Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers

Develop and execute software tests to identify software problems and their causes. Test system modifications to prepare for implementation. Document software and application defects using a bug tracking system and report defects to software or web developers. Create and maintain databases of known defects. May participate in software design reviews to provide input on functional requirements, operational characteristics, product designs, and schedules.

On the job, you would:

Plan test schedules or strategies in accordance with project scope or delivery dates.
Identify, analyze, and document problems with program function, output, online screen, or content.
Document software defects, using a bug tracking system, and report defects to software developers.

Important Qualities

Analytical skills. Software developers, quality assurance analysts, and testers must evaluate users’ needs and then design software to function properly and meet those needs.

Communication skills. These workers must be able to give clear instructions and explain problems that arise to other team members involved in development. They must also be able to explain to nontechnical users, such as customers, how the software works and answer any questions that arise.

Creativity. Software developers, quality assurance analysts, and testers must be innovative in their approaches to designing, identifying problems with, and improving computer software.

Detail oriented. These workers often need to concentrate on many parts of an application or system at the same time, and they must pay attention to detail when looking for potential areas of user error.

Interpersonal skills. Software developers, quality assurance analysts, and testers must be able to work well with others who contribute to designing, programming, and testing successful software.

Problem-solving skills. Because these workers produce software from beginning to end, they must be able to solve problems that arise throughout the design process.

Personality

A3	Your Strengths	Importance	Characteristics of this Career
		98%	Attention to Detail - Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
		89%	Analytical Thinking - Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.
		88%	Cooperation - Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.
		86%	Integrity - Job requires being honest and ethical.
		84%	Adaptability/Flexibility - Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.
		84%	Dependability - Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
		81%	Persistence - Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.
		76%	Initiative - Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.
		74%	Self-Control - Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.
		73%	Stress Tolerance - Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high-stress situations.
		71%	Achievement/Effort - Job requires establishing and maintaining personally challenging achievement goals and exerting effort toward mastering tasks.
		66%	Independence - Job requires developing one's own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done.
		65%	Innovation - Job requires creativity and alternative thinking to develop new ideas for and answers to work-related problems.
		60%	Leadership - Job requires a willingness to lead, take charge, and offer opinions and direction.
		59%	Concern for Others - Job requires being sensitive to others' needs and feelings and being understanding and helpful on the job.

A3	Your Strengths	Importance	Strengths
		89%	Investigative - Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.
		83%	Conventional - Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.
		56%	Realistic - Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.

A3	Your Strengths	Importance	Values of the Work Environment
		67%	Achievement - Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement.
		67%	Working Conditions - Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions.
		67%	Support - Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical.
		67%	Independence - Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy.
		61%	Recognition - Occupations that satisfy this work value offer advancement, potential for leadership, and are often considered prestigious. Corresponding needs are Advancement, Authority, Recognition and Social Status.
		56%	Relationships - Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to provide service to others and work with co-workers in a friendly non-competitive environment. Corresponding needs are Co-workers, Moral Values and Social Service.

Aptitude

A3	Your Strengths	Importance	Abilities \| Cognitive, Physical, Personality
		75%	Oral Comprehension - The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
		75%	Written Comprehension - The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
		75%	Oral Expression - The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
		75%	Problem Sensitivity - The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
		75%	Deductive Reasoning - The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
		75%	Inductive Reasoning - The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
		72%	Written Expression - The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
		69%	Information Ordering - The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
		66%	Near Vision - The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
		56%	Speech Recognition - The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
		53%	Flexibility of Closure - The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material.
		53%	Category Flexibility - The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.
		53%	Perceptual Speed - The ability to quickly and accurately compare similarities and differences among sets of letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns. The things to be compared may be presented at the same time or one after the other. This ability also includes comparing a presented object with a remembered object.

A3	Your Strengths	Importance	Skills \| Cognitive, Physical, Personality
		59%	Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
		57%	Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.
		57%	Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
		55%	Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
		55%	Writing - Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
		54%	Monitoring - Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
		54%	Programming - Writing computer programs for various purposes.
		52%	Quality Control Analysis - Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
		52%	Judgment and Decision Making - Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

Job Details

Responsibilities

Develop testing routines or procedures.

