Software Testing Career Path - Skills & Growth Opportunities

As technology is advancing rapidly, millions of software are being developed every year, which is raising the need for software testers in the tech industry. A Bloomberg Intelligence report suggests that the tech and AI market could grow at a CAGR of 42% by 2032. Having years of experience in the tech industry, I understand the importance of the right guidance in the software testing career path. Thus, I’ve gathered crucial personal experience and insights to share if you are an aspiring software tester. 

Whether you’re just starting out or looking to advance in your career, I’m excited to share my experience and knowledge to help you create a rewarding journey in your software testing career. So, stay with me till the end of this blog post as we explore the essential skills, certifications, and strategies necessary to thrive in the software testing industry.

Also Read: Automation Testing Coding Interview Questions

What Is Software Testing?

Software testing is one of the most crucial elements of the SDLC (Software Development Life Cycle). It involves regular assessment and validation of a software application to ensure that, its free of bugs and meets the requirements. Moreover, it offers an independent perspective for stakeholders to understand potential risks involved with software implementation in the market.

Most of the methods and techniques involved in software testing are specifically intended to find bugs and ensure the project is good to go live. You may come across a few different types of software testing, which are mentioned below.

• Functional testing

• Non-functional testing

• Manual testing

• Automation testing

• Regression testing

• UAT (User Acceptance Testing)

Also Read: Non Functional Testing

What Does A Software Tester Do?

A software tester continuously tests the front end and back end to find bugs (faults in software) and reports any defects found in a tracking system. To give you a real-time scenario, in my former job as an automation tester in an IT company, I was responsible for designing, creating, and executing automated test scripts. These test scripts could validate the functionality, performance, and reliability of software applications. Likewise, the requirements differ from project to project to make the end result smooth and convenient for users.

Enhancing your preparation by taking an Automation Testing Training in Pune can equip you with essential skills and insights, significantly strengthening your candidacy.

Educational Qualification For A Software Tester

As the competition is high in the tech industry, becoming a software tester requires a few activities, such as making a portfolio, specializing in various testing types, and gaining practical experience. However, there are three basic educational background requirements you need to fulfil to become a software tester professional. Have a look at them:

• To be perceived as a suitable applicant in the tech industry, the first thing you need is a bachelor's degree in computer science or any other related stream, such as Information Technology.

• To stand out amongst your competitors, you can pursue certifications like CSTE (Certified Software Test Engineer) or ISTQB (International Software Testing Qualifications Board).

To gain an advantage over competitors, you can get hands-on experience by working with various codebases and understanding software development life cycles (SDLC).

Read More: Software Testing Techniques

Technical Skills Required To Become A Software Tester

If you are willing to make your career in software testing but are wondering where to start, a few technical skills you must have. These skills include learning programming languages, having knowledge of SDLC, and more. Here, I have provided a detailed overview of the technical skills that helped me to manage several projects and are crucial for you to become a software tester.

1. Knowledge Of Automation Techniques And Tools

Nowadays, software testing is mostly about automation testing, and it depends on automation tools rather than manual testing techniques. Automation tools offer various advantages, such as faster feedback timing, reduced business expenses, lowered human errors, and enhanced accuracy. So, having knowledge about the following automation tools is necessary for a software tester.

• Selenium

• Appium

• Apache JMeter

• Perfecto

Also Read: Manual Testing vs Automation Testing

2. Proficiency In Multiple Coding Languages

Having proficiency in different programming languages is important to boost your software testing skills. You must be familiar with a common programming language, as it will help you communicate with members of the IT department. Furthermore, automation testing also involves code coverage, statement coverage, and more, which requires in-depth programming skills. Here are some common programming languages that you must learn as a software tester.

• Python

• JavaScript

• C#

• PHP

• Ruby

• Java

Also Read: Software Tester Salary

3. Knowledge Of Test Management Tools

A test management tool is a software application that is designed to assist you in software testing processes. Test management solutions help you design test cases, manage resources, and cater to test requirements. The main benefit of using test management tools is that they control the overall cost of testing. Here are a few test management tools that you should be proficient in using them:

• TestRail

• TestPad

• QADeputy

• TestLink

4. Understanding Of SDLC

SDLC is the short form for the Software Development Life Cycle, and testers need to have an understanding of how to plan out their testing cycles. Having in-depth knowledge of the software development life cycle help you identify complexities and take precautions to prevent them. Here are a few important methodologies you must learn to become a professional software teste.

• Scrum

• Kanban

• Waterfall

Also Read: Tester vs Developer

Non-Technical Skills For Software Testing

In the software testing career path, you need not only technical skills and deep knowledge of programming languages but also non-technical skills. These skills help you communicate effectively with a team and adapt to changing requirements while boosting your mindset, critical thinking, and creativity. 

Non-technical skills that are crucial for a software tester:

• Project management

• Communication skills

• Attention to detail

• Instinctive reporting and documenting

• Business awareness

• Time management

Also Read: Bug Report in Software Testing

Salary In Software Testing

At the start of your software testing career path, you can expect an entry-level salary of approx. $54,000. On the other hand, if you gain more than 10 years of experience in the tech industry, you can earn around $100,000 as a software tester. 

Here is an average range of salary offered to software testers based on their experience:

• At entry-level (0 to 2 years): $45,000 to $75,000/year

• At the intermediate level (1 to 4 years): $60,000 to $90,000/year

• At mid-Carrer level (4 to 9 years): $80,000 to $120,000/year

• At Experienced level (10 years +): $120,000+/year

Although there are various factors that determine a software tester’s salary, from my perspective, experience has been one of the biggest factors in my career. Here are other important factors that could impact a software tester’s salary:

• Technical Knowledge

• Geographical Location

• Certification and Training

• Negotiation Skills

• Analytical Thinking

• Problem-Solving Skills

Also Read: Best Software Testing Certification

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How To Be A Good Software Tester?

This is a question that I was asked in an interview at the beginning of my career as a software tester, and I was almost speechless in answering it. Now, having over a decade of experience in this industry, I can suggest that there are a few qualities that make a software tester competent and valuable. 

Being a software tester is much more than your technical skillsets or the number of coding languages you know. In the end, it all gets to managing your time and having a positive attitude, along with other soft skills. Here are a few tips that can help you become a good software tester:

• Managing time effectively

• Being highly creative with ideas

• Analyzing data efficiently

• Reporting negative results in a positive way

• Being flexible with team support

• Shifting to automation testing for growth

• Learning consistently for salary hikes

Also Read: Sanity in Software Testing 

Over To You

Software testers jobs are one of the most demandable in the tech industry. Not only does it pay well, but software testing is good career for those who seek growth and global acknowledgement. However, being a good software tester demands consistency, great technical skills, and professional certification. As for consistency and technical skills, you can gain both of these qualities through a trusted automation testing course. An automation testing certification can help you kickstart your career with speedy growth and higher salaries.

Also Read: Fundamentals of Software Testing

FAQs

1. What is the future scope of software testing?

The future scope of a software testing career is promising, as professional testers are highly in demand in 2024 and in upcoming years. New technologies and techniques are advancing faster than ever, so you can keep yourself up-to-date and gain an advantage over others with the right resources like professional training institutes, communities, and more.

Also Read: Software Testing Jobs

2. What is the highest position in testing?

The highest position in software testing is project manager. Project managers are responsible for overseeing testing projects, coordinating their teams, and maintaining quality standards.

Also Read: Component Testing in Software Testing

3. Is testing better than development?

A software tester is like a detective who examines all the codes and uncovers any defects, ensuring the quality of a software project. Developers, on the other hand, are the architects of that project; they are responsible for creating the software itself. Both the roles are important for a software project. Some people like the analytical world of testing, while others like to develop. In the end, it all gets to where your interests and strengths are.

Also Read: Test Scenario

4. What Qualifications Do I Need To Become A Software Tester?

To become a software tester, at the very least, you’d need a bachelor’s degree in computer science or related fields. Furthermore, you need to have experience using various software testing tools and necessary certifications as per the demands of the organization.

Also Read: Software Testing Tools