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Software testing and quality assurance​

Relevant Coursework:

  • CSCE 1030 - Computer Science I

  • CSCE 1040 - Computer Science II

  • CSCE 2100 - Foundations of Computing

  • CSCE 2110 - Foundations of Data Structures

  • CSCE 3444 - Software Engineering (essential for understanding testing methodologies and software lifecycle management)

  • CSCE 3550 - Foundations of Cybersecurity (relevant for testing secure systems)

Recommended Electives:

  • Software Testing: Learn automation frameworks (e.g., Selenium, JUnit) and performance testing tools (e.g., JMeter).

  • DevOps Practices: Explore CI/CD integration and tools like Jenkins for automating test pipelines.

  • Cloud-based Testing: Understand cloud-native testing solutions for scalability.

  • AI in Testing: Study AI-driven testing techniques for predictive analysis and error detection.

Median Total Comp: (will be updated with resources)

  • Quality Assurance Engineer: $70,000 - $100,000+ annually

  • Test Automation Engineer: $75,000 - $110,000+ annually

  • Performance Tester: $70,000 - $105,000+ annually

  • User Acceptance Tester: $60,000 - $90,000+ annually

Top Tech Companies:
Google, Microsoft, Amazon, Facebook (Meta), Apple, IBM, Oracle, SAP, Adobe, Salesforce, VMware, Cisco, Dell Technologies, HP Enterprise, Intuit, Autodesk, Symantec, Red Hat, Slack, Atlassian

Quality Assurance Engineer

  • Software Testing Fundamentals:

    • Understanding of software testing principles, methodologies, and testing levels (e.g., unit testing, integration testing, system testing).

    • Knowledge of software development life cycles (SDLC) and testing phases.

  • Test Case Design:

    • Creating comprehensive test plans, test cases, and test scripts based on requirements and use cases.

    • Using testing techniques like boundary value analysis and equivalence partitioning.

  • Manual Testing:

    • Proficiency in manual testing techniques, including functional, regression, and exploratory testing.

    • Defect identification, tracking, and reporting.

  • Test Management Tools:

    • Familiarity with test management and bug tracking tools like JIRA, TestRail, or Zephyr.

    • Managing test cases, test execution, and defect workflows.

  • Test Documentation:

    • Writing test plans, test strategy documents, and test summary reports.

    • Keeping detailed records of test results and issues.

  • Cross-Browser and Cross-Platform Testing:

    • Testing applications across different web browsers and operating systems.

    • Ensuring compatibility and responsiveness.

  • Accessibility Testing (Optional):

    • Awareness of accessibility standards (e.g., WCAG) and testing for accessibility compliance.

  • Localization and Internationalization Testing (Optional):

    • Testing software for different languages and regions.

    • Handling localization and internationalization challenges.

  • Usability Testing (Optional):

    • Conducting usability tests to assess the user-friendliness of software interfaces.

    • Gathering user feedback.

  • Continuous Learning:

    • Staying updated with the latest testing methodologies, tools, and best practices.

    • Engaging with the testing community, attending conferences, and participating in online forums.

Test Automation Engine

Test Automation Fundamentals

  • Understanding of test automation principles, benefits, and best practices.

  • Knowledge of test automation frameworks.

Test Automation Tools

  • Proficiency in test automation tools like Selenium, Appium, or TestComplete for web and mobile application testing.

  • Scripting languages for automation (e.g., Python, Java, JavaScript).

Test Framework Development

  • Designing and developing test automation frameworks to support test scripts.

  • Creating reusable components and libraries.

Continuous Integration and Continuous Deployment (CI/CD)

  • Integrating automated tests into CI/CD pipelines.

  • Executing automated tests as part of the build process.

Version Control Systems

  • Familiarity with version control systems like Git for managing test scripts.

  • Collaborating with development teams.

Data-Driven and Keyword-Driven Testing

  • Implementing data-driven and keyword-driven testing approaches.

  • Parameterizing test scripts for multiple test scenarios.

Test Automation Reporting

  • Generating test automation reports and dashboards.

  • Analyzing test results and identifying failures.

