Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers

software developers.webp
$101,800 Median Wage (2023)
15,000 Projected job openings (2023-2033)
11.8% Projected growth (2023-2033)

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.

Experience Requirements Overview

  • Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
  • A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
  • Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
  • Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.

Education, Training and Experience

Required Level of Education: Bachelor's Degree

Related Work Experience: Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year

On-Site or In-Plant Training: N.A.

On-the-Job Training: Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year

Detailed Work Activities

  • Develop testing routines or procedures.
  • Test computer system operations to ensure proper functioning.
  • Compile technical information or documentation.
  • Report maintenance or equipment problems to appropriate personnel.
  • Analyze data to identify or resolve operational problems.

Work Values

Achievement

Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement.

Working Conditions

Recognition

Relationships

Support

Independence

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.
  • 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.
  • Participate in product design reviews to provide input on functional requirements, product designs, schedules, or potential problems.
  • Plan test schedules or strategies in accordance with project scope or delivery dates.
  • Monitor program performance to ensure efficient and problem-free operations.
  • Conduct software compatibility tests with programs, hardware, operating systems, or network environments.
  • Investigate customer problems referred by technical support.
  • Review software documentation to ensure technical accuracy, compliance, or completeness, or to mitigate risks.
  • Identify program deviance from standards, and suggest modifications to ensure compliance.
  • Perform initial debugging procedures by reviewing configuration files, logs, or code pieces to determine breakdown source.
  • Design or develop automated testing tools.
  • Install and configure recreations of software production environments to allow testing of software performance.
  • Collaborate with field staff or customers to evaluate or diagnose problems and recommend possible solutions.
  • Coordinate user or third-party testing.
  • Visit beta testing sites to evaluate software performance.
  • Conduct historical analyses of test results.
  • Evaluate or recommend software for testing or bug tracking.
  • Modify existing software to correct errors, allow it to adapt to new hardware, or to improve its performance.
  • Recommend purchase of equipment to control dust, temperature, or humidity in area of system installation.
  • Store, retrieve, and manipulate data for analysis of system capabilities and requirements.

Work Styles

Leadership

Job requires a willingness to lead, take charge, and offer opinions and direction.

Achievement/Effort

Persistence

Initiative

Cooperation

Concern for Others

Social Orientation

Self-Control

Stress Tolerance

Adaptability/Flexibility

Dependability

Attention to Detail

Integrity

Independence

Innovation

Analytical Thinking

Data Source: This page includes information from the O*NET 28.0 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. This page includes Employment Projections program, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.