How to Become a Quality Assurance Tester

Behind a seamless user experience is a hero called the Quality Assurance Tester. A quality assurance tester is responsible for testing software applications or products to identify issues and ensure they meet specified quality, functionality and user experience standards before being released in the market. No one likes it when a software has problems like glitches, bugs, or crashes — that’s why quality assurance testers ensure that the software works well and runs smoothly without any issues. If this sounds like a career path you want to explore, here is how to become one. 

Step-to-Step Guide on Becoming a Quality Assurance Tester

1. Take a Course and Get Certified: There are so many online platforms from which you can learn and become certified. This certificate will help you gain the right knowledge to secure a job as a tester. Certifications like ISTQB (International Software Testing Qualifications Board), CSTE (Certified Software Test Engineer) and CTFL (Certified Tester Foundation Level) are needed to become a certified tester. 

2. Develop the Necessary Skills and Get Practical Experience: Learn and develop the hard and soft skills, such as manual testing, automation testing, testing frameworks, etc., needed to excel in the industry. Then, apply for internships or volunteer work to gain real-life experience. You can also participate in testing projects on platforms like uTest or TestRail or create your personal testing project. 

3. Connect With Others From Your Industry: Build a professional network by joining online communities and attending tech events, conferences and meetups to connect with people in your industry. 

4. Create Your Resume and Start Applying for a Job: Create your resume and make sure you include your experience, skills, and portfolio. In addition to this, write a good cover letter and send it along with your resume when applying for jobs. LinkedIn, Twitter, Indeed, Jobberman, and Telegram groups are places you can search for job listings. Prepare yourself for common interview questions and check YouTube or TikTok for industry-specific questions. 

In Nigeria, the average quality assurance tester makes over N300,000 per month, and as you continue to advance your career, you can earn even more. 

The key to becoming a successful quality assurance tester is to be consistent and intentional about your learning. With patience and continuous learning, you position yourself for success.