Automation testing is becoming increasingly sought-after in the IT industry, as organizations recognize its value for improving efficiency and reducing costs. Whether you are an experienced QA tester looking to transition into automation or just starting out, understanding automation technology and developing the necessary skills can open doors for exciting career opportunities.
In this guide, we will discuss how to become an automation tester, including what automation technologies exist, tips on selecting an automation course that meets your needs and expectations, and career paths available within automation testing.
What is automation testing?
Automation testing involves using automated tools to execute tests and verify the accuracy of a product’s functionality, performance, and security. Automation testing can be used to reduce human effort by executing test cases faster than manual testers and with greater accuracy.
Types of popular QA automation tests that are most beneficial for an organisation include:
- Functional testing
It is one of the testing types and it comprises an aspect which identifies whether or not the system works as intended, under different conditions.
- Performance testing
It measures metrics that belong directly to the application performance, such as reliability, scalability and resource usage.
- Unit testing
It evaluates individual code units and verifies if they fit information requirements and then checks if expected output matches actual results later.
- Smoke tests
It quickly taps into the reliability of systems but ascertains as many risks as possible right at the beginning of the process or after any significant adaptations to existing systems take place.
Once you have an understanding of automation testing, the next step is to develop the skills necessary for automation success. This usually involves taking an automation testing course or certification program that covers topics like setting up automation frameworks, scripting languages (such as Python), software development techniques (SDET), writing automation scripts, and more. Consider researching different programs to determine which one best meets your needs before committing to a course.
Completing an automation training course sets you on the path towards becoming a QA automation tester. However, automation testing is an ever-evolving field with many different career paths. You may choose to specialize in a certain automation technology, work as a consultant for automation testing services, or even become an automation test lead or manager.
Regardless of the path you take, automation testing can offer plenty of career opportunities and rewards. By understanding automation technologies and developing the necessary skills, you can open doors to exciting new career possibilities.
Expected growth of Automation Testing Market
The automation testing market is looking at some serious growth.
A recent research report by Markets and Markets says this market is set to skyrocket – from USD 24.7 billion worth in 2022, it’s projected to go up to USD 52.7 billion by 2027. That’s a crazy impressive compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 16.4%! Looks like these automation testing solutions are here to stay for the long haul – for all your software needs, now and into the future.
Automation testing seems poised to take off in a huge way, projected to soar as its market value is forecasted to reach a whopping US$ 93.6 Billion by 2032. This surge can be attributed to its strong projected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) over the next 12 years – an impressive 14.3%.
Get ready to embrace this reality, because automation testing’s potential seems boundless.
Understand the Basics of Automation Testing
Software development and testing professionals must understand test automation frameworks to increase speed and efficiency in software testing and QA or performance testing.
Before you can dive into automation testing, it is important to understand the basics. This includes familiarizing yourself with automation tools, software development processes and test automation methodologies.
Automation tools, software development processes, and test automation methodologies are a critical part of an effective Quality Assurance (QA) process. Automation testing is vital to ensure high-performance applications that satisfy customer needs. Software Development Engineers in Test (SDETs) leverage software development tools and methodologies to develop automated tests quickly and accurately.
To optimize QA testing processes, software development engineers or a QA testers must use various automation testing tools and software development methodologies such as those available to SDETs. For example, tools such as Cucumber, Selenium, and Jest provide software development engineers and QA testers with a simple way to test data and elements of their code quickly. These tests are run multiple times so potential coding bugs can be identified before the application is released, ensuring that it meets quality standards for software products.
By implementing sophisticated automation tools, a testing framework, QA testing quality engineering and software development processes such as DevOps, and test automation methodologies with QA testers on staff, businesses and development team can streamline the development process and reduce errors for higher customer satisfaction.
Some of the most used test tools that are used by QA professionals are Selenium, Cucumber, Appium, Katalon Studio, LambdaTest, (UFT) /QTP, TestComplete, Watir (Water), Telerik Test Studio, TestProject, Worksoft, ACCELQ, Ranorex Studio, Avo Assure, Cypress, among other system software tools.
