's more difficult to discover vendor-specific credentials that concentrate on testing. But for those who have experience with a specific software testing stage and want to work on projects built on that platform, find out whether the vendor has a certification program and whether some of its developer certifications include a testing component.

Software tester training and resources

Candidates interested in software tester training can take advantage of some free beginner courses available online. And the ASTQB website includes a New To Software Testing page which includes its glossary of applications testing terms in PDF and online searchable formats as well as sample ISTQB examination questions.

This site is filled with resources, including a URL to the AST YouTube channel, which comprises webinars and keynote presentations in the group's yearly conference.

If you are ready to pay for training, head back to the AST site to read about the four-week Black Box Software Testing class and follow the link to see other AST classes on evaluation design, bug advocacy, and so on. At $100, it's a bargain and may cost as much as $12 during Udemy promotional campaigns. Lynda.com, a well-known subscription-based training/learning assistance also offers testing classes as does Pluralsight.

You'll find plenty of additional software testing classes and boot camps by simply doing a quick search on the web.

Surveying software-tester chances

PayScale says the typical salary of a software tester in The U.S. is nearly $56,000, but it might climb much higher based on the business, town and your credentials.

In the same way as any other career, getting started typically means spending time on job boards such as Monster, Indeed, Dice and LinkedIn Jobs. Consider posting your resume on every site, and make sure you set up alarms to be informed of new software testing and quality assurance job listings so that you can apply right away.

Once your resume is online, you're probably going to be contacted by recruiters with inside opportunities at companies that don't necessarily advertise publicly. And if you would like to work for a specific company, cruise its online job board regularly and reach out to HR to make a contact.

They may be great sources of information about good/bad employers, which tools you should learn and contributes to jobs.