Performance and Load Testing (Optional)

  • Knowledge of performance testing tools like JMeter or LoadRunner.

  • Conducting load, stress, and performance tests.

Security Testing Automation (Optional)

  • Automating security tests (e.g., penetration testing) using specialized tools.

  • Identifying security vulnerabilities.

API and Web Services Testing (Optional)

  • Automating API and web services testing using tools like Postman or REST Assured.

  • Validating API responses and endpoints.

Mobile Test Automation (Optional)

  • Automating mobile app testing using frameworks like Appium or XCTest.

  • Testing mobile device compatibility.

Continuous Learning

  • Staying updated with the latest test automation tools, frameworks, and trends.

  • Engaging with the test automation community, attending conferences, and participating in online forums.

Performance Tester​

Performance Testing Fundamentals

  • Understanding of performance testing concepts, goals, and types (e.g., load testing, stress testing, scalability testing).

  • Knowledge of performance testing tools and methodologies.

Performance Testing Tools

  • Proficiency in performance testing tools like JMeter, LoadRunner, or Gatling.

  • Scripting performance test scenarios and defining metrics.

Load Generation and Simulation

  • Creating realistic load scenarios to simulate user traffic.

  • Distributing load across virtual users.

Monitoring and Profiling

  • Setting up performance monitoring tools to collect performance metrics.

  • Profiling application performance to identify bottlenecks.

Performance Analysis and Reporting

  • Analyzing performance test results and identifying performance bottlenecks.

  • Generating performance test reports and providing actionable recommendations.

Database and Backend Performance Testing (Optional)

  • Conducting performance tests on backend systems, databases, and APIs.

  • Identifying database performance issues and optimizing queries.

Cloud-Based Performance Testing (Optional)

  • Familiarity with cloud-based performance testing solutions (e.g., AWS Load Testing, Azure Application Insights).

  • Testing scalability and performance in cloud environments.

Continuous Integration and Automation (Optional)

  • Integrating performance tests into CI/CD pipelines.

  • Automating performance test execution for consistent quality checks.

Security and Scalability Testing (Optional)

  • Conducting security tests as part of performance testing (e.g., DDoS attack simulations).

  • Evaluating application scalability and reliability under load.

Continuous Learning

  • Staying updated with the latest performance testing tools, methodologies, and best practices.

  • Engaging with the performance testing community, attending conferences, and participating in online forums.​​

User Acceptance Tester

User Acceptance Testing (UAT) Fundamentals

  • Understanding of UAT principles, objectives, and scope.

  • Knowledge of UAT processes within the software development life cycle (SDLC).

Test Planning and Test Cases

  • Developing UAT test plans, test cases, and test scripts based on user stories and acceptance criteria.

  • Ensuring test coverage and traceability.

Manual Testing

  • Proficiency in manual UAT techniques, including functional, usability, and regression testing.

  • Conducting exploratory testing to identify user-centric issues.

UAT Environment Setup

  • Preparing UAT environments that mimic production conditions.

  • Managing configuration for UAT environments.

Defect Reporting and Communication

  • Identifying and documenting defects during testing.

  • Collaborating with developers and stakeholders to resolve issues efficiently.

Acceptance Criteria and User Stories

  • Aligning UAT efforts with user stories and acceptance criteria.

  • Ensuring that software meets user expectations and functional requirements.

User Feedback and Communication

  • Gathering user feedback and suggestions during UAT sessions.

  • Providing clear and actionable feedback to the development team.

Regression Testing (Optional)

  • Conducting regression testing to ensure new features do not impact existing functionality.

  • Managing and maintaining regression test suites.

Usability Testing (Optional)

  • Assessing the software's usability and overall user-friendliness.

  • Providing recommendations for user interface improvements.

Accessibility Testing (Optional)

  • Testing software for accessibility compliance and usability by individuals with disabilities.

Localization and Internationalization Testing (Optional)

  • Testing the software for functionality across different languages, regions, and cultural considerations.

Continuous Learning

  • Staying updated with UAT best practices and modern testing techniques.

  • Engaging with the UAT and software testing community, attending conferences, and participating in online forums.

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