A lot of people who began their Software Testing journey are reaching the level when they want to find their first job in the industry or change the current. They want to gain more knowledge about Software Testing and improve themselves.
Maybe you are currently at this moment of your journey.
I was, and I was really confused about how many job titles can exist in the Software Testing industry.
From the beginning
You’re looking for your first job in Software Testing, you’re looking for it mainly online. LinkedIn, job advertising portals such as Indeed, or even Facebook or Twitter. You opened the website and suddenly, a lot of job titles appeared.
Software Tester, Manual Tester, QA Manual Tester, Automation Tester, Test Consultant, Test Analyst, QA Tester, QA Analyst, Test Architect, Test Engineer, Software Engineer, and much more…
During looking for my first job in Software Testing, I was quite confused. I saw a lot of job titles and I didn’t know which one should I apply for.
Job Titles and the similarities between them
The job titles in Software Testing quite similar and some of them are even the same. In this section below I will try to show the similarities and differences. I will show you also what are the responsibilities, what is required to apply, and what title can be similar to the particular job titles.
Software Tester
Responsibilities in a nutshell
Software Tester is mainly analyzing documents like users’ stories and requirements for validity and feasibility. Moreover, they collaborate closely with other team members and departments and executes all levels of testing. Furthermore, they are designing and developing automation scripts when needed. In addition, they provide timely solutions, apply quality engineering principles throughout the Agile product lifecycle, and provide support and documentation.
Requirements
What is really important to be a Software Tester is no doubt natural curiosity, good communications skills, and good writing skills (for documenting the process). Furthermore, a good understanding of the software development process and a good understanding of the business approach will an advantage. This what is also looked at in testers is good judgment skills, the ability to work in a team and as an individual, good presentation skills, and the ability to work under pressure and to tight deadlines
Similar or even replacement title
Test Consultant, Automation Tester
Manual Tester
Responsibilities in a nutshell
Manual Testers are people who actively participate in all QA and testing activities during UAT and PROD SDLC, actively participate in smoke, functional and ad-hoc testing during the System Integration Testing phase. Moreover, they test Application compatibility on different browser versions (IE, Firefox, Chrome). Furthermore, they prepare Test Reports and submitted the bug findings to the various defect tracking system. They are also involved in defect reporting, defect tracking, and defect reproducing.
Requirements
Manual Testers need to have the following skills: curiosity, detail consideration, clear language, and the ability to work in a team. They need also to have the set of skills presented in the requirements for the Software Tester section.
Similar or even replacement title
QA Manual Tester
QA Manual Tester
Responsibilities in a nutshell
QA Manual Testers are mainly organizing Test plans during the initial phase of the project, preparing test scripts, creating release notes in various test management tools. In addition, they write SQL queries to check the proper data population in the application table and for data verification to perform Backend Testing against various databases. Moreover, they prepare meeting notes on the daily execution/highlight of the project and send out the reports to management. They also interact with Developers and Business Analysts to perform various types of testing throughout Software Testing Life Cycle (STLC) and Bug Life Cycle (BLC).
Requirements
QA Manual Testers should own the basic knowledge about the test management tools, SDLC, and SQL language. They should also possess the set of skills presented in the requirements for the Manual Testers section.
Similar or even replacement title
Manual Tester
Automation Tester
Responsibilities in a nutshell
Automation Testers are the people who develop automated test scripts using various testing tools. Furthermore, they execute automated test scripts and record problems and issues following the project’s problem and issue management plans. In addition, they document defects using the project’s defect management tools, work with the application team to resolve any issues that arise out of the testing process, participate in the release control process (when the application is transferred from the build team to the test team ) to ensure that solutions meet business requirements, validate fixes and inform the test lead of any issues that may affect the schedule, budget, or quality of the product or the testing process.
Requirements
Automation Testers should have a Bachelor’s degree in computer science, software development, or a related field.
Moreover, they should own previous experience as a test automation engineer. Proficiency in programming languages such as C # and Java is a core. They should possess excellent mathematical and problem-solving skills and highly accurate and detail-oriented.
Similar or even replacement title
Software Tester
Test Consultant
Responsibilities in a nutshell
Test Consultants are involved in all phases of an IT project, where they can develop skills related to all aspects of software development. Furthermore, they are performing Automation testing, Exploratory testing, and supporting the latest methodologies (such as Agile and DevOps). Moreover, Test Consultants improving the collaboration between testers, developers, and other people involved in the project. Therefore, they have an opportunity to work on various projects.
Requirements
This, what is definitely needed to start the career as a Test Consultant is basic knowledge of at least one of the programming language and also all the knowledge presented above for Software Tester. Moreover, they ought to be interested in current trends in software development (including Agile and DevOps), an analytical mindset, and of course excellent communication skills.
Similar or even replacement title
Software Tester
Test Analyst
Responsibilities in a nutshell
Test Analysts are the people who participate in the Development Process, analyze Application Requirements and Design Documents, develop comprehensive Testing Structures, Develop Test Plans, Execute Tests and Analyse or Document Results. As a result, they should have also a basic knowledge presented in section Automation Testers.
Requirements
Test analysts should have the following skills: attention to detail, ability to see the big picture, planning and organisational skills, proficiency in document and report writing, ability to work in a team, awareness of Software Development Life Cycle, logical and critical thinking skills, proficiency with Agile Development software, deep knowledge of software development, coding experience, knowledge of program testing software and development environment software.