Test computer system operations to ensure proper functioning.

Develop testing routines or procedures.

Compile technical information or documentation.

Report maintenance or equipment problems to appropriate personnel.

Analyze data to identify or resolve operational problems.

Troubleshoot issues with computer applications or systems.

Document operational activities.

Monitor computer system performance to ensure proper operation.

Document operational activities.

Create databases to store electronic data.

Develop testing routines or procedures.

Develop detailed project plans.

Collaborate with others to determine design specifications or details.

Manage documentation to ensure organization or accuracy.

Document design or development procedures.

Develop performance metrics or standards related to information technology.

Develop testing routines or procedures.

Provide customer service to clients or users.

Install computer software.

Recommend changes to improve computer or information systems.

Monitor computer system performance to ensure proper operation.

Test computer system operations to ensure proper functioning.

Test software performance.

Install computer software.

Collaborate with others to resolve information technology issues.

Recommend changes to improve computer or information systems.

Test software performance.

Recommend changes to improve computer or information systems.

Develop testing routines or procedures.

Test software performance.

Read documents to gather technical information.

Test software performance.

Evaluate utility of software or hardware technologies.

Recommend changes to improve computer or information systems.

Analyze data to identify trends or relationships among variables.

Modify software programs to improve performance.

Provide recommendations to others about computer hardware.

Assess database performance.

Prepare data for analysis.

A3	Your Strengths	Importance	Attributes & Percentage of Time Spent
		100%	Electronic Mail - How often do you use electronic mail in this job?
		92%	Face-to-Face Discussions - How often do you have to have face-to-face discussions with individuals or teams in this job?
		92%	Spend Time Sitting - How much does this job require sitting?
		86%	Importance of Being Exact or Accurate - How important is being very exact or highly accurate in performing this job?
		86%	Work With Work Group or Team - How important is it to work with others in a group or team in this job?
		78%	Freedom to Make Decisions - How much decision making freedom, without supervision, does the job offer?
		78%	Indoors, Environmentally Controlled - How often does this job require working indoors in environmentally controlled conditions?
		77%	Telephone - How often do you have telephone conversations in this job?
		75%	Contact With Others - How much does this job require the worker to be in contact with others (face-to-face, by telephone, or otherwise) in order to perform it?
		74%	Structured versus Unstructured Work - To what extent is this job structured for the worker, rather than allowing the worker to determine tasks, priorities, and goals?
		72%	Time Pressure - How often does this job require the worker to meet strict deadlines?
		67%	Importance of Repeating Same Tasks - How important is repeating the same physical activities (e.g., key entry) or mental activities (e.g., checking entries in a ledger) over and over, without stopping, to performing this job?
		64%	Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results - What results do your decisions usually have on other people or the image or reputation or financial resources of your employer?
		64%	Level of Competition - To what extent does this job require the worker to compete or to be aware of competitive pressures?
		56%	Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions - How much does this job require making repetitive motions?
		52%	Physical Proximity - To what extent does this job require the worker to perform job tasks in close physical proximity to other people?
		71%	Duration of Typical Work Week - Number of hours typically worked in one week.

A3	Your Strengths	Importance	Tasks & Values
		99%	Working with Computers - Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
		91%	Getting Information - Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
		86%	Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates - Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
		85%	Processing Information - Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
		84%	Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge - Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
		82%	Analyzing Data or Information - Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
		81%	Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards - Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
		81%	Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events - Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
		77%	Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work - Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
		76%	Documenting/Recording Information - Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
		75%	Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships - Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
		71%	Making Decisions and Solving Problems - Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
		71%	Thinking Creatively - Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
		63%	Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings - Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
		62%	Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others - Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
		61%	Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People - Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
		61%	Developing and Building Teams - Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
		58%	Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others - Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
		57%	Scheduling Work and Activities - Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
		56%	Coaching and Developing Others - Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
		55%	Developing Objectives and Strategies - Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
		52%	Providing Consultation and Advice to Others - Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.

