Software Quality Assurance Analysts & Testers
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.
Technology Tools
Key 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.
- Coordinate user or third-party testing.
- Collaborate with field staff or customers to evaluate or diagnose problems and recommend possible solutions.
- 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.
Skills
Knowledge
Build a Resume for Software Quality Assurance Analysts & Testers
Create a professional, ATS-optimized resume tailored to this career path.
Abilities
Work Activities
Work Context
How frequently does your job require you to use E-mail?
100%
Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
How frequently does your job require face-to-face discussions with individuals and within teams?
92%
Spend Time Sitting
How much does this job require sitting?
92%
Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
How important is being very exact or highly accurate in performing this job?
86%
Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team
How important is it to work with or contribute to a work group or team in this job?
86%
Freedom to Make Decisions
How much decision making freedom, without supervision, does the job offer?
78%
Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
How often does this job require working indoors in an environmentally controlled environment (like a warehouse with air conditioning)?
78%
Telephone Conversations
How often do you have telephone conversations in this job?
77%
Contact With Others
How much does this job require the worker to be in contact with others (face-to-face, by telephone, or otherwise) in order to perform it?
75%
Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals
How much freedom does the worker have in determining the tasks, priorities, or goals of the job?
74%
Time Pressure
How often does this job require the worker to meet strict deadlines?
72%
Duration of Typical Work Week
Number of hours typically worked in one week.
71%
Importance of Repeating Same Tasks
How important are continuous, repetitive, physical activities (like key entry) or mental activities (like checking entries in a ledger) to performing this job?
67%
Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results
What results do your decisions usually have on other people or the image or reputation or financial resources of your employer?
64%
Level of Competition
To what extent does this job require the worker to compete or to be aware of competitive pressures?
64%
Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions
How much does this job require making repetitive motions?
57%
Physical Proximity
To what extent does this job require the worker to perform job tasks physically close to other people?
52%
Conflict Situations
How frequently are there conflict situations the employee has to face in this job?
51%
Frequency of Decision Making
How often is the worker required to make decisions that affect other people, the financial resources, and/or the image and reputation of the organization?
50%
Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities
How important is it to coordinate or lead others (not as a supervisor or team leader) in accomplishing work activities in this job?
49%
Degree of Automation
How automated is the job?
47%
Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers
How responsible is the worker for work outcomes and results of other workers?
47%
Consequence of Error
How serious would the result usually be if the worker made a mistake that was not easily correctable?
45%
Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable
How often does this job require working exposed to sounds and noise levels that are distracting or uncomfortable?
44%
Written Letters and Memos
How frequently does your job require written letters and memos?
44%
Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
How much does this job require using your hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools or controls?
42%
Public Speaking
How frequently does your job require public speaking (one speaker with an audience)?
36%
Dealing With Unpleasant, Angry, or Discourteous People
How frequently does the worker have to deal with unpleasant, angry, or discourteous individuals as part of the job requirements?
35%
Deal With External Customers or the Public in General
How important is it to deal with external customers (as in retail sales) or the public in general (as in police work) in this job?
28%
Health and Safety of Other Workers
How much responsibility is there for the health and safety of others in this job?
28%
Spend Time Standing
How much does this job require standing?
24%
Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment
How important is it to this job that the pace is determined by the speed of equipment or machinery? (This does not refer to keeping busy at all times on this job.)
15%
Spend Time Walking or Running
How much does this job require walking or running?
11%
Exposed to Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions
How often does this job require working in cramped work spaces that requires getting into awkward positions?
8%
Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled
How often does this job require working in an environment that is not environmentally controlled (like a warehouse without air conditioning)?
7%
Dealing with Violent or Physically Aggressive People
How frequently does this job require the worker to deal with physical aggression of violent individuals?
6%
Work Schedules
How regular are the work schedules for this job?
6%
Exposed to Contaminants
How often does this job require working exposed to contaminants (such as pollutants, gases, dust or odors)?
5%
Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
How often does this job require wearing common protective or safety equipment such as safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hearing protection, hard hats or life-jackets?
5%
Exposed to Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting Conditions
How often does this job require working in extremely bright or inadequate lighting conditions?
4%
Exposed to Hazardous Equipment
How often does this job require exposure to hazardous equipment?
4%
In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment
How often does this job require working in a closed vehicle or operate enclosed equipment (like a car)?
4%
Exposed to Hazardous Conditions
How often does this job require exposure to hazardous conditions?
3%
In an Open Vehicle or Operating Equipment
How often does this job require working in an open vehicle or operating equipment (like a tractor)?
3%
Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions
How often does this job require working outdoors, exposed to all weather conditions?
3%
Outdoors, Under Cover
How often does this job require working outdoors, under cover (like in an open shed)?
3%
Exposed to Disease or Infections
How often does this job require exposure to disease/infections?
2%
Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings
How often does this job require exposure to minor burns, cuts, bites, or stings?
2%
Exposed to Radiation
How often does this job require exposure to radiation?
2%
Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures
How often does this job require working in very hot (above 90 F degrees) or very cold (below 32 F degrees) temperatures?
2%
Spend Time Bending or Twisting Your Body
How much does this job require bending or twisting your body?
2%
Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance
How much does this job require keeping or regaining your balance?
2%
Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection
How often does this job require wearing specialized protective or safety equipment such as breathing apparatus, safety harness, full protection suits, or radiation protection?
2%
Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling
How much does this job require kneeling, crouching, stooping or crawling?
1%
Exposed to High Places
How often does this job require exposure to high places?
0%
Exposed to Whole Body Vibration
How often does this job require exposure to whole body vibration (like operating a jackhammer or earth moving equipment)?
0%
Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles
How much does this job require climbing ladders, scaffolds, poles, etc.?
0%
Education
Bachelor's degree
Associate's degree
Post-secondary certificate
Interests
Investigative
Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the f
Conventional
Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or hum
Realistic
Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, t
Artistic
Work involves creating original visual artwork, performances, written works, food, or music for a variety of media, or applying artistic principles to the design of various objects and materials. Artistic occupations are often associated with visual arts,
Enterprising
Work involves managing, negotiating, marketing, or selling, typically in a business setting, or leading or advising people in political and legal situations. Enterprising occupations are often associated with business initiatives, sales, marketing/advertis
Social
Work involves helping, teaching, advising, assisting, or providing service to others. Social occupations are often associated with social, health care, personal service, teaching/education, or religious activities.
Work Styles
Work Values
Ready to pursue a career as Software Quality Assurance Analysts & Testers?
Create a professional resume that highlights the right skills and experience for this role.
Build Your Resume Now