Software Quality Assurance Analysts & Testers
Quality Assurance Analyst (QA Analyst), Software Quality Assurance Engineer (SQA Engineer), Software Quality Engineer, Software Test Engineer
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.
On the job, you would:
- 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.
Knowledge
Engineering and Technology
- computers and electronics
- product and service development
Arts and Humanities
- English language
Math and Science
- arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, or statistics
Skills
Basic Skills
- reading work related information
- listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions
Problem Solving
- noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it
People and Technology Systems
- measuring how well a system is working and how to improve it
- figuring out how a system should work and how changes in the future will affect it
Abilities
Verbal
- communicate by speaking
- listen and understand what people say
Ideas and Logic
- make general rules or come up with answers from lots of detailed information
- notice when problems happen
Personality
People interested in this work like activities that include ideas, thinking, and figuring things out.
They do well at jobs that need:
- Attention to Detail
- Analytical Thinking
- Cooperation
- Integrity
- Adaptability/Flexibility
- Dependability
Technology
You might use software like this on the job:
Development environment software
- Apache Subversion SVN
- Oracle Java 2 Platform Enterprise Edition J2EE
Data base user interface and query software
- Apache Hive
- Blackboard software
Program testing software
- JUnit
- Selenium
Education
Education: (rated 4 of 5)
bachelor's degree or
associate's degree
usually needed
associate's degree
usually needed
Job Outlook
Bright
New job opportunities are very likely in the future.
Explore More
- Computer Systems Analysts
- Computer Systems Engineers/Architects
- Penetration Testers
- Software Developers
- Validation Engineers
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See more details at O*NET OnLine about software quality assurance analysts and testers.
