Why should I learn software testing?

You should learn software testing if you want a career in the software industry, especially if you want to work as a software tester or quality assurance analyst. Additionally, software testers and quality assurance analysts earned a median annual wage of $101,800 as of May 2023, according to the BLS.

How long does it take to learn software testing?

As many software testing jobs require a bachelor’s degree, it may take roughly four years to learn software testing. Sometimes, employers prefer their software testers to have a master’s degree as well, which may take an additional two years to complete.

How hard is it to learn software testing?

How hard it may be for you to learn software testing will likely depend on how much experience you already have with computer science and mathematics. Like any subject, software testing demands significant time and effort. However, as the software industry continues to experience rapid growth, you may decide that the difficulty of learning software testing is well worth the effort.

Learn software testing

Software must be tested for quality assurance and functionality before it is released on the market, ensuring a sizable demand for plenty of software testers to carry out those processes. If you enjoy helping problem-solve computer software, then this career may be a good fit for you.

Learn more about what software testing is, how to choose a learning path that works for you, and what kinds of career options may be available to professionals with this skill set.

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Software Testing | Introduction Image Description

What is software testing?

Software testing is the process of making sure that software performs as the developers intended. Software testers look for problems and defects in software applications and programs to ensure quality and dependability. This process is necessary to optimize performance, check for bugs, and identify any other problems that need to be addressed.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that employment for software developers and testers is expected to grow by 17 percent between 2023 and 2033.

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Choosing the right software testing program for you

If you want to begin a career as a software tester, it's important to choose the right educational program to learn software development and testing.

Here are some of the main paths to learning software testing:

Courses

Taking individual software testing courses can be a good option if you're completely new to the field and want to see if it's something you'd like to pursue further. Individual courses can also be a good idea for those already in a software development career who want to add testing to their skill set.

Certifications

Earning a certification or certificate in the field can be a relatively fast way to develop the basic skill set needed to perform the duties of a software tester. This can also be a good way to signal to employers that you possess the necessary skills and experience to fulfill a particular role.

Executive education programs

If you're already an industry veteran, then signing up for an executive education program may be the way to go. This path is generally best for experienced professionals looking brush up on specific skills, often in pursuit of a promotion or a new role.

Degrees

Many software testing jobs require a bachelor's degree in computer and information technology, computer science, software development, or a related field. Pursuing a four-year degree in one of those topics will not only help you develop the skills for software testing, but the bachelor's program will also help you build a more robust skill set and knowledge base, granting you access to a wider array of career options.

Jobs in software testing

Though many people develop the skills of software testing for the purpose of going directly into that field, it's not the only option generally available to those with that skill set.

Here are a few positions that having experience with software testing may help you qualify for, with each role's required education as well as salary data from the BLS: