Tester is a profession that will secure your future. Half of the testers are linguists, lawyers, historians. A conversation about the profession with the "senior" of testing

Software tester is a specialist engaged in a variety of software testing for failures, errors and ensuring the quality of the finished product.

The name of the profession is derived from the English word “Test”, which translates as “check”, “test”, or simply “testing”, already established in Russian.

There are several opinions about the work of a tester, some people believe that this profession is a monotonous and monotonous check of everything and everything according to ready-made developments, while others argue that not a single instruction can cover the entire range of possible errors and the profession is undoubtedly creative, as it makes you actively work with your head and approach the verification procedure from a variety of angles. The truth, as usual, lies somewhere in the middle and the profession of a tester really harmoniously combines both approaches.

Testers develop methods, plans, approaches, and schedules for testing. They independently develop a large number of test scenarios and bring them to life both with their own hands and using automated testing methods.

The main task set before software testers is to simulate various everyday and force majeure situations that can occur when using the product, while identifying shortcomings, defects and mistakes made by programmers. Correlating the initial plans, the description of the program functionality and the results obtained as a result of testing, the testers document each contingency, the moment of its occurrence and the methods of repetition for transfer to the programmers for revision.

As a result, a huge number of clients use the results of the tester's work, since the scope of his knowledge and skills is almost unlimited: websites, all types of programs, computer games, microprograms for controlling household and industrial equipment, and so on.

Sometimes the “Software Tester” profession is confused with the “QA engineer” profession, which are quite similar, but the latter has a wider range of responsibilities and ensures product quality throughout the entire life cycle: from planning and development to release and support in operation. The tester, on the other hand, checks the product already at the last stages of development and release of new versions.

Possible places of work

Software testers can work in any company that produces software products or products containing software, and this is almost all modern technology. Another option would be to outsource or have independent testing teams providing custom software reviews for other companies.

One of the significant advantages of the profession of a software tester is the possibility of freelancing and working for international customers via the Internet. With such work, it becomes possible to have a free schedule, self-selection of customers from an interesting area and higher incomes than when working for an organization. Naturally, at the same time, it is necessary to be able to correctly allocate one's time and not to miss deadlines, having established oneself in the labor market as a professional in one's field.

Pros and cons of being a software tester

pros

• A promising, developing profession with the possibility of career growth
• Creative, research nature of the work
• Getting practical knowledge and skills from the IT world
• Wide range of freelance opportunities
• Opportunity to retrain as a programmer or other related specialty
• High profit payment

Minuses

• In some cases, the work is monotonous and monotonous
• The need to constantly learn new technologies and engage in self-development

Tester Responsibilities

Where to study as a tester

In Russia, there are no classical educational institutions with training programs specifically for software testing and verification. Indirectly, the specialties “Information Systems and Technologies” and “Automation of Information Processing and Control Systems” can be attributed here, but they provide too much unnecessary information.

One of the ideal options for gaining experience in software testing would be reading literature and taking online courses with real test items and live teachers checking homework.

On educational IT portal GeekBrains you can master the profession " Software Tester" in just 4 months. During the training, homework, communication with live teachers, control and test work are provided. After graduation, a personal certificate and the possibility of internships in real IT companies are issued. The average salary of a tester in Moscow and the Moscow region is 64,000 rubles.

You can also try the free course "Programming Fundamentals", which will help identify your inclinations for a particular IT specialty. Perhaps a programmer or web developer is more suitable for you.

Hurry up to start learning. The discount for training the profession "Software Tester" is valid for you only for 3 days!

Required personal qualities

An applicant for the position of a software tester must have a good memory, flexible thinking, be able to build logical chains and relationships between events, be able to constantly learn and learn new technologies, adapt to the tasks and conditions, and also be ready to quickly switch from one task to another.

Also, the profession of "Software Tester" requires patience, determination, perseverance and willingness to work in a team.

