Skills Required to Become a Software Tester
Now, typically there are 2 kinds of people working in “Software Testing” i.e. Tech-background and Non-Tech background. So, how to measure which one are you?
- From IT Background – They will get into the core of the software (for example Automation Testing).
- Non-IT Background – They generally work without using codes (typically Manual Testers) but should have a basic understanding of UT (user testing).
Tech Background
Skills
- Programming Language (Java, Python)
- API Testing
- Mobile App Testing (iOS and Android)
- Web Testing
- SQL/Database
- Performance/Security Testing
- Working Methodologies (such as Agile)
Tools/Technologies
- Cloud Computing (AWS, Google Cloud, etc.)
- DevOps (CI&CD) – For creating infrastructure where automation scripts run.
- Explore Agile, Scrum, etc. – For moving upward in your hierarchy (Product/Project Manager)
- Know the accurate use of automation tools for each task. Some of them are listed below:
- Avo Assure – Suitable for all levels of expertise
- Kobiton – For testing on real devices
- Selenium – Helps in automating web browsers and is widely used in repeatable web app testing.
- Cypress – One of the famous automation tools known for its fast performance (with avg. response time of 20MS)
- TestComplete – Can perform well with both code and codeless test creation
- testRigor – Efficiently used by testers for Integrations with CI/CD and test case management
- Subject7 – Highly adaptive, easy to use
- Virtuoso – Suitable when you want a highly scalable project and also looking for speed, and quality
Non-Tech Background
Skills
- Database: It offers you to work beyond the limitations that automation provides.
- ETL: (E)Extracting, (T)Transforming, (L)Loading processes from the source – Transform and then load in a single depository.
- Salesforce: SDFC or Salesforce Dot Com testing ensures that SDLC (Software development life cycle) is going smooth as requested from the customer’s point of view.
- Bigdata: The process of performing QA testing of big data applications.
- Analytics: This feature enables testers to measure results based on comparisons such as pass/fail ratio, bug percentage, etc.
- Basics of Networking: It’s a process of testing and analyzing the network (by using network performance) to identify and fix bugs and other related issues.
- Basics of UNIX or shell scripting: It’s important to know this scripting for rigorous system monitoring.
- CI/CD: Continuous integration, delivery, and deployment (CI/CD) help in building repetitive, testing, and deployment and alert user when any issue arises. Example – Jenkins
- Query monitoring tool: Tool used for monitoring specific segments. Some of the most popular tools are NinjaOne, Atera, etc.
- RPA (Robotic Process Automation) tools: In short, this tool helps in building, deploying, and managing software robots that emulate human intervention via digital systems and software. Some of the best tools are UiPath, Blueprism, etc.
Tools
- Power BI
- MSBI
- Tableau
- Oracle Business Objects
Codeless Tools to Run Testing
- Katalon
- Testim
- Cloud QA
- TOSCA MBTA (Model-Based Test Automation)
- ACCELQ
Non-Technical Key Skills for Software Testing
Below are some of the non-technical skills that every software tester is required to carry within themselves to excel in their career.
- Analytical Thinking
- Problem Solving
- Clear Communication
- Time & Goal Oriented
Software Testing Career Path – Skills, Salary and Growth
As we’re approaching advancement in technology, millions and billions of software and applications are being developed every year. A recent survey reported that the market is likely to cross USD $1000 Billion in the next 2 years i.e. 2027 at a CAGR of above 25% and that’s a quite massive figure. But not to forget, just like a vehicle cannot move on its own without fuel, software or application cannot go live for general usage unless rigorous testing has been performed to check their durability.