Those who have an understanding of the software development process, are naturally curious and are comfortable working under pressure to meet tight deadlines may be perfect candidates to become software application testers. Professionals in this role must have sound judgment, solid communication skills and the ability to work both on their own and with a team.
What Does A Software Application Tester Do?
It is the primary job function of a software application tester to assess and evaluate new applications, programs and software to ensure they function correctly. To accomplish this, software application testers execute tests that engage with as much of the software’s functionality and user interface as possible, prioritizing the parts of the software that users are most likely to interact with.
In addition to basic software application testing, common job duties include:
- Recording and documenting test results
- Performing security audits
- Generating analyses/final reports of test results
- Writing application instruction manuals
Work Environment
It’s common for software application testers to work on multiple projects at one time; usually a tester will have one project in the initial stages of testing and a second project in later stages. This reality makes it difficult to maintain a Monday through Friday, 9 to 5 work schedule. Testers must work with the demands of the project, and this sometimes means working long, odd hours. Software application testers are necessary in virtually every industry that involves software development, from business to fashion to video games and health care. Some companies use in-house software application testers, while others contract the work out to freelancers.
Expectations: Salary and Career Advancement
The Bureau of Labor Statistics does not report on the salaries of software application testers specifically. It does, however, report on the similar career of computer systems analysts. They earn a median annual wage of $87,220. Successful testers may find themselves promoted to software test leaders, software test managers, software test architects or software test designers.
Education and Other Qualifications
Most companies prefer software application testers to have a degree in information technology, web development or a related field, but those interested in this occupation should also consider The Software Guild’s bootcamp program. Program enrollees will receive staff expertise and personalized attention, and our flipped instruction model ensures that students have the time and attention they need to complete their projects.
The skills learned in this bootcamp can give graduates a solid understanding of the software development life cycle. Participants will be prepared to build software programs from the ground up, for companies in a number of industries — health care, finance, retail, manufacturing, e-commerce, insurance and more — in a collaborative, hands-on way.