Requirements for a software tester

For successful work as a tester, it is desirable, but not necessary, to have a higher technical education. Most large and successful software development companies in the market recruit testers based on successful interviewing and solving test problems that rely more on logic and attention than directly on technical knowledge. And the necessary technical basis is taught by the mentor already in the direct process of work. Thus, companies get a promising employee who, for one reason or another, did not receive a higher technical education and does not spend effort and money on his retraining, preferring to train immediately for himself. Of course, online courses taken and thematic literature read before the interview will be big pluses.

In any case, when applying for a position as a software tester, a person must be good with a computer.

Knowledge of technical English, understanding of the SQL language, knowledge of databases such as MySQL and knowledge of automated testing programs (if necessary) will be your advantages at the interview.

Tester salary

Approximate wages listed. Depending on the region and the employer, it can vary significantly.

Software tester- a person who plays a primary role in software testing. The profession has a technical bias, it will appeal to applicants who are prone to computer science and mathematics. The profession is suitable for those who are interested in computer science (see choosing a profession for interest in school subjects).

Short description

Software testers are one of the most sought after professionals in the IT industry. They evaluate software from the point of view of experts and ordinary users, the main goal of their activity is to identify and eliminate software errors. Sometimes testers create technical documentation in Russian or a foreign language. Without fail, they prepare reports, as well as develop tools and scripts that are used during testing. They are conditionally divided into 2 groups:

• Alpha testers who work with software that is under development;
• Beta testers who specialize in ready-made versions of software.

The prospects for professional growth open up before software testers, because they can always choose a different area, which is somehow connected with the IT segment.

Features of the profession

Software testing is a fun and creative process. A tester spends most of his working time at a computer or tablet, smartphone and other types of gadgets. The responsibilities of a software tester include:

• development of optimal testing methods, creation of test cases, modeling of common behavioral situations;
• creating schedules and plans, performing various types of testing: for security, load, functional, automated, configuration, gaming, usability and others. A generalist tester can do all of these types of testing, but most often they specialize in 1-2;
• creation of databases and reports based on the results of testing;
• classification of errors, in-depth analysis of the results of the work;
• assisting the development team in fixing bugs;
• consultations for developers and customers, analysis of complaints received from real users.

All of the above responsibilities should be divided into 3 main stages: development (indirect participation), testing and analysis, preparation of technical reports and debugging. This type of activity requires involvement, the profession is suitable for boys and girls who are prone to painstaking and sedentary work.

Pros and cons of the profession

pros

1. Software tester is a prestigious profession that will open the way to other IT professions, where there is an even higher level of pay.
2. Many software companies are interested in software testers.
3. The tester can work from the office or at home, which allows you to combine activities with travel, hobbies or education.
4. The salaries of testers are high, the sphere is open to ambitious people of any age.
5. Access to modern software, games and other interesting products.
6. The ability to run your own blog or vlog, which allows you to popularize your services and receive additional income.

Minuses

1. The work of testers is very well paid, which entails high competition in the labor market.
2. To fulfill orders, you need experience, in its absence it is not easy to find a job.
3. Occupational diseases characteristic of all people who work at a computer.

Important Personal Qualities

The following professional qualities are important for a software tester:

• logical thinking,
• ability to concentrate
• multitasking,
• moral flexibility,
• categorical,
• increased accuracy,
• professional responsibility.

A software tester communicates with developers and customers, so communication skills and the ability to correctly formulate thoughts, as well as literacy, are important.

Software tester training

A novice tester can graduate from college or get the necessary skills in courses - it all depends on the requirements of a potential employer and personal skills. However, higher technical education should be considered as a priority. An applicant can choose the following university areas of study, for which the core USE is mathematics:

• "Applied Mathematics and Informatics" (code: 01.04.02);
• "Informatics and Computer Engineering" (code: 09.03.01);
• "Information and analytical security systems" (code: 10.05.04);
• "Information Security" (code: 10.03.01) and other technical areas related to computer science, mathematics, digital information security and computer technology.

If you decide to start your career path with a college, then consider the directions "Information Systems and Programming" (code: 09.02.07), "Computer Networks" (code: 09.02.02) or "Applied Informatics (by industry)". You can start studying at a university after the 11th grade, an applicant can enter the college after graduating from the 9th grade.

Best Universities for Software Testers

1. MIPT.
2. MSLU.
3. NRU HSE.
4. NUST MISIS.
5. REU them. G. V. Plekhanov.
6. Moscow State University M. V. Lomonosov.
7. FEFU.
8. SPbU of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Russian Federation.
9. RGUNG.

The best colleges

1. COP number 54.
2. KAIT No. 20.
3. PC them. N. N. Godovikova.
4. PKIPT (IT-College).
5. TKUiK.

An international educational institution specializing in computer education. Works since 1999. 42 branches in 16 countries of the world. The largest authorized training center for Microsoft, Cisco, Autodesk. Students receive international certificates and an international diploma. The main goal is the employment of each graduate.

Master one of the most in-demand IT professions under the guidance of a personal mentor and start earning before completing the course. Programming experience is not required. You will learn how to test websites, mobile applications and other software. You will learn how IT companies work, and you will be able to understand how you want to develop in the profession. Guaranteed to get a job. Already juniors are in great demand on the market, and this course will allow them to reach the middle level.

Students of specialized universities (3-5 courses), practicing testers who want to gain new knowledge and improve their professionalism are invited to study. Training is conducted in the evening, in a group of no more than 10 students, the duration of the course is 3 months. Talented graduates can get a job at EPAM.

UTs "Specialist" at MSTU im. N. E. Bauman

On the site of the training center, a large selection of quality programs is available for people who decide to become software testers. Any course consists of theoretical and practical blocks, the form of training can be full-time or distance learning. The duration of training is 16-64 ac. h., the minimum cost is 11850 rubles. and higher, which directly depends on the selected profile.

Place of work

Software testers are required in an IT company. They are needed in other areas of business that are engaged in the creation or implementation of software, applications, services.

Salary

Salary as of 10.10.2019

Russia 20000—80000 ₽

Moscow 50000—120000 ₽

The salary of a software tester is high, but its amount depends on a number of key factors:

• direction of the tester;
• level of professional knowledge;
• desire to learn;
• region of work and company;
• format of cooperation (permanent work, freelance).

Career

Usually, after 3-5 years of successful work, testers move on, because they study hard to become a programmer, an expert in the field of cybersecurity, etc. They will also be able to work as IT managers, business analysts.

Professional knowledge

1. Methods used in software testing.
2. Test automation.
3. DBMS, SQL, Oracle, IBM Rational Robot.
4. Databases, knowledge of at least one programming language is desirable (priority is C#, C++, PHP and Java).
5. English is not lower than Upper-Intermediate.

This specialty is in demand. And, as in all IT, there are not enough personnel, especially qualified ones. True, it is in demand mainly in large organizations that pay sufficient attention to testing.

The specialty itself is very diverse and implies knowledge of programming, testing methodologies and related tools (as well as writing it).

Testing is used everywhere, from writing code during product development to test "cases" at the stages of technical support.

Just one listing of different testing options can take more than one page of text. I will list just a few.

• unit testing - tests aimed at unambiguous operation of software blocks
• integration testing - tests for the interaction between different software blocks
• load testing - tests to identify performance bottlenecks
• functional testing - tests
• regression testing - identifying problems when making changes
• security testing - speaks for itself
• user behavior testing

A good tester is very valuable. His main qualities are to be a bit of a programmer, an insane user, to be well versed in the subject of his activity. Career growth, from a tester, to programmers, to a security or quality officer, a product manager, a head of a development or quality group, just a wonderful person who has everything on fire in his hands :-)

If you look purely by the number of vacancies, then testers are not in demand as much as developers, but here you need to make a reservation that testing can be different, and basically there are vacancies in two categories - manual testers and automators. I will write about them, because. I haven't met with other types of testing yet.

Manual testers have a rather monotonous job - manually clicking on test scenarios, communicating with a business analyst and a customer, and sometimes clarifying requirements. They are paid less than developers, but the threshold for entering the profession is also the lowest: you only need a good knowledge of the language, mainly English, and knowledge of testing methodology (here I advise you to read about preparing for ISTQB, there are basic concepts and terms, it will be very useful) . Getting a job without experience is quite difficult, because there are a lot of applicants in the CIS just because of the low entry threshold.

Automators are a cross between a tester and a developer, they create programs that pass test cases automatically. Accordingly, the requirements are already higher here, you need knowledge of at least one programming language and test framework (for example, Selenium) and such testers are valued higher, it is easier to find a job, and earnings are approximately at the level of a developer or slightly lower, it already depends on the specific place of work. It’s easier to get a job without experience than a manual tester, plus it’s easier to become a developer in the future if you wish.

Well, in general, more experienced testers are in demand, with two years of experience finding a job is not a problem at all. If in doubt between a tester and a developer, then I advise you to get an internship, try both options and then choose the one that you like best.

In general, "All professions are important, all professions are needed!". I can say for sure that in modern realities IT needs a lot of people to work, because so many companies are experiencing a shortage of specialists. This phenomenon is noticeable in many countries of the world (The only exception may be countries that are very developed, such as Singapore, where there is no such problem, because there are a lot of people going there or countries that develop very slowly). Thus, the more software products are created (it doesn’t matter which ones), the more testers are needed.

The main goal of the tester is to simulate many different situations of using the product by a potential client (testing) and trying to find vulnerabilities and bugs in this product. After that, show this problem to the developer so that he fixes it (in this case, even more bugs may appear). What exactly you need to know - this can be better understood after you start to understand it. Often, vacancies indicate what is required (not everything, of course, that they write is mandatory). Your best bet is to find testing courses, as well as textbooks and other possible sources of knowledge. You may need to know some programming language to write tests or some testing tools. If you have definitely decided that you definitely want to study this and you have the motivation for this, be prepared that everything does not work out the first time and you will have to learn some things. But I believe in you! Do not give up, even if everyone doubts you, there is a goal - strive for it, no matter what.

Very in demand. A good and competent tester will be torn off with arms and legs.

As stated in another answer, the work is very varied. and the tester needs to understand not only testing, but also programming itself at an acceptable level.

Of the minuses of the work of testers, one can single out pre-release moments (the specifics of some projects make testers work 16 hours a day and even more)

Well, according to personal observations, I note that the work of a tester is paid 20 percent worse than the work of a programmer, which, of course, is unfair.

According to my ideas and observations, this is a very popular specialty. Progress does not stand still. New services, sites, applications are constantly appearing. The tester helps the company save money and create a good reputation by identifying errors and shortcomings (including critical ones) in advance. There are different types of testing, different industries have their own specifics, so there is enough work for everyone. And many testers then become programmers, and new people can come in their place.

P.S. looked at hh.ru, immediately issued almost 1000 vacancies with salaries from 30 to 200 tr.

Quite, very much in demand. In our company, 4 teams "compete" when a tester position opens.
As far as I know, it is more difficult to get a job as a manual tester - for those who manually test all the functionality - without experience, than for a developer and an automation tester, due to the great competition. However, don't pay too much attention to it.

A tester is a specialist who is engaged in testing software (software) in order to identify errors in its work and then correct them. However, there is a slightly different name for this profession - QA Tester (or QA Manager, Engineer), which usually includes a wider range of responsibilities. The tester controls the quality of the product after its development, while the task of the QA tester is to ensure product quality at all stages of software development, release and operation.

Places of work

The profession of a tester is primarily in demand in IT companies that develop software, computer games and Internet sites.

Tester Responsibilities

Key responsibilities of a tester:

• Quality control of developed products.
• Identification and analysis of errors and problems that users encounter when working with software products.
• Development of autotests and their regular run.
• Development of test scenarios.
• Documentation of found defects.

Also, the position of a tester may involve the preparation of technical documentation in Russian and foreign (more often English) languages.

Requirements for a tester

Main requirements for a tester:

• Experience in organizing and conducting various types of testing.
• Knowledge of programming languages.
• Knowledge of tools and libraries for autotesting.
• Experience in writing automated tests.
• Higher education.
• Analytic skills.

