More and more companies are using freelance talent to build or expand their technical capabilities. The software development industry is one key arena where the movement toward hybrid teams is currently happening. Similarly, freelance software quality assurance testers have become highly valuable additions to any software development team.
This guide will provide you with an overview of quality assurance (QA) testers’ duties and several practical tips on becoming one.
The role of QA testers: Crucial to software quality assurancy
There are more than 1.8 billion websites, and more are created every day. This has also ushered in software, digital products, games, and web platforms that need to be vetted before release. This is why QA testers are integrated in the software development life cycle.
Software testers have different roles, depending on the project. The process involves two types of testing: manual testing and automated. And there are different types of testing, like functional testing, configuration, testing, and system testing, to name a few.
As a professional freelance QA tester, you need to be familiar with the different testing types and how they affect a software’s performance. You’ll also perform web, mobile, and desktop application quality assurance. And since the process involves a lot of communication with developers and other team members, freelance QA testers should possess excellent communication skills to receive instructions and report the results of the evaluation.
Below are some functions or duties that a freelance software QA tester might perform.
- Review and analyze system specifications: As a QA tester, you’ll run different tests on new software products to make sure they satisfy all specifications and requirements. The tests may include basic operations testing, probing the limits of a system, and validating that functionality works in the target environment (development computer, real-time simulator, or embedded microprocessor).
- Identifying functional bugs: QA testers help identify any problems on the product and run debugging programs to fix issues. When the problems are resolved, you’ll be asked to run additional tests before products are released to the market.
- Record defects and report bugs and errors to development teams: QA testers are also expected to record all defect details and create bug reports outlining the types of defects found and the steps taken to resolve these issues. You may also be asked to upgrade databases on the document testing phases and defects.
- Collaborate with QA engineers to develop effective strategies and test plans: As a QA tester, you’ll collaborate with cross-functional teams from the start of a project to ensure quality throughout the software development life cycle. You’ll work with developers to assess risks, identify any potential operational issues, and resolve issues until the new software product is complete.
Whether you’re new to software development, testing or have years of experience and looking to set up a freelance career in QA testing, you can gain clients, expand your expertise, and market yourself effectively with Upwork. Create your profile today and start browsing opportunities for freelance QA testers.
How to become a QA tester: 5 Essential Tips
Below are practical tips that you can utilize to become a professional QA tester for software programs.
1. Identify who you want to work with
The software developer and QA testing industry are wide and varied. If you’re looking to pursue a freelance career in QA testing, it might be beneficial to spend some time learning about the work you’ll be doing and your potential clients. Before you spend time, money, and effort getting technical training, check out the freelance QA tester skills requirements of companies you want to work with.
Use Up work to check the skills requirements that engineers, startups, and software developers are looking for in a QA tester. The platform is a great starting point where you can learn what types of testing are in demand and if you need to update your skills.
2. Pursue a high-quality technical training
Although most of your potential clients may prefer QA testers with a bachelor’s degree in engineering or computer science, it’s not typically required. In the team selection process, team members are usually required to undergo an interview and technical testing, and that’s the part you need to prepare for.
Familiarize yourself with a few computer languages and be prepared to learn more. Start with the most common languages used in applications and software tools, such as Java, C#, and Python. Other languages include C, Go, HTML, JavaScript, Ruby, and Unix scripting.
Consider taking an online course or tutorial to solidify your knowledge of operational and usability testing, as well.
3. Earn certifications and recommendations
You may choose to pursue specific certifications issued by professional associations or testing software manufacturers. They’re helpful, whether you’re a beginner or have years of experience in the software testing field. Here are three organizations you may want to look into:
- Association for Software Testing
- Society of Quality Assurance
- International Software Testing Qualifications Board (ISTQB)
4. Learn the tools of the trade
As a freelancer, you’ll have to sell yourself constantly. And to do that, you need to be able to speak the language. So, learn the tools of the trade and familiarize yourself with common applications that help testers and programmers do their work.
Here is some testing-related software:
- Test automation frameworks: This refers to a set of guidelines used for creating and designing test cases. It combines practices and tools designed to help QA professional test more efficiently. These test frameworks include coding standards, test data handling methods, object repositories, processes for storing test results, and information on how to access external resources. Popular tools include opium, Bamboo, Bitbucket, GitLab, Jenkins, JUnit, QMetry, Robot Framework, and Selenium.
- Bug tracking tools: The following are open-source (free) applications and commercial bug tracking tools that help testers record, report, and monitor bugs in a software development project: Bugzilla, HP ALM, JIRA, Mantis, Trac, Redmine, FogBugz, You Track, BugNET, Backlog, ReQtest, and Zoho.
- Test management software: Development teams use these tools to manage, track, and maintain their software test cases and results and turn them into actionable reports. Examples include test, PractiTest, Zephyr, Test Collab, TestFLO, XQual, and Xray.
Always refer to the research you did on the skills requirements that potential clients prefer for testing tools or automation testing software.
5. Don’t neglect your soft skills
Just because you will be working behind a computer doesn’t mean you should neglect your people skills. To succeed as a freelancer, you need to be able to interact effectively with your clients, members of the software development team, and other freelancers. Your attitude, work ethics, communication skills, and ability to work and collaborate with others are as essential to your success as the technical skills you possess.
Accelerate your freelance career in software quality assurance
As a freelance software tester, you’re expected to have the soft skills and technical abilities to perform your duties and responsibilities. At the minimum, you should be familiar with Agile frameworks, project management, and QA methodologies. You should also be able to write reports and communicate with the team. Since the world of information technology is fast moving, you need to be willing to keep learning.