What Software Developers, Quality Assurance Analysts, and Testers Do

Developers create diagrams that help programmers write computer code.

Software developers create the computer applications that allow users to do specific tasks and the underlying systems that run the devices or control networks. Software quality assurance analysts and testers design and execute software tests to identify problems and learn how the software works.

Duties

Software developers typically do the following:

Analyze users’ needs and then design and develop software to meet those needs
Recommend software upgrades for customers’ existing programs and systems
Design each piece of an application or system and plan how the pieces will work together
Create a variety of models and diagrams showing programmers the software code needed for an application
Ensure that a program continues to function normally through software maintenance and testing
Document every aspect of an application or system as a reference for future maintenance and upgrades

Software quality assurance analysts and testers typically do the following:

Create test plans, scenarios, and procedures for new software
Identify project risks and recommend steps to minimize those risks
Implement software testing, using either manual or automated programs and exploratory testing, and evaluate results
Document and report defects or problems with software
Provide feedback to software developers and stakeholders regarding usability and functionality

Software developers, quality assurance analysts, and testers are involved in the entire process of creating a software program. Developers may begin by asking how the customer plans to use the software so that they can identify the core functionality the user needs. Software developers also determine other requirements, such as security. They design the program and then work closely with programmers, who write computer code. However, some developers write code themselves instead of giving instructions to programmers.

Software quality assurance analysts and testers design and execute systems to check the software for problems. As part of their testing, these workers document and track the software’s potential defects or risks. They also assess its usability and functionality to identify difficulties a user might have. After completing testing, they report the results to software or web developers and review ways to solve any problems they found.

After the program is released to the customer, a developer may perform upgrades and maintenance. Quality assurance analysts and testers run manual and automated checks to look for errors and usability problems once the software is released and after any upgrades or maintenance.

The following are examples of types of software developers:

Applications software developers design computer applications, such as games, for consumers. They may create custom software for a specific customer or commercial software to be sold to the general public. Some applications software developers create databases or programs for use internally or online.

Software engineers take a broad view of a project’s system and software requirements, planning its scope and order of work. These workers may direct software developers, quality assurance analysts, and testers.

Systems software developers create the operating systems for the public or specifically for an organization. These operating systems keep computers functioning and control most of the consumer electronics in use today, including those in cell phones and cars. Often, systems software developers also build the interface that allows users to interact with the computer.

Developers who supervise a software project from the planning stages through implementation sometimes are called information technology (IT) project managers. These workers monitor the project’s progress to ensure that it meets deadlines, standards, and cost targets. For information on IT project managers who plan and direct an organization’s IT department or IT policies, see the profile on computer and information systems (CIS) managers.

Work Environment

Software developers held about 1.6 million jobs in 2022. The largest employers of software developers were as follows:

Computer systems design and related services	33%
Software publishers	11
Finance and insurance	10
Manufacturing	8
Management of companies and enterprises	5

Software quality assurance analysts and testers held about 200,800 jobs in 2022. The largest employers of software quality assurance analysts and testers were as follows:

Computer systems design and related services	32%
Finance and insurance	11
Software publishers	10
Manufacturing	7
Administrative and support services	7

Developing software is usually a collaborative process. As a result, developers, quality assurance analysts, and testers work on teams with others who also contribute to designing, developing, and programming successful software.

Work Schedules

Most software developers, quality assurance analysts, and testers work full time.

Getting Started

Education:

50%

Bachelor's Degree

26%

Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree)

How to Become a Software Developer, Quality Assurance Analyst, or Tester

Software developers, quality assurance analysts, and testers typically need a bachelor’s degree.

Software developers, quality assurance analysts, and testers typically need a bachelor’s degree in computer and information technology or a related field. Some employers prefer to hire developers who have a master’s degree.

Education

Software developers, quality assurance analysts, and testers typically need a bachelor's degree in computer and information technology or a related field, such as engineering or mathematics. Computer and information technology degree programs cover a broad range of topics. Students may gain experience in software development by completing an internship, such as at a software company, while in college. For some software developer positions, employers may prefer that applicants have a master’s degree.

