High School

If you are interested in becoming a quality assurance tester, take as many computer classes as possible to become familiar with how to effectively operate computer software and hardware. Math and science courses are very helpful for teaching the necessary analytical skills. English and speech classes will help you improve your verbal and written communication skills, which are also essential to the success of quality assurance testers.

Postsecondary Training

It is debatable whether or not a bachelor's degree is necessary to become a quality assurance tester. Some companies require a bachelor's degree in computer science, while others prefer people who come from the business sector who have a small amount of computer experience because they best match the technical level of the software's typical users. If testers are interested in advancement, however, a bachelor's degree is almost a mandate.

Few universities or colleges offer courses on quality assurance testing. As a result, most companies offer in-house training on how to test their particular products

Other Education or Training

The QAI Global Institute offers webinars, seminars, and other training opportunities. Past offerings included “Effective Methods of Software Testing,” “Addressing Mobile App Testing Challenges,” and “Top Ten Challenges of Test Automation.” The Association for Software Testing, IEEE Computer Society, and the International Game Developers Association also provide professional development opportunities. Contact these organizations for more information.

Certification or Licensing

As the information technology industry becomes more competitive, the necessity for management to be able to distinguish professional and skilled individuals in the field becomes mandatory, according to the QAI Global Institute. Certification demonstrates a level of understanding in carrying out relevant principles and practices, and provides a common ground for communication among professionals in the field of software quality and testing. The organization offers the designations certified software tester, certified associate in software testing, certified manager of software testing, certified associate in software quality, certified software quality analyst, and certified manager of software quality.

Experience as an intern, volunteer, or part-time employee at a software developer is recommended. Some companies recommend testers have some programming skills in languages such as C, C++, SQL, Java, JavaScript, or Visual Basic. Others prefer testers with no programming ability.

Quality assurance testers need superior verbal and written communication skills. They also must show a proficiency in critical and analytical thinking and be able to critique something diplomatically. Quality assurance testers should have an eye for detail, be focused, and have a lot of enthusiasm because sometimes the work is monotonous and repetitive. Testers should definitely enjoy the challenge of breaking the system.