Software testers are computer technology professionals who use programs to see how they can be improved before they are released into the market. Most of the time, software testers consult with software developers to learn which program features are most important and to which demographics software should be marketed. It’s also common for software testers to make recommendations for debugging programs and improving user interfaces for target software users. Some formal academic training in computer science, such as through associate programs or undergraduate programs, where individuals learn basic programming languages, is usually required for software testing qualifications. Software testing qualifications frequently include professional certification, such as in quality assurance, as well as years of experience in the software testing field, particularly in specific industries, such as financial software or medical software.
People who work in the field of software testing are typically expected to have a strong understanding of software development, which is the process of creating new software and updating or improving existing software. As a result, formal academic training is commonly included among software testing qualifications employers. However, having a degree in a related field is not always required. While many people who want to work as software testers will benefit from this type of certification, those who have gained computer programming experience without enrolling in degree or certification programs may also be qualified for software testing jobs.
However, because software testers are frequently expected to communicate with clients on the user end of software programs, as well as with software developers, it is still common for software testing qualifications to include some formal training. Software testers must be able to communicate and write clearly about sometimes complex concepts and actions. They must be able to communicate complex, highly technical concepts to clients in plain language, as well as use highly technical jargon with information technology professionals such as computer programmers. Software tester job applicants can demonstrate that they have experience communicating ideas in a formal setting earning a certification or degree.
Experience developing software in a related field is also common in software testing qualifications. A person who wants to work as a software tester in the financial software industry, for example, should have a good understanding of how this type of software is used and developed. While software testing requirements may not specifically state that applicants must have academic training in related fields, many successful applicants do have this experience listed on their resumes.