How to Be Software Quality Assurance Analyst - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Sep 16, 2020 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

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As software quality assurance analysts, it is our job to ensure software applications are of the highest quality for our customers. We use a variety of testing methods, such as functional, non-functional, acceptance, performance, security and usability testing, to identify any potential issues or defects. If any issues are identified, we then work to isolate the problem and provide solutions.

Our goal is to make sure that the software functions correctly, is secure and provides a positive user experience. As a result of our efforts, customers can be confident that their software applications are reliable, efficient and up-to-date.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a relevant degree. In order to become a software quality assurance analyst, one must pursue a relevant degree in a field such as computer science, information technology, or engineering.
Relevant certifications. Professionals can gain additional credentials to become more competitive in the job market. Certifications such as Certified Software Quality Assurance Professional (CSQAP) or Certified Software Quality Analyst (CSQA) are particularly valuable.
Gain relevant experience. Employers typically require applicants to have a few years of experience in software quality assurance. It is possible to gain this experience through internships, part-time jobs, or volunteer work.
Network. Networking is an important part of becoming a software quality assurance analyst. Professionals should connect with other professionals in the field, attend conferences, and build relationships with potential employers.
Stay up to date. It is important for software quality assurance analysts to stay up to date on the latest trends and technologies in the field. This can be done through reading industry publications, attending workshops and seminars, and taking additional courses.

Software Quality Assurance (QA) Analysts are responsible for ensuring the reliability and efficiency of software products by testing them thoroughly and systematically. By doing so, they can uncover and resolve any issues that may affect the product's performance. To do this, they must have a strong understanding of the software development process, including design, coding, implementation, and maintenance.

QA analysts must have excellent problem-solving and critical thinking skills to identify potential issues and suggest solutions. They must also be able to communicate effectively with developers, managers, and other stakeholders. By ensuring software products are reliable and efficient, QA analysts play an essential role in providing customers with high-quality products they can trust.

You may want to check Software UI/UX Designer, Software Developer, and Software Configuration Manager for alternative.

Job Description

Develop and implement quality assurance policies and procedures;
Monitor and document performance trends and results;
Create and execute detailed test plans and test cases;
Verify product functionality against customer requirements;
Monitor bug reports and ensure timely resolution of issues;
Create, maintain, and analyze metrics to identify areas of improvement;
Participate in all phases of the development life cycle including design, coding, testing, and deployment;
Analyze customer feedback to help identify areas for improvement;
Work with developers and technical support staff to resolve customer issues;
Prepare reports and presentations on quality assurance activities;
Identify risks and provide recommendations for risk mitigation;
Collaborate with other teams to drive product quality improvements.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Analytical and problem-solving skills
Attention to detail
Ability to understand software requirements
Knowledge of software testing methodologies
Knowledge of software development life cycle
Knowledge of programming languages
Knowledge of software development tools
Ability to utilize debugging tools
Ability to write test scripts
Ability to write technical reports
Ability to work in a collaborative environment
Good written and verbal communication skills
Ability to prioritize tasks effectively
Ability to multitask and manage multiple projects simultaneously
Knowledge of software quality assurance best practices

The most important skill for a Software Quality Assurance Analyst is the ability to detect and analyze errors in software products. This involves developing thorough and efficient testing strategies, understanding the system requirements, and being able to identify and address bugs. The analyst must possess strong problem-solving skills, as they will be responsible for finding the root cause of issues, and communicating any potential risks or problems to the development team.

Good communication skills are also essential, as the analyst needs to be able to explain the results of their tests to team members, and provide feedback on how to improve the software to meet customer needs. Having an eye for detail is also key, as the analyst needs to be able to spot even the smallest of errors, or potential problems before they become major ones. Lastly, a Software Quality Assurance Analyst needs to have excellent organizational skills and be able to document their tests and findings in order to track the progress of a project.

Software Project Manager, Software Analyst, and Software Release Manager are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in software quality assurance?
How do you ensure software meets quality standards?
What strategies do you use for developing effective test plans?
What processes have you implemented to ensure compliance with applicable standards?
Can you describe a difficult problem you solved in software quality assurance?
How do you stay up to date on industry best practices and new technologies?
How do you handle customer feedback and complaints?
What techniques do you use to identify and isolate defects?
How do you manage multiple projects while ensuring quality requirements are met?
What is your experience with automated testing tools?

Common Tools in Industry

Test Management Tools. These tools are used to manage testing processes, such as test planning, scheduling, execution, and reporting. Examples include TestRail, TestLodge, and QA Touch.
Automation Testing Tools. These tools are used to automate the process of software testing. Examples include Selenium, TestComplete, and Ranorex.
Bug Tracking Tools. These tools are used to track and manage software defects. Examples include JIRA, Bugzilla, and Mantis.
Code Quality Analysis Tools. These tools are used to analyze the quality of code, such as syntax errors, code duplication, and code complexity. Examples include SonarQube, Code Climate, and Checkstyle.
Static Analysis Tools. These tools are used to detect potential vulnerabilities in applications. Examples include Veracode, HP Fortify, and IBM AppScan.
Performance Testing Tools. These tools are used to measure the performance of an application or system under various conditions. Examples include JMeter, LoadRunner, and LoadUI.

Professional Organizations to Know

Association for Software Testing (AST)
The International Software Testing Qualifications Board (ISTQB)
International Institute of Software Testing (IIST)
The British Computer Society (BCS)
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Computer Society (IEEE-CS)
American Software Testing Qualifications Board (ASTQB)
National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)
International Council on Systems Engineering (INCOSE)
International Organization for Standardization (ISO)
Association for Computing Machinery (ACM)

We also have Software Release Engineer, Software Maintenance Technician, and Software Verification Engineer jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Software Testing. A process of executing software programs to identify any bugs, errors, or missing functionality.
User Acceptance Testing (UAT). A type of software testing in which a software system is tested by the end user to ensure that it meets the required business objectives and user expectations.
Regression Testing. A type of software testing that checks if any existing functionality of the software has been broken by newly added code or any changes have been made to the existing code.
Security Testing. A type of software testing that checks if the system is secure from intrusion or attack from outside parties.
Performance Testing. A type of software testing that checks if the system is meeting the performance requirements.
Compatibility Testing. A type of software testing that checks if the system is compatible with other software systems and hardware devices.
Accessibility Testing. A type of software testing that