Step-by-Step Guide To Start A Career In Automation Testing
1.Prepare Yourself for a Successful Career with an Automation Testing course
To become a qualified automation tester, it is beneficial to pursue a course in automation testing or QA engineering fundamentals. These courses will help you develop your technical ability and gain experience in different automation frameworks, such as Selenium or Cucumber.
When researching what courses and training programs to take, there are a few key considerations one should look for. Quality software testing curriculum is essential in order to effectively learn the fundamentals of quality assurance management and software development.
Trainers or instructors should possess extensive expertise, with evidence of certifications proving their knowledge in the field. Furthermore, it is important to seek out courses that provide hands-on experience to supplement theoretical learning, such as practical test cases, assignments and simulations. Additionally, one should look for courses that offer exams at the end of each module – this would ensure that any QA tester taking these courses has gained an adequate understanding and mastery over quality assurance procedures before they enter the software programming arena.
2. Become Familiar with Programming Languages
Knowledge of at least one programming language, like Java, Python or C++ is essential for automation testers as they are used to writing scripts and programs that run automation tests. Not only does mastering these coding languages support the software development life cycle, but it also allows QA testers to develop tests quickly and efficiently.
Automation QA testing can be used to reduce the amount of time spent on manual testing, thereby saving QA teams’ valuable time and energy. Knowing these programming languages will enable QA testers to write their own scripts and optimize them according to their specific needs and the project requirements.
3. Build a Portfolio
Once you have built your QA testing skills and confidence, start building a portfolio of automation tests that you have created yourself. This portfolio can be used to showcase the QA tester’s skillset and should include relevant examples such as API, UI, and other software testing solutions. The QA tester should use this portfolio to demonstrate their capabilities in designing and maintaining automation tests for various platforms. By successfully creating a well-structured portfolio, QA testers will be able to appeal to potential employers.
This will help you to demonstrate your technical expertise during job interviews or client presentations.
4. Pursue an SDET Roles
Once you have the skills and experience, you can apply for jobs such as a software tester, a QA tester, or an SDET role. Keep your resume up to date with relevant experience and be prepared to showcase your automation projects.
The SDET role is ideal for automation testers who are looking to expand their technical skill set further and take on more responsibility within the automated testing space. Pursuing an SDET role can provide many professional advantages over traditional QA and software testers. SDETs are responsible for automation and software testing, as well as bringing a higher skill set to the profession, including programming, system analysis, design and architecture. This means that SDETs can be more efficient in their tests as they have more of an understanding of the software which brings faster debugging and improved results in their tasks.
Additionally, by completing manual testing, functional and regression testing with automation practices such as machine learning, SDETs are better equipped to focus on the bigger picture. Therefore, pursuing a career in this field is an attractive option for anyone in the software industry or those wishing to break into it.
Conclusion
Automation testing is the future of software development and QA, and automation testers are highly sought after for their expertise in automation tools and frameworks, computer languages, scripting, and more!
As automation testing becomes increasingly essential to the development process, becoming an automation tester has emerged as one of the most rewarding career options available.
By following the above mentioned guidelines and taking automation courses or certification programs, you can gain the knowledge and experience needed to become a successful automation tester.
Pursuing automation testing courses provides a deep understanding of automation tools and techniques to help build, manage, and execute successful automation test scripts. A certificate or degree focused on automation testing will give you a competitive edge over other candidates for job opportunities with this knowledge.
We hope this quick guide has provided insight into How to Become a QA Tester and helped you know how to start a career in automation testing.
Good luck on your journey!
Frequently Asked Questions
Do all software developers and test automation engineers compulsorily have a computer science bachelor’s degree?
No. Even without prior coding knowledge or computer science background, you can become a software engineer in test, software developer, quality assurance tester, etc. with the help of the right SDET courses and certifications.
What should I expect to learn on an SDET course?
A robust SDET course helps you learn engineering skills, testing tools, testing terminology, white box testing techniques, black box testing techniques, system testing frameworks, functional and non-functional testing, among other technical and non-technical skills.