Although writing code is not their primary responsibility, developers must have a strong background in computer programming. They usually gain this experience in school. Throughout their career, developers must keep up to date on new tools and computer languages.

Advancement

Software developers can advance to become project management specialists or computer and information systems managers, positions in which they oversee the software development process.

Job Outlook

Overall employment of software developers, quality assurance analysts, and testers is projected to grow 25 percent from 2022 to 2032, much faster than the average for all occupations.

About 153,900 openings for software developers, quality assurance analysts, and testers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

Employment

Increased demand for software developers, software quality assurance analysts, and testers will stem from the continued expansion of software development for artificial intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), robotics, and other automation applications.

In response to concerns over threats to computer security, organizations are expected to increase investment in software that protects their electronic networks and infrastructure. This investment could result in an increased demand for developers to create security software and for quality assurance analysts and testers to create and execute software tests.

Software developers, software quality assurance analysts, and testers are likely to see new opportunities because of the increasing number of products that use software. For example, software systems continue to be built for consumer electronics and other products, including IoT-connected devices and electric vehicles.

Contacts for More Information

For more information about software developers, quality assurance analysts, and testers, visit

Association for Computing Machinery

Association for Software Testing

IEEE Computer Society

Computing Research Association

CompTIA

For information about opportunities for women pursuing information technology careers, visit

National Center for Women & Information Technology

Similar Occupations

This table shows a list of occupations with job duties that are similar to those of software developers, quality assurance analysts, and testers.

Occupation	Job Duties	Entry-Level Education	Median Annual Pay, May 2022
Computer and Information Research Scientists	Computer and information research scientists design innovative uses for new and existing computing technology.	Master's degree	$136,620
Computer and Information Systems Managers	Computer and information systems managers plan, coordinate, and direct computer-related activities in an organization.	Bachelor's degree	$164,070
Computer Hardware Engineers	Computer hardware engineers research, design, develop, and test computer systems and components.	Bachelor's degree	$132,360
Computer Network Architects	Computer network architects design and build data communication networks, including local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), and Intranets.	Bachelor's degree	$126,900
Computer Programmers	Computer programmers write, modify, and test code and scripts that allow computer software and applications to function properly.	Bachelor's degree	$97,800
Computer Support Specialists	Computer support specialists maintain computer networks and provide technical help to computer users.	See How to Become One	$59,660
Computer Systems Analysts	Computer systems analysts study an organization’s current computer systems and design ways to improve efficiency.	Bachelor's degree	$102,240
Database Administrators and Architects	Database administrators and architects create or organize systems to store and secure data.	Bachelor's degree	$112,120
Data Scientists	Data scientists use analytical tools and techniques to extract meaningful insights from data.	Bachelor's degree	$103,500
Information Security Analysts	Information security analysts plan and carry out security measures to protect an organization’s computer networks and systems.	Bachelor's degree	$112,000
Mathematicians and Statisticians	Mathematicians and statisticians analyze data and apply computational techniques to solve problems.	Master's degree	$99,960
Postsecondary Teachers	Postsecondary teachers instruct students in a variety of academic subjects beyond the high school level.	See How to Become One	$80,840
Web Developers and Digital Designers	Web developers create and maintain websites. Digital designers develop, create, and test website or interface layout, functions, and navigation for usability.	Bachelor's degree	$80,730

Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers

Software Developer, Quality Assurance Analyst, or Tester

What they do:

On the job, you would:

Important Qualities

Personality

Characteristics of this Career

Strengths

Values of the Work Environment

Aptitude

Abilities | Cognitive, Physical, Personality

Skills | Cognitive, Physical, Personality

Job Details

Attributes & Percentage of Time Spent

Tasks & Values

What Software Developers, Quality Assurance Analysts, and Testers Do

Duties

Work Environment

Work Schedules

Getting Started

How to Become a Software Developer, Quality Assurance Analyst, or Tester

Education

Advancement

Job Outlook

Employment

Contacts for More Information

Similar Occupations