Want to become a software tester? This how you start!

What does a software tester do?

To find out what a software tester does, it is good to discuss the purpose of the profession. We will also discuss the different work and other aspects.

Why software testing?

A software tester has mainly two goals in mind: debugging (1) and testing the correctness of functionalities (2).

Detecting errors (1)

Preventing and eliminating errors that may be present in software. That, in a nutshell, is one of the goals of a software tester. The software tester is concerned with detecting errors in (new) software.

Testing the correctness of functionalities (2)

Another important goal of a software tester is to test for the correctness of functionalities. Suppose an application developer is about to launch his app. Enthusiastically, he demonstrates the capabilities of the app. The software tester's job is to test everything extensively before launch. Does the app do what it is supposed to do? Does everything work as it should? That's what a software tester examines.

Added value for the business world

For an organization, a software tester is of great importance. Logical of course, because new software should contain as few errors as possible. A company does everything possible to design and use error-free software. The software tester is of vital importance here. The valued work of a tester leads to error-free software!

The work of a software tester

What does the work of a software tester look like in practice? There is no one-sided answer to that. It just depends on where and with what kind of company a tester is going to work. Apart from the actual work, a software tester will work intensively with programmers and software developers. The software tester deals with the products delivered by them. It does not only consist of testing the software. For example, a software tester makes a test plan, does the actual research and analyzes the results.

Often a software tester works according to the Test Management Approach (TMAP) methodologies of TMAP® Suite Test Engineer or through or TPI NEXT® Foundation.

What profile does a software tester have?

A keen interest in software characterizes a software tester. Software testers (to be) want nothing more than to occupy themselves with the fascinating technology surrounding software. Enthusiasm for the profession is amply present, just like passion, skill and perseverance to tackle difficult issues!

How to become a software tester?

It could be that you see yourself eventually as a software tester. It seems interesting to you to keep yourself busy with software and to optimize it. A logical question then is: how do you become a software tester?

You can also read about retraining to become a software tester.

Studies that focus on software testing

To date, there are no studies in Higher Education in the Netherlands that focus specifically on software testing. This is remarkable, because the great usefulness of testers is easy to prove. Unless you have the ambition to set up your own education, you will have to make do with other possibilities. And on that score, there is good news. There are other opportunities to become a software tester!

Test training in a digital learning environment

You can educate yourself to become a software tester through test training in a digital learning environment (e-learning). Various e-learnings on TMAP or TPI are offered that teach you the principles or other elements of software testing. Consider, for example, the e-learnings from Testlearning. The online classes give you everything you need to actually practice the profession. The advantage? You follow the lessons when it suits you and you are able to pass the exam at EXIN.

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