Finding Quality QA Education, Training and Certification

Quality assurance software testing is always growing and changing. How can you get started or level up? This post shares some tips for how to learn more about QA.

Software testing is a lively and growing career field. Just when you think QA testing is done for, there it is still growing, evolving and spewing out reams of job openings across the world. Back in the day, test automation was the largest threat to QA testing careers. Now, test automation is a branch of software testing. Next, AI (artificial intelligence) and ML (machine learning) pose potential threats to software testing careers. But again, like test automation, the technology is not at the point where it can truly replace a human tester.

That’s great news! The QA testing career continues to thrive and offers opportunities to contribute to and learn using ever-evolving technology. If you’re interested in becoming a QA tester, where do you start?

This guide describes where to find education, training and valid certification programs that positively impact your QA career journey.

What Types of Training Exist for Software Testing?

In today’s modern software development world, there are more options for training than ever before. There are software development bootcamps that also include a QA testing bootcamp. Additionally, numerous vendors are offering specific QA and software testing bootcamps online, in-person, and full-time or part-time.

Optionally, in some colleges, the computer engineering program includes at least a course on software testing. However, that option remains quite rare. Another option is a plethora of online courses offered at a more reasonable cost that you can take when you can. That said, the old-fashioned on-the-job education is a real possibility and more cost- and time-effective. After all, you’ll be earning and learning at the same time. Whichever training path you choose, be sure to include reading QA software testing books or peruse videos online.

Keep in mind, the QA training you get will never apply to all software testing work situations. What testing techniques are used at work depends on the preferences of the organization and the software development team. Don’t take everything you learn to heart as processes, tools and teams change. Use the diversity of information available as a resource or information reference. Don’t expect to see everything you read or learn in action.

How to Choose the Best Training Program?

Take time to consider all your QA training options before paying for a set of courses. Consider each option’s advantages and disadvantages and how they may work for your situation. Don’t simply throw money at a training option and hope you learn. Consider your choices carefully and understand you can always change your mind.

Bootcamps

Bootcamps are quite popular. They consist of condensed training that occurs typically over six months. Most bootcamps range in cost from around $3,000 to $8,000.

Advantages include:

• Reduced time investment
• Part- or full-time commitment
• Career support post course completion
• Support from tutors and student managers along the way

Disadvantages include:

• High cost
• Support quality varies
• Courses tend to focus on skills around specific tools that may or may not be used during employment
• The quality of your training depends on the quality of the course content

If you’re going to pay the higher cost for a bootcamp for QA testing training, consider options that also include coding education in multiple languages or platforms. Not only will this benefit you in your QA testing work, but having the ability to code in multiple languages or platforms will enhance your overall career options.

Online Courses

Another option is online college courses provided by groups like Coursera, Udemy and ATSQA. Each of these providers offers a variety of courses specifically for software testing career training. I prefer to set my own pace and pay by the course. So, if I don’t think the quality of the course content is there, I can easily move on. Plus, the costs are minimal for books, and online courses that are free or under $50 USD. Some organizations like ATSQA and Udemy have programs for a set fee and you can take all the courses you want.

Advantages include:

• Schedule flexibility so you choose when and how often you take courses
• Offers an independent learning style
• More cost-effective

Disadvantages include:

• Online support from other students and staff
• Like bootcamps, the quality of the training depends on the quality of the course content
• Less career-focused support for finding a job after training completion

On-the-Job or Self-Education

Self-education options allow you to enjoy learning at your own pace and more freedom from time limitations and unnecessary stress. Additionally, there are no tests, no arbitrary grading and no project reviews performed by someone you hope is qualified.

Advantages include:

• Minimal cost
• Earn money and job experience while learning
• No time restrictions
• No wasted or additional work effort
• Experienced co-workers are your mentors
• Employers may pay for certification programs

Disadvantages include:

• What skills you learn depend on the organization you’re working for
• Skills learned may be specific to an application or application set

Books you may consider purchasing or getting from a library include:

• How to Break Software, How to Break Software Security, How to Break Web Software, and Exploratory Testing – all by James A Whittaker
• The Art of Software Testing – Glenford J Myers
• Testing Computer Software – Cem Kaner (et al)
• Software Testing in the Real World – Edward Kit

Most of these are considered “old” but they are all classics that are still full of useful and valid software testing information. Save money and find most of them at thrift stores online for less than $9 USD or search other online retailers.

What About QA Certification—Is It Necessary?

QA certification is not necessary for a successful QA career. However, getting a valid certification gets you access to online training materials. Once you’ve passed a certification, it serves to let employers know you understand the topic. Certification also helps current or prospective employers know you understand QA testing techniques and have both the skills and understanding of common terms.

The most notable certification boards for QA Software Testing are:

• ASTQB (in the US) or ISTQB (global)
• ASQ – American Society for Quality

Start with a foundation level certification and then add on with specialized certifications in Agile testing, test automation and others if you find them useful. If you’re employed as a QA tester, check with your organization to see if certification is something they’d pay for. Many times, organizations will pay for employees’ certification study materials and exam fees.

People learn differently so it’s important to select an option that works for you. Get started looking for a starting job while you’re busy learning. Experience all the joys of the QA software testing profession and if you want, get a certification or two that may help you stand apart from other job candidates. The QA testing career remains a great way to experience and be involved in the exciting high-technology field. The technology field is always growing, changing, and moving—as is QA software testing. Happy software testing!

Are you part of a QA team that needs better testing tools to organize work and keep testing flowing? Consider tools for managing tests and creating automation. automation. Testing tools like Test Studio keep QA test teams organized and productive.