Software development cannot proceed without quality assurance (QA) engineering, which checks that the final result is up to par with predetermined criteria. As the people tasked with finding and fixing bugs in software, quality assurance engineers are important in guaranteeing the integrity of the final release.
The Duties of Quality Assurance Engineers
If you want to succeed as a QA Engineer, you need to know your way around the software development and testing processes. This involves familiarity with the SDLC as well as Agile development practices. As an added need, QA Engineers need to be familiar with both manual and automated testing methods. Knowing how to use testing frameworks like Selenium and JUnit is also crucial.
It is also important for QA Engineers to have excellent analytic and problem-solving abilities. They need to be able to spot issues, dissect them, and come up with workable answers. QA Engineers must be able to effectively communicate with developers, project managers, and other stakeholders.
Experience with many OSes and platforms, including Windows, Linux, and MacOS, is a plus for QA Engineers. Working knowledge of MySQL and SQL Server databases is also a plus. Knowledge of computer programming languages like Java and Python is also useful.
Certified Software Tester (CST) and ISTQB credentials are very useful for QA Engineers. Obtaining one of these credentials is a great way to show your dedication to quality assurance and exhibit your knowledge in the subject.
Qualifications And Skills for QA Engineers
To be successful in this field, QA Engineers need both technical and analytical abilities. In most cases, a successful career as a QA Engineer will necessitate the following abilities and experiences:
• QA Engineers need to be competent to analyze software systems and find and fix bugs. Additionally, they need to be able to create and run test cases to ensure the product works as intended.
• QA Engineers need to be familiar with many testing approaches, including manual testing, automated testing, and performance testing. They should also be familiar with different testing frameworks and tools.
• Fluency in English: QA Engineers need to be able to talk to programmers, project managers, and other people involved in the project. They need to be able to identify problems and faults and articulately describe them, as well as provide solutions.
• A QA Engineer’s technical abilities include a deep familiarity with software engineering fundamentals and practices. Having worked with databases and web technologies, they should be fluent in Java, Python, or C#.
• Academic Background: Most employers look for candidates with a background in computer science, software engineering, or a similar profession. It’s also helpful to have credentials in software quality assurance, such as the Certified Software Quality Engineer or ISTQB.
• For a job as a QA Engineer, it’s vital to have prior expertise in software development and testing. Internships, co-op work periods, and beginner jobs in the area are all good options for gaining this kind of practical experience.
QA Engineers’ Education and Training
• A bachelor’s degree in computer science or a similar discipline is often required for a position as a QA Engineer, while individuals with degrees in other fields may be considered by some companies who are impressed by their expertise or certifications.
• On-the-job training, workshops, seminars, and certifications in various testing approaches and technologies are all common ways in which QA Engineers further their knowledge. To ensure that its QA Engineers are up-to-date on the most recent industry trends and best practices, several businesses additionally provide internal training programs.
• Certifications: The International Software Testing Qualifications Board (ISTQB) and the American Software Testing Qualifications Board (ASTQB) offer two well-respected certifications for QA Engineers (ASTQB). These credentials attest to your expertise in the field of software testing and may open doors for you professionally.
Advances in Quality Assurance Engineering
New technology and testing procedures are continually being developed, making QA engineering a dynamic profession. New developments in quality assurance engineering include:
• Automated testing
• Mobile testing
• Cloud testing
• Continuous testing
• Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning in testing
Job Prospects and Opportunities for QA Engineers
The BLS predicts an 11% increase in demand for QA engineers from 2018 to 2028, so the job market seems promising. The need for quality assurance (QA) engineers will rise in tandem with the expansion of the software market. Qualifications for promotion within the field of quality assurance engineering include senior quality assurance engineer, quality assurance lead, and quality assurance manager.
Tips for Getting Started in QA Engineering
Starting with a degree in computer science or software engineering is a good first step for those interested in quality assurance engineering. They could also explore being certified in certain testing methodology or technologies, and develop expertise with specific programming languages and testing tools. Internships and volunteer work are great ways to get real-world experience, too.
Conclusion
To ensure that software solutions satisfy the needs of customers and end-users, QA engineers play a crucial role in the software development process. Pursuing a degree in computer science or software engineering, as well as hands-on experience with relevant programming languages and testing tools, and maybe even specialized certifications, are all necessary steps on the path to becoming a quality assurance engineer. Quality assurance engineers should expect employment growth and promotion in the near future.
