Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers

What the job really is

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.

At a glance

• Sector: Computer & Mathematical
• O*NET-SOC code: 15-1253
• O*NET job zone: 4 — considerable preparation
• Work sample tasks on file: 12
• Tools and technologies listed: 12

What you actually do

Work sample tasks recorded for this occupation:

• 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.
• Install, maintain, or use software testing programs.
• Test system modifications to prepare for implementation.
• Create or maintain databases of known test defects.
• Develop or specify standards, methods, or procedures to determine product quality or release readiness.
• Monitor bug resolution efforts and track successes.
• Update automated test scripts to ensure currency.

Tools and technology

AJAX, Adobe Acrobat, Adobe After Effects, Adobe Creative Cloud software, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe InDesign, Adobe Photoshop, Amazon DynamoDB, Amazon Elastic Compute Cloud EC2, Amazon Redshift, Amazon Web Services AWS CloudFormation, Amazon Web Services AWS software

What employers expect you to already be comfortable with.

Where this job leads

Related occupations — the usual moves up and sideways:

• Software Developers
• Validation Engineers
• Computer Systems Engineers/Architects
• Penetration Testers
• Computer Systems Analysts
• Database Architects
• Computer Programmers
• Computer Hardware Engineers

Getting in

O*NET assigns this occupation job zone 4 (considerable preparation). The related occupations above are the realistic routes in and out.

Find openings

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Check this against the source

O*NET OnLine: Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers — the authoritative public-domain profile this page is derived from, including the full task list, reported skills and the wage estimates for your region.

Derived and rewritten from the public-domain O*NET database (U.S. Department of Labor / Employment and Training Administration). Figures are observations, not promises — always confirm salary, licensing and visa requirements with the employer and the relevant authority.