Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers
In the Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers occupation, workers develop and execute software tests to identify software problems and their causes. One core duty is to identify, analyze, and document problems with program function, output, online screen, or content. On the six-type interest model it reads ICR, meaning research, analysis and working through hard problems comes first, followed by orderly work with data, records and clear procedures. Plan on a bachelor’s degree plus a period of work experience; O*NET labels this considerable preparation. Strength in reading comprehension, speaking, and critical thinking helps most here. The job can ask you to document software defects, using a bug tracking system, and report defects to software developers. People who want research, analysis and working through hard problems usually fit better here than those who need helping, teaching or caring for people.
What they do
Develop and execute software tests to identify software problems and their causes. Test system modifications to prepare for implementation. Document software and application defects using a bug tracking system and report defects to software or web developers. Create and maintain databases of known defects. May participate in software design reviews to provide input on functional requirements, operational characteristics, product designs, and schedules.
Main tasks
- Identify, analyze, and document problems with program function, output, online screen, or content.
- Document software defects, using a bug tracking system, and report defects to software developers.
- Develop testing programs that address areas such as database impacts, software scenarios, regression testing, negative testing, error or bug retests, or usability.
- Design test plans, scenarios, scripts, or procedures.
- Document test procedures to ensure replicability and compliance with standards.
- Provide feedback and recommendations to developers on software usability and functionality.
Skills
- Reading Comprehension
- Speaking
- Critical Thinking
- Active Listening
- Writing
- Programming
Who this career fits
May suit you if
- You enjoy working out why something happens, not just what happened.
- You like clear rules and getting the details right.
- You are ready to spend around four years on a degree, then build experience.
- You are comfortable relying on reading comprehension and speaking.
May not suit you if
- You lose interest when a job asks for long stretches of analysis.
- You want helping people to be at the center of your work. Social rates 1.5 out of 7 here.
- You want to avoid a four-year degree or its equivalent.
Interest profile
O*NET rates each occupation from 1 to 7 on six interest types. The code ICR takes the three highest, and Investigative comes first here.
Preparation
Considerable preparation. Most jobs here ask for a bachelor’s degree, and employers usually expect a few years of related experience as well.
Most-reported requirement in the O*NET survey: Bachelor's Degree. This reflects what workers reported most often and is not a legal minimum. Licensing rules can differ by state or industry, so confirm what applies where you plan to work.
Also called
- Automation Tester
- Information Technology Analyst (IT Analyst)
- Quality Assurance Analyst (QA Analyst)
- Quality Assurance Engineer (QA Engineer)
- Quality Engineer
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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.