How to Become a Software Tester

A Software Tester is responsible for identifying and reporting defects in software applications through systematic test execution. They verify that software performs as expected by running test cases, documenting bugs, and ensuring fixes work correctly. In 2025, the role serves as a common entry point into tech, with professionals either specializing in manual testing or transitioning into automation and QA engineering roles.

What makes this role unique: Unlike QA Engineers who oversee broader quality processes throughout development, Software Testers focus specifically on test execution—finding bugs before users do. While QA Engineers may be involved from requirements through release, Software Testers typically engage during the testing phase to validate specific features and functionality.

Best suited for: Detail-oriented individuals who enjoy methodical work and finding problems. Excellent entry point for career changers into tech—no degree required and bootcamps can accelerate the path. Best suited for those who are patient, observant, and good at documenting issues clearly.

With 250,000 professionals employed nationwide and 8% projected growth, this is a strong career choice. Explore Computer Science degree programs to get started.

Testing can be repetitive—imagine watching the same movie over and over looking for problems. You're often last in the pipeline with compressed timelines when development runs over. Testers are frequently first to get blamed when bugs escape to production, even if testing time was cut short.

Morning: Start by checking emails and project management tools (Jira) for updates from developers on previously reported bugs. Review the to-do list and prioritize testing tasks for the day. Attend daily standup to share progress and learn about new features ready for testing.

Afternoon: Execute test cases—either following documented steps or performing exploratory testing. Document any defects found with detailed reproduction steps and screenshots. Communicate with developers to clarify bugs or provide additional information. Update test case status and progress reports.

Core daily tasks include:

• Writing and executing manual test cases
• Exploratory testing to find unexpected bugs
• Documenting defects with clear reproduction steps
• Regression testing after bug fixes
• Verifying bug fixes and closing tickets
• Updating test documentation and reports
• Cross-browser and cross-device testing

Essential Tools: Software Testers rely heavily on these core technologies:

• Jira: Industry-standard issue tracking and project management. You'll spend significant time here logging bugs and tracking status.
• TestRail/Qase: Test case management tools for organizing, executing, and tracking test cases. Essential for structured testing.
• Browser DevTools: Chrome/Firefox developer tools for inspecting elements, checking network requests, and debugging issues.
• Excel/Google Sheets: Still widely used for test case documentation, especially in smaller teams or for ad-hoc testing.
• Screen Capture Tools: Snagit, Loom, or built-in tools for capturing screenshots and videos to document bugs.

Also commonly used:

• Postman: API testing tool for manual testers learning to test beyond the UI layer.
• SQL Basics: Simple queries to verify data in databases—increasingly expected even for manual testers.
• BrowserStack/Sauce Labs: Cloud testing platforms for cross-browser and mobile device testing without physical devices.
• Confluence/Notion: Documentation tools for test plans, test strategies, and team knowledge bases.

Emerging technologies to watch:

• Selenium/Cypress Basics: Understanding automation fundamentals is increasingly expected even for manual testers to remain competitive.
• AI Testing Tools (Testim, Mabl): No-code/low-code AI tools allowing manual testers to create automated tests without deep coding knowledge.
• TestRigor: Natural language test automation that bridges manual and automated testing without programming.

ISTQB Foundation Level is worth getting early in your career—it's widely recognized and helps pass HR filters. However, practical experience and a portfolio of test cases/bug reports matter more than certifications. If you want to progress, invest time in learning automation basics (Selenium or Cypress) rather than collecting more certifications.

Beginner certifications:

• See detailed requirements in the sections above

Intermediate/Advanced certifications:

• See detailed requirements in the sections above

Must-have portfolio projects:

• See detailed requirements in the sections above

Projects to avoid: Generic test cases copied from tutorials without customization, Bug reports without clear reproduction steps or evidence, Test plans that are just templates without real content, Only automation code if applying for manual roles - these are too common and won't differentiate you.

GitHub best practices: Create a testing portfolio repository with organized folders; Include README explaining your testing approach; Document bugs you've found in open-source projects

Expect 2-4 rounds for entry-level roles: Phone screen with recruiter, technical interview covering testing concepts, practical exercise (writing test cases or finding bugs), and team fit interview. For manual testing roles, coding isn't usually required—focus on demonstrating analytical thinking and attention to detail.

Common technical questions:

• See detailed requirements in the sections above

Behavioral questions to prepare for:

• See detailed requirements in the sections above

Take-home assignments may include: Write test cases for a sample e-commerce website's checkout flow; Document bugs found in a provided application with proper bug reports; Create a test plan for a mobile app feature

Common challenges software testers face:

• Repetitive work - executing similar test cases repeatedly can lead to boredom
• Time pressure - always last in the pipeline with compressed deadlines
• Lack of recognition - testing work is often underappreciated until bugs escape
• Proving value - agile teams sometimes question the need for dedicated testers
• Blame for escaped bugs - first to be questioned when production issues occur

Common misconceptions about this role:

• Myth: Testing is easy and anyone can do it. Reality: Effective testing requires analytical skills, domain knowledge, and technical understanding.
• Myth: Manual testing is dying. Reality: Manual testing, especially exploratory testing, remains essential—but automation skills are increasingly expected.
• Myth: Testers just click buttons. Reality: Good testers understand systems deeply, design comprehensive test strategies, and prevent costly defects.
• Myth: You don't need technical skills. Reality: SQL, API basics, and automation fundamentals are increasingly required even for manual roles.

Software Tester vs Q A Engineer:

Software Tester vs S D E T:

Software Tester vs Developer:

Your negotiation leverage:

• Any automation skills (even basic) significantly increase market value
• Domain expertise in regulated industries (healthcare, finance)
• API and backend testing experience
• ISTQB certification for entry-level roles

Proven negotiation strategies:

• Research salary ranges specific to manual vs automation testing
• Highlight bugs you've found that could have been costly if missed
• Ask about automation training and career development opportunities
• Consider the career growth path, not just starting salary

Mistakes to avoid: Not developing automation skills - this limits salary ceiling; Accepting 'just manual testing' roles without growth path; Undervaluing your skills - testing expertise prevents costly production bugs

Software testing market projected to reach $93.94 billion by 2030 (14.29% CAGR). BLS projects strong demand driven by AI, IoT, and cybersecurity expansion. Manual testing remains important but is declining as a percentage—testers need automation basics to stay competitive. Entry-level manual testing roles remain accessible but pure manual positions are becoming scarcer at higher levels.

Hot industries hiring software testers: Fintech - High-stakes testing, strong pay, security focus, Healthcare Tech - HIPAA compliance, growing demand, E-commerce - Continuous testing needs for user experiences, Gaming - Specialized game testing is a distinct niche, Aerospace & Defense - Highest paying ($97K median), rigorous standards

Emerging trends: AI-Assisted Testing - Tools helping manual testers create automated tests without coding, No-Code Test Automation - TestRigor, Mabl making automation accessible to manual testers, Shift-Left Testing - Testers involved earlier in development, requiring broader skills, Continuous Testing - Integration with CI/CD pipelines even for manual test tracking