Additional requirements:

• Ability to test web applications.
• Knowledge of mobile platforms (iOS, Android).
• Knowledge of English at a level sufficient to read and write technical texts.

tester resume sample

How to become a tester

There are no universities in Russia that teach this profession, so the functions of a tester can be successfully performed by people with an analytical mindset and higher technical or secondary specialized education.

The best way to become a tester is to go learn programming and understand in practice how software is created, what difficulties programmers face and how software debugging works.

Tester salary

The salary of a tester varies from 30 to 130 thousand rubles per month. High earnings, most often, can be found in Moscow or other million-plus cities. The average salary of a tester is 70 rubles per month.

Software testing is a specialty that is very popular in IT. Why literally everyone needs such employees now and is it difficult to master this science, we were told by Lyubov Popova, a teacher at the Sukhorukov Academy in the direction of leading courses for students from the Moscow region.

Lyuba, describe in your own words - what is software testing?

In a general sense, this is a thorough check of how our program meets the wishes of both the customer who issued the terms of reference and users.

In a technical sense, this is a set of actions that are aimed at quickly detecting the most critical errors in the program.

And, thirdly, in terms of quality assurance, testing is the most versatile and effective tool for improving the product, making it user-friendly.

Does the modern labor market need testers?

Yes of course! Now there is a very acute shortage of such specialists, and moreover, this need will increase over time.

And why?

The reason is simple - computers and programs are present in almost every area of ​​our lives, and in the future, the spread of digital technologies will only increase. Today every hour there are new sites, new services, new applications. Progress does not stand still: Elon Musk intends to establish a settlement on Mars in 20 years and create a full-fledged brain-processor interface. Can you imagine how many testers will be needed in order to at least fully check the security of this system? After all, no one wants to put their brain in danger of getting an electric shock due to power surges!

So this profession, which is considered quite new today, will definitely not lose its relevance in the near foreseeable future. Therefore, if you decide to change your field of activity and come to IT, then testing will be the best choice. After all, a specialist in this field will certainly find a job now and in the future. And even the most advanced robots cannot replace a person here - testing requires too much non-linear analysis, too much heuristics, too much human participation.

And where, in what industries is the demand for testers especially high?

I think it is no longer possible to single out any priority areas. I personally encountered the fact that the services of a tester were required in the service sector, in In-door navigation, in e-commerce. I tested programs for mobile communications - Beeline billing, I worked in projects in the financial and banking sector - tested Sberbank client applications.

So, if you were, for example, a sales manager, then after you master the new profession of a tester, you may well find a job in a familiar trade area, but in a completely different position.

What will the employing company and its clients get from the activity of the tester?

First, it is financial savings. Finding and fixing bugs in a program before its official release is much cheaper than doing the same thing after the product has reached users. And the greatest economic benefit comes from the detection of errors at the stage of documentation development. I had a case when I found an error in the documentation logic and due to the fact that it was immediately fixed, I managed to save not only money, but also the labor of programmers.

Well, the second result is the improvement of the company's reputation. After all, if customers use the program, it is convenient, works correctly and is guaranteed to do what it is intended for, then, of course, users appreciate such software. And from here comes loyalty to the company, and positive reviews, and, as a result, an increase in sales.

The benefit of the tester's work for clients is also clear. The more professional such a specialist is, the more carefully he treats his duties, the more high-quality software product the users will receive as a result.

Lyuba, how did you become a tester?

I have been drawn to technology since childhood. Yes, I know that for a girl these are rather atypical interests.☺ Here my grandfather played a big role - he was an honored inventor of Bashkortostan. It was he who brought my first computer from work, which was still running MS-DOS. And I was happy to work with it all on my own, figure it out, master it; then the Windows operating systems went in order, and in general, by the end of school, I already knew for sure that I wanted to work and rotate in this particular area. I went to college to be a programmer, then I went to university for the same specialty. And after graduating from the university, it so happened that I retrained from programmers to testers, although these professions, of course, are related.

Why did you decide to become a teacher?

