What does a software ester do?
A software tester analyzes the performance, usability and the functionality of the software under various circumstances including in conjunction with other programs. These tests are carried out to pin point any issues that the software, network or application may have that may not have been obvious at the development stage. The software tester, points out these anomalies known as bugs, makes a detailed report of them and discusses possible remedial measures to iron out these problems with the programming team. In some organizations the tester may have to take care of the debugging himself instead of escalating the matter back to the designing team.
Because the software testing stage is crucial to the development of a program, the software tester has to be involved in the development process from the beginning. He/she has to attend client meetings to understand the requirements and the scope of the project. The industry trend requires greater involvement from the software testing team in the development process because the tester is directly responsible for examining the software from the client's perspective.
How does a software tester work?
After the initial client consultation, the tester creates a testing plan with his team or individually. The plan is designed in accordance with the parameters that are discussed by the client. The tester uses quality assurance testing software to ensure that the program is functioning appropriately at all levels. The tester uses various tools to analyze the reliability, performance and possible failures that the program may have. The results are recorded in the form of detailed metrics and are used to devise the outcome of the testing plan. The status and the result of testing is communicated to the project manager or even the client verbally or in writing. Such communications will include information about debug failures, a course of action to correct any issues that the program may have and recommendations in that respect.
Job requirements
Qualification: Although you do not need to be a computer engineer, a four year degree will prove very useful and look impressive on your resume. Relevant experience in the industry that you intend to work in will also make a difference. For instance people with experience in the health care and services industry will find it easy to get jobs in organizations that design software programs and applications for health care, microbiology and pharmaceutical companies.
Technical qualification: You will need to have n depth knowledge about programming languages such as C/C++, Java and others. You will also need to have network and system defect tracking related training. You will have to be proficient in using necessary tools and quality assurance testing software required to analyze the performance of a program.
Certification: Most companies will require a candidate to have a certificate from the Quality Assurance Institute. You can get the certification after the successful completion of a course conducted by the institute. The type of certificate that you are awarded will depend on your level of expertise. For snatnce, a CSAQ or Certified Associate in Software Quality is given o entry level professionals while a CSQA or Certified Software Quality Analyst is a certificate that is awarded to people with some work experience. The highest level of certification that you can earn from the institute is the CMSQ or Certified Manager for Software Quality; this is given to senior level testing professionals.
How much do quality assurance software testing professionals earn?
You can make $70,000 to $74,000 per annum as a software tester. A relaxed and lively work environment are some of the other perks offered by companies.
How can you get quality assurance software testing jobs?
There are several job portals that specifically cater to the needs of the IT sector, you can also look for jobs n the local newspaper. If you are interested in working for a specific company, you will need to approach the HR department of the establishment to learn about possible job openings.
