Software tester job description
As participants in the software development process, the software tester helps develop the test plan and evaluates the quality of software components. His role is to detect major software flaws (e.g. bugs, errors, failures, breakdowns, risks) in order to fix them and ensure the performance of the developed systems.
Specifically, the software tester analyzes the context of software systems and applies testing types and levels (component, integration, system, and acceptance tests) to various software development models. He conducts static tests (based on detection, correction and improvement). Afterwards, he writes an evaluation and incident report.
The software tester has a big responsibility; he informs the testing manager of all the improvements to be made. The work of an entire team of software designers and developers depends on his analysis. Software testers play an increasingly important role on project teams, as the quality process is becoming stricter.
Skills to be a software tester
- Education: College diploma (DEC in Quebec) in computers, bachelor’s degree in computers, software design or any other computer application development specialty
- Master general principles and software testing methods
- Thorough knowledge of software development concepts
- Knowledge of functional and structural testing design techniques
- Be familiar with the various software development models, including V-development and iterative models and be able to conduct tests as part of a lifecycle model
- International Software Testing Qualifications Board (IST QB) Foundation level certification*
- Differentiate between the developer’s and tester’s mindset
- Bilingualism, for Quebec professionals: excellent command of French and English, both spoken and written
* Information available from the Canadian Software Testing Board (CSTB)
Personal qualities of the software tester
- Critical thinking skills
- Analytical skills and ability to see the big picture
- Organizational skills
- Sense of responsibility
- Independent judgment
- Self-sufficiency, resourcefulness
- Aptitude for teamwork