As participants in the software development process, software testers help develop the test plan and evaluate the quality of software components. Their 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, testers analyze the context of software systems and apply testing types and levels (component, integration, system, and acceptance tests) to various software development models. They conduct static tests (based on detection, correction and improvement). Afterwards, they write an evaluation and incident report.
Testers have a big responsibility; they inform the testing manager of all the improvements to be made. The work of an entire team of software designers and developers depends on their analysis. They play an increasingly important role on project teams, as the quality process is becoming stricter.
Skills
- 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
- Critical thinking skills
- Analytical skills and ability to see the big picture
- Sense of responsibility
- Independent judgment
- Self-sufficiency, resourcefulness
- Aptitude for teamwork