The rest of the IT industry paved way to the creation of different jobs that didn’t exist in the past. If you wish to further grow your IT career, it is important to know all the available paths lay down before you. One job that is starting to gain more and more attention these days is none other than being a software tester.
Software Testing Defined
Software testing refers to the process of verifying a computer program or system to decide if it meets the set requirements and creates the desired results. This then allows the identification of bugs in a software project or product. Software testing is valuable to offer a quality product free from any issue or bug.
1. Necessary Skills to Become a Software Tester
There are technical and non-technical skills that you need to develop in order for you to become a successful software tester.
1.1. Technical Skills
- Basic Knowledge of Commands in Linux
Many software applications such as Application Servers, Databases, and Web-Services are being deployed using Linux machines. This makes it crucial for software testers to be knowledgeable of Linux commands.
- Basic Knowledge of SQL or Database
Software Systems have an extensive amount of data running in the background. The data gets stored in various kinds of databases including MySQL, Oracle, and others in the backend. There will be instances when it is necessary to validate this data. In this case, complex or simple SQLs can be used for checking if proper data got stored in backend databases.
- Hands-on experience and knowledge of Test Management Tool
One of the most critical aspects of software testing is Test Management. Without proper techniques for test management, the process of software testing will become a failure. Test management is basically managing all artifacts related to testing.
- Hands-on experience and knowledge of Automation Tool
For those who dream of becoming an automation tester after several years spent working on manual testing, you have to master a tool and acquire hands-on and indepth knowledge of different automation tools.
- Practical experience and knowledge of Defect Tracking Tool
In software testing, defect life cycle and defect tracking are crucial aspects. It is very crucial to manage defects the right way and use a systematic manner for tracking them. Defect tracking also becomes necessary since the whole team must be aware of the defect, including the testers, developers, and managers. There are several tools used for locking defects.
1.2. Non-Technical Skills
- Communication Skills
Good software testers are required to have good skills in both written and verbal communication. Testing artifacts that a software tester creates must be easy to read and understand. A shade of diplomacy and discreetness is also required when dealing with the developers.
- Analytical Skills
Good software testers are also expected to possess sharp analytical skills. These analytical skills can help in breaking up complex software systems into smaller units in order to gain a better understanding and come up with test cases.
- Great Attitude
A great attitude is a must to be a good software tester. Attitude to detail orientation, test to break, suggest process improvements, and willingness to learn. In the industry of software, technologies evolve with overwhelming speed and the best software tester must upgrade her or his technical skills with today’s changing technologies.
Your attitude should also reflect a particular degree of independence where you take task allocated ownership and complete that without direct supervision.
- Time Management and Organization Skills
Testing may be a demanding job, particularly during the code’s release. Software tester should handle the workload in an efficient manner, organization skills, have high productivity, and exhibit time management skills.
- Passion
One should have a significant passion degree to be the best in any work or profession. Software testers should have a passion for their field. However, how can you know if you really have a passion in software testing if you haven’t tried it before? Well, just try it out. If software testing doesn’t excite you, choose something else that’s more interesting for you.
2. What about academic background of Software Testers?
Software tester’s academic background must be in Computer Science. Any bachelor’s degree related in computers will surely land you to a certain job easily. If you don’t hold any of such degrees, you should consider a software testing certification including CSTE and ISTQB that will help you learn about Test Life Cycle or Software Development and some testing methodologies.
A software testing certification can help you learn about Test Life Cycle or Software Development. | Photo credit: Pixabay
3. Common myths about Software Testing Career
A career in software testing pays less than in ethical hacking for example. When compared to software testers, developers are actually more respected. Contrary to one’s belief, software testers are treated and paid at par with software developers in aspiring companies. But, being a software tester must not be considered as second-rated.
Software testing might actually test your nerves. The reason behind it is that you have to make sense of the business needs and draft the test cases based on what you have understood. Software testing, as some people thought, isn’t boring. The boring thing is doing the same tasks repeatedly. The key is trying new things.
4. How to learn Software Testing
For a newbie, there are numerous things you can do to learn about software testing. You can begin with learning the basic principles of software testing. Great start offers the site called Software Testing Help ( it covers everything about testing – from free ebooks, courses, tutorials, types of testing…).
If you are done, apply for any freelancing jobs. It will help you gain knowledge and would fortify testing concepts you’ve learned. A great place to start your software testing career is the uTest platform. Once you pass the initial grading, the platform suggests you matching testing projects where you can participate and get paid.
4.1. Software Testing Tools
You should also proceed to Selenium, which is an automation tool. After that, proceed to JMeter, which is a tool for performance testing, and the last tool is TestLink, which is a tool for test management. With this, you will learn more and you can work on some related freelancing jobs.
Aside from the said tools, you must also consider taking certifications. It is recommended to take ISTQB, but it’s optional. Once you are fully certified, you can start applying for permanent jobs in huge companies and use what you have gained from your freelancing experience.
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