A Career Guide to Software Quality Assurance Engineering (including FAQs)

Are you considering a career in software quality assurance engineering? It is an exciting field that can offer great job security, work flexibility, competitive salaries, and the chance to work in any industry. In this blog post, we will cover what software quality assurance (QA) engineering is all about, what QA engineers do, and how to become one yourself. We will also touch upon frequently asked questions about a career in this field!

So, let us start by defining exactly what software quality assurance is. Software Quality Assurance (SQA) is a process of ensuring the quality and reliability of software products before they are released to the market. This process often involves testing applications against predetermined criteria so potential problems can be identified before deployment takes place – thus avoiding costly mistakes later down the line. Quality Assurance Engineers are responsible for carrying out these tests and providing feedback throughout development cycles to ensure product integrity remains high at all times.

How to become a Software Quality Assurance Engineer

To become an effective SQA engineer, you will need to have technical knowledge, non-technical skills, and experience.

• Gain Technical Knowledge of:

1. Software development processes, testing methodologies, and programming languages such as Java, Python, or JavaScript.

2. Software requirements and design standards.

3. Test planning and script writing to validate software applications.

4. Testing tools such as JIRA and Selenium.

5. Debugging and troubleshooting to diagnose and resolve software problems.

You can consider taking a software quality assurance engineering course to gain technical knowledge. Especially those that allow their students to work on real-life projects.

• Acquire non-technical skills in problem-solving, attention to detail, and communication.

• Get Experience: You can gain valuable experience through internships while still in school or by working on personal projects. Hands-on experience is essential for understanding the development process and testing methodologies.

Is Software Quality Assurance a good career choice?

There has never been a better time than now to pursue a career in software quality assurance engineering. SQA engineers are in high demand due to the increasing importance of software in today's world. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the demand for QA Engineers will increase by 25% in 2023.

Being a Software Quality Assurance Engineer is very rewarding financially too. According to Glassdoor, the average base pay of a QA engineer ranges from $66K-$127K per annum, depending on location and experience.

Also, if you have a passion for technology and are detail-oriented, a career in SQA may be a good fit for you. In this role, you have the opportunity to work on a variety of projects, use your problem-solving skills, and have a direct impact on the success of software applications.

What Does a Software Quality Assurance Engineer Do?

A Software Quality Assurance (QA) Engineer is responsible for testing, validating, and verifying software applications to ensure they meet customer requirements. This includes:

1. Ensuring that code meets design standards and specifications

2. Writing test plans and scripts

3. Conducting functional tests on different platforms/devices/browsers

4. Executing regression tests after changes have been made

5. Reporting bugs found during testing sessions

6. Helping developers fix bugs quickly

Do you need coding experience to be a software quality assurance engineer?

Coding experience can be useful for a software quality assurance (QA) engineer, but it is not always a requirement. As a QA engineer, your focus is on testing the code and verifying that it meets quality standards and requirements. Hence why knowledge of programming languages can be helpful in understanding the code and detecting bugs. Many QA engineers do not write code themselves. It ultimately depends on the specific job requirements and the company that you work for.

At UnbugQA academy, we include programming languages such as Java, JavaScript and Python in our QA course to give you an edge when applying for jobs.

Is a degree necessary to become a software quality assurance?

Having a degree in computer science or a related field can provide a solid foundation of knowledge and skills in software development, which can be beneficial for a career in QA.

That being said, there are many QA engineers who do not have an IT educational background. What's most important is gaining hands-on experience through internships, personal projects, and continuous learning. Plus a strong understanding of software development and the ability to apply that knowledge to the QA process.

What certifications can advance my career in Software Quality Assurance Engineering?

Certifications from organizations like the ISTQB (International Software Testing Qualifications Board) and the IIBA (International Institute of Business Analysis) can also give you an advantage when applying for SQA positions.

Have any more questions about a career in software quality assurance? Ask in the comments. We are happy to answer and get you started.