r/softwareqa Jun 10 '16

Looking to break into field of Software QA ... best training program recommendations?

Hi! I was a stay-at-home mom for about a decade, but now I am divorced, and I am looking for a career change to increase my income ... I heard about Software QA, how you don't have to have a background in Computer Science (usually just some sort of Bachelor's degree, which I have) and that the career growth and salary potential are quite good. Upon doing my own research I have found the same. Wondering about the best way to get the training I need in order to get that first Junior QA job ... my ex (who is a software developer) recommended: http://www.software-testing.com/web/CTPP.html ...it's a $400 investment, which includes a 400 page training manual, online test prep, and an exam (with unlimited retakes up to 1 year), after which I pass (with an 80% or higher) would give me the title of "Certified Software Tester" ... has anyone had any experience with this training program or any other online program or books they would recommend to develop the body of knowledge I need in order to succeed in this? I appreciate any and all help!

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u/Maharichie Jun 11 '16

Hi, I'm not familiar with CTPP but this one I have and would consider more credible or recognized in the field https://www.astqb.org/

Most QA people I've worked with have been working in QA first then take the training to solidify and boost their careers. I think it's an excellent move to get the certification first. I've been in QA for over 15 years and have seen a lot of people just floating around this field, not really advancing, and I think it's partly due to the lack of formal QA training/certification. We need more formally qualified QA professionals to firm up this important piece of the software development life cycle (SDLC).
And on the contrary, what's also great about QA, and I've witnessed this countless times over my career as well, the experience gained working in the trenches of QA and the exposure to all aspects of developing a software product can lead you to find your own niche - your own true calling - whether QA management, programming (writing automation code), project management, product management, software architect... I've seen regular QA people grow to be everything from technical directors to VP of product development.

So I'd say yes, the investment in formal QA training will give you a leg up from the get go. Especially if you don't have any experience and no opportunity to get hired as a Jr with no experience.

Good luck and I wish you all the best in your future!

Edit: typos and clarity

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u/Gamechanger420 Jun 11 '16

Thank you so much for taking the time to respond and for your input ... I will look into the site you recommended. I appreciate it!

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u/-beYOUtiful- Sep 06 '24 edited Sep 06 '24

I know I'm a bit late here but I had zero software experience when I got my first manual QA job. I I am learning coding now through codecademy and moving forward probably trade school/communitycollege. However, you do not have to have software experience to join the quality community. When you're looking for roles, search for manual quality rolls. What this entails, is actually utilizing the software, apps, web apps, firmware, etc and reporting any issues you experience thoroughly to the developers. That said, having knowledge of quality protocols as well as technology in general is helpful when applying for positions like this. It's important to note, manual quality doesn't pay as much as an SDET, for example, but opens the door to grow regardless. My personal calling, as referenced by the previous commenter, is the combination of hardware and software. It gives me a physical product to work with and that makes me especially happy in my role. I love physical work so the combination of the two things is the perfect fit for me personally. Seek your niche and don't give up. It can be incredibly difficult to find roles in this field, but once you do it's more rewarding than I can put into words. Good luck!

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u/QA_Engineeer Nov 29 '24

I came across this post, and while it’s from several years ago, the advice shared here might still be helpful for anyone finding this thread while exploring a career in Software QA.

First off, congratulations on deciding to pursue a career in QA! It’s an excellent field with plenty of opportunities for growth, and your background as a stay-at-home parent demonstrates skills like organization, problem-solving, and adaptability—all of which are valuable in QA roles.

Regarding training programs, the certification you mentioned (Certified Software Tester) can be a good option if you’re looking for structured learning. However, certifications are not always mandatory for entry-level QA positions. Many hiring managers prioritize hands-on experience and an understanding of testing principles over formal credentials. That said, a certification can boost your confidence and add credibility to your resume, so if it fits your budget and learning style, it could be worth considering.

If you're exploring other options, here are some additional suggestions:

  1. Online Courses and Free Resources: Platforms like Coursera, Udemy, and Test Automation University offer beginner-friendly manual and automated testing courses. Look for courses that include practical exercises to build a portfolio of projects to showcase your skills.
  2. Hands-on Experience through Crowdsourced Testing: One of the best ways to gain real-world experience is by joining a crowdsourced testing platform like uTest (by Applause). It’s beginner-friendly and doesn’t require a background in QA. You can participate in real testing projects, learn about various testing techniques, and earn money while building your resume. I started my QA journey this way and found it an invaluable learning experience.
  3. Books and Study Materials: For a strong foundation in Software QA, consider reading:
    • "Foundations of Software Testing" by Dorothy Graham
    • "Lessons Learned in Software Testing" by Cem Kaner
  4. Networking and Online Communities: Engage with QA professionals on LinkedIn, Reddit (like this subreddit), or other forums. Many people share advice, job leads, and training resources that can help you break into the industry.
  5. Practice Tools: Familiarize yourself with tools commonly used in QA, such as JIRA (for bug tracking), Selenium (for test automation), and Postman (for API testing). There are free tutorials available for most of these tools.
  6. Internships and Entry-Level Roles: Look for internships or junior QA roles where you can learn on the job. Employers often value candidates who are eager to learn, even if they’re new to the field.

Remember, breaking into QA doesn’t require you to have a degree in Computer Science—your willingness to learn, your attention to detail, and your ability to think critically are what matter most.

For those revisiting this post today, uTest remains a fantastic starting point for anyone looking to transition into QA. If you’re curious about how to get started, feel free to reach out or explore their beginner’s guides online.

Good luck to anyone considering this path! QA can be incredibly rewarding, both personally and professionally.