Similar or even replacement title
QA Analyst
QA Tester
Responsibilities in a nutshell
QA Testers are mainly executing test cases under varying circumstances, documenting and evaluating test results. Moreover, they detect, log, and report program bugs and glitches. In addition, they also track defects and help troubleshoot errors. They review test procedures and develop test scripts as well. They also partner with engineers to drive QA efforts.
Requirements
QA Testers should possess experience in Agile frameworks and regression testing desired, high attention to detail and solid analytical skills, proficient in test management software, good working knowledge of programming languages, outstanding written and verbal communication skills and the Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or related field.
Similar or even replacement title
Software Tester
QA Analyst
QA Analysts are the people who are creating a test plan, using the plan to assess functionality, performance, reliability, stability, and compatibility with other systems. Furthermore, they are using the plan to hunt down and fix software bugs, looking for ways to prevent bugs. In addition, they are ensuring the product is culturally compatible with the target market and some localization analysts are responsible for translation work and also rebuilding the corrected software application.
Responsibilities in a nutshell
Requirements
QA Analysts should have the following skills: knowledge of a broad range of software applications and hardware and networks, strong programming knowledge, and a good understanding of business. Moreover, they ought to own the ability to think in the abstract and see how small details fit into the bigger picture, and a creative mindset – and the ability to approach a problem creatively. They should have also good communication skills, both written and verbal, strong IT skills, a meticulous approach to work, and the ability to use logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of IT systems.
Similar or even replacement title
Test Analyst
Test Architect
Responsibilities in a nutshell
Test Architects are the people who develop strategic plans for testing efforts, create test estimates and define/build reusable testing assets for large/complex projects, develop and implement test automation frameworks. They also provide technical leadership and support the creation of complex tests and advise the customer on innovative testing products. Test Architects also improve quality practices across functional and non-functional testing. They deliver complex test programs and support the strategic direction of our Continuous Testing & Assurance Practice. Test Architects also and a strong network and the ability to initiate and maximize new business opportunities.
Requirements
Test Architects should have experience in setting up a test framework from scratch and improving existing frameworks to be more efficient and effective. They own experience in defining and implementing test processes in the organization across multiple projects, and experience in identifying the appropriate techniques, tools, and guidelines. They must understand technologies such as web servers, application servers, databases (SQL & Oracle), and must have a strong understanding of scripting/programming/computer architecture.
Test Engineer
Responsibilities in a nutshell
Test Engineers are people who are meeting with the product design team to determine product testing parameters, writing test plans, and creating test cases for the product. They also conducting quality assurance and designing performance tests using the new testing procedures. Moreover, they are troubleshooting any errors and streamlining the testing procedures. They are writing up the final QA and test procedures for the quality technicians. Therefore, they are raining the quality assurance staff and providing technical support when needed. They also ensure all tests and procedures meet company and industry standards. Lastly, they are preparing test reports for management.
Requirements
Test Engineers should have Bachelor’s degree in engineering, computer science, or computer engineering. Furthermore, they should possess previous work experience as a test engineer.
Familiarity with testing tools including Apache, Selenium, JMeter, TestStand, and LabVIEW is a core.
Knowledge of diagramming software including Gliffy, Microsoft Viso, and AutoCAD would be an advantage.
In addition, they should own extensive knowledge of engineering and testing procedures. Besides the technical skills, Test Engineers should have soft skills like good problem-solving skills, ability to project manage, ability to troubleshoot and think out of the box, and high-level technical writing skills.
Similar or even replacement title
Software Engineer
Software Engineer
Responsibilities in a nutshell
Software Engineers are the people who analyze user requirements, write and test code, refining and rewriting it as necessary and communicate with any programmers involved in the project, research, design, and write new software programs (e.g. business applications or computer games), and computer operating systems. Moreover, they evaluate the software and systems that make computers and hardware work, develop existing programs by analyzing and identifying areas for modification, integrate existing software products and get incompatible platforms to work together
create technical specifications, write operational documentation with technical authors, consult clients and colleagues concerning the maintenance and performance of software systems, with a view to writing or modifying current operating systems and investigate new technologies.
Requirements
Software Engineers ought to have skills such as knowledge of computer systems and technologies, technical competency, the ability to communicate with clients, colleagues, and management to explain complex issues clearly and concisely, a meticulous and organized approach to work, and a logical, analytical and creative approach to problems. Furthermore, they should possess thoroughness and attention to detail, business skills and commercial awareness, the ability to work both in a team and alone and manage their own workload and career motivation, and a willingness to continue to further their knowledge and skills.
Similar or even replacement title
Test Engineer
You can find even much more titles regarding Software Testing roles.
As we can see, many testing titles are similar, and even the same. In most cases the job descriptions and requirements are the same, or similar, like we could see above.
How do I choose the best position for me?
When you’re looking for a job, you should consider the job duties, your testing knowledge, soft and technical skills, etc. but you should not look for the job based on the Job Title. Titles don’t matter, but skills, knowledge, and daily job duties yes.
This was a short guide through the Job titles in Software Testing.
I hope you enjoyed the reading and found the interesting information 🙂
The next post will arrive on Friday, in the next two weeks 😀
Mine post is based on the following resources:
Software Tester, Manual Tester and QA Manual Tester, Automation Tester responsibilities, Automation Tester requirements, Test Consultant, Test Analyst, QA Tester, QA Analyst, Test Architect, Test Engineer, and Software Engineer.
Whether you’re interested in hands-on testing, test management, or providing consultancy services, software testing presents a diverse range of career opportunities. Thanks for such an amazing post! very helpful for new developers who are willing to make a career in the software and IT industry!