The document discusses the evolving field of software testing and quality assurance (QA), emphasizing its growth as a career path in the technology sector. It outlines essential skills for software testers, differentiates between software testing and quality assurance, and highlights various learning methodologies and resources to prepare for a career in this field. It concludes that the demand for software testers will continue to grow, making it a stable and secure profession.

1. Software Testing & QA Learnpath
Software testing is not what it was an era ago. In the last couple of years, it has transformed a
lot. In this era of evolving technology, having a career in software is a commendable choice.
When we think about our career path, the first and foremost thing that comes to our mind is the
scope and potential of the domain in upcoming years. And software promises to be an
ever-growing industry to give you a remarkable career.
Interested in becoming a software tester? Whether you want to improve your Software Tester
skills on the job or want to know about learning methodologies to secure certification, here’s
what you need to know.
This is a snippet of a more expanded learn path to explore more on this or examine several
different learn paths and courses related to Information technology. You can find the link to it
towards the end.
Software testing
Software Testing is an activity performed to verify the software for any defects, bugs or errors
which may further lead to software malfunction in the foreseeable future. It is essential to ensure
the smooth functioning of the operations on the system. It also facilitates the process of
evaluating the functionality of a software application to know whether the developed software
meets the specified requirements and produces the rightful results.
The software testing process includes eight stages: Test Planning, Test Monitoring and Control,
Test Analysis, Test Design, Test Implementation, Test Execution, and Test Completion.
Quality assurance
Quality Assurance is different from Software Testing. It refers to a process of activities to check
the quality and performance of the developed software and ensure consistency throughout its
results. This is to deliver a product that is up to customer expectations and on time.
Learning methodologies
Now that you are familiar with this field, you might want to know how to take the first step toward
this profession. Entering any field generally comes with a set of academic requirements. And, so
there are two ways available to fulfill this requirement; they are online and offline modes of
learning. Well, both have their own share of advantages and disadvantages. But at the end of
the day, it comes down to your requirements and preferences. If you want to have an immersive
learning experience, then the offline mode is suitable for you. And, if you are seeking a more
flexible approach to learning, then the online mode is ideal for you.
As per the facts stated above, opting for an online learning model is more beneficial than
traditional learning. In this tech-savvy era, online learning will perfectly suit you in regard to
feasibility, cost, time, and mobility.

2. Skills needed
We will go through some soft and technical skills required to become a Software Tester.
Compare your current skills against the following set of skills to find out how close you are to
excelling in this field.
➢ Soft skills
These are non-technical skills and essentially help in becoming a competent software
quality tester.
○ Communication: As a software tester, your job role will include drafting test
cases, test strategies, bug reports, etc. This is where effective communication
skills will come in handy.
○ Team Player: To become a good and approachable software tester, you must
have a great attitude. You should possess a warm and cordial personality and
take efforts towards socializing with your team members.
○ Impersonate the end-user: By stepping into the shoes of the end-user and
practicing empathy will enable you to understand the user’s expectations and
needs which will further facilitate enhanced customer satisfaction.

3. ○ Flexibility: Staying updated with the latest trends in IT and having the willingness
to learn new skills will empower your flexibility to constantly incline towards your
goal.
○ Time Management and Organizational Skills: This might be a demanding job and
so a good software tester is expected to efficiently manage workload, deliver high
productivity and exhibit excellent time management and organizational skills.
○ Analytics: This helps in breaking complicated software systems into smaller units
to gain an improved understanding of the system.
➢ Technical skills
The following are some of the important technical skills:
○ SQL/Database: This software application usually has large chunks of data in its
background, which is stored on different types of databases like Oracle, MySQL,
etc. This data further needs to be validated, and this is where having basic
knowledge of SQL/Database comes into play.
How to Learn?
These are topics you can learn through textbooks or even through short videos
posted online by multiple platforms. Here, we have curated a list of courses that
can help you learn these topics:

4. SQL Developer Course:
Provider: Henry Harvin, Price: ₹6750 or $87, Duration: 16 Hours, Level:
Intermediate Level
○ Linux: It is essential to possess basic knowledge of Linux as, generally, software
systems deploy Linux systems.
○ Defect Tracking Tools: The main purpose of testing software systems is to detect
any kind of defects, and so it is extremely important to handle the defects
properly and systematically track them with the help of defect tracking tools like
Jira and Bugzilla.
How to Learn?
These are topics you can learn through textbooks or even through short videos
posted online by multiple platforms. Here, we have curated a list of courses that
can help you learn these topics:
7 QC Tools Training Course
Provider: Henry Harvin, Price: ₹4500 or $58; Duration: 8 hours, Level:
Intermediate Level
Selenium Certificate Training
Provider: Edureka, Price: ₹19,995 or $258; Duration: 36 hours, Level:
Intermediate Level
○ Test Management Tools: Test management plays a significant role in software
testing. Hence, it is critical to have good knowledge and some hands-on
experience with any type of test management tool.
How to Learn?
Here are two courses that can help you learn test management tools.
Automated UI Testing in Java
Provider: Simpliv LLC, Price: ₹11,393 or $147; Duration: 4 hours, Level: Beginner
Level
Automation Testing using TestComplete 11.0 Course
Provider: Edureka, Price: ₹9,999 or $129; Duration: Self-Paced, Level:
Intermediate Level
○ Automation Tools: A software tester must have knowledge and understanding of
automation tools like Selenium, Cucumber, Worksout, and Appium.

5. How to Learn?
We have compiled a list of a few courses to help you understand how an
automation tool works.
Optimizing Selenium Test Performance
Provider: Simpliv LLC, Price: ₹11,393 or $147, Duration: 2 Hours, Level:
Advanced Level
Software Testing Fundamentals Course
Provider: Edureka, Price: ₹9,995 or $129; Duration: 4 Days, Level: Intermediate
Level
Factors to look for in a course
Following are some key factors that you should keep in mind while selecting a course for
yourself.
★ See whether the particular platform offers preparation for the ISTQB level.
★ Look at the course syllabus that the platform offers.
★ Check whether they provide any perks like certificates or recommendations.
★ Examine the platform’s background and infrastructure.
★ Check whether the platform provides flexibility in learning.
In conclusion
In this digital age, there are advancements in career opportunities for testers in the IT industry,
and it is bound to flourish even more in the coming years. Thus, this is a domain that’s likely to
be very stable and secure for quite some time now.
No matter whether you just want to get started and learn more about this field or you are
anticipating moving up the ladder. To know more, you may go through our comprehensive Learn
path for Software Testing & QA, where we have broadly discussed the concept and basics of
software testing and quality assurance, influencing factors, learning approaches, career
opportunities, and a lot more.
We also offer various far-reaching learn paths in different domains. You can examine them from
our advice page.
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