In fact, I have had such an idea for a long time that it would be nice to structure, systematize all my knowledge and testing skills, for example, in the form of my own blog. After all, I have about 10 years of experience in this specialty. And now, when this idea had already finally taken shape in my mind, an offer suddenly came from the Sukhorukov Academy. Just such, you know, a sign of fate. So I thought, "Why not?" and accepted the offer. And I tried to collect all the most up-to-date information in one place, so that it would be the easiest to understand and study for all those who want to change their lives and become an IT specialist. And my mother is a teacher, so we can assume that this is hereditary☺

What are you going to talk about?

At first there will be quite a lot of theory and theoretical knowledge. This is necessary in order to lay the foundation for students who have not previously worked in the IT field. On this basis, students will further develop their practical skills. We will get acquainted with such general issues as the software development life cycle, quality assurance, the role of testers in this. Let's talk about the principles of testing, its types (manual and automated) and methods, what is test documentation and how to work with it correctly. Already at this stage, practical tasks will begin, which will become more complicated over time.

How much practice will there be?

Yes, sure. That is what I am focusing on. Practical work, practical examples, solved by one's own hands, will best of all help students, even those who are not familiar with the work of a tester, to master this profession. I give such tasks after each lesson, and then we check them together and analyze the questions that have arisen.

What additional knowledge will the students gain?

I talk about the principles of the Internet and web testing, touch on the issues of working with SQL databases and the basic elements of the HTML language.We will learn how to write and execute scripts in Selenium IDE, analyze the main locators, and try to write a simple test in Java in conjunction with Selenium. If the team level allows, we'll learn the basics of code refactoring and a few test design patterns. We will also talk about BDD technology, test management systems, etc. Of course, I will suggest literature, and even share books from my own stock that will allow students to improve on their own after completing the courses.

Do people who want to come to your courses need to have some specific knowledge in advance?

Apart from ordinary computer literacy, no. Testing is generally an area of ​​IT with the most modest requirements for initial training. Of course, if a person already has some programming skills, it will only be easier for him. But even if you know absolutely nothing about testing, you will receive all the necessary information, knowledge and skills in the courses.

Are they enough to get a job?

Yes, for sure. A student, if he carefully listened to lectures, participated in discussions, did practical homework and, as a result, successfully completed the course, can safely apply for the position of junior tester.

What qualities of character will help the tester in his work?

Curiosity, perseverance, ability to analyze, patience, dedication to work. Despite the fact that testing is a technical specialty, non-standard approaches are only welcome here. If the ability to look at a product from an unusual point of view, using your own, original logic helps to identify errors, “catch bugs”, then this is only a plus for a tester. And another significant additional advantage is knowledge of English.

And the truth is that the work of a tester is a vacation: you sit, play your favorite game, and at the same time you also get money for it?

Of course not! This is a very common misconception. You have to really like to play computer games in order to perceive this work that way. Because after hundreds of checks of the same script, after hundreds of test runs of the same quest, you will rather hate this game!☺ I have repeatedly heard the stories of my colleagues from game development, who, after the release of the game, specially bought a disk with it and broke it on their knees. So testing is not a game, not entertainment, but rather painstaking work.

Lyuba, what problems do testers face most often?

The most unpleasant problem is the lack of project documentation from the customer. Yes, this happens too, and much more often than we would like. Accordingly, it turns out that it is necessary to test the program, but there is nothing to rely on - you have to write something yourself, demand something from the customer ... And, of course, deadlines - it is always difficult to find the right balance between how much time we want to spend on testing and how much time we can spend.

What are the salaries of testers?

Payment for a junior tester starts from at least 30,000 rubles per month. A middle-specialist with a couple of years of experience usually receives from 50-60 thousand rubles. And a senior who has worked in testing for more than 3 years can claim 80,000 per month or more.

What advice can you give to newcomers to the field of software testing?

Read specialized literature, watch educational videos, gain experience from colleagues, strive to learn something new all the time - this is the only way you can keep up with the development of modern technologies. And “being in the know” is a critical quality for a tester.

If you want to master a new specialty and find a well-paid, interesting job in the field of IT development, then the tester courses at Alexey Sukhorukov's IT Academy will be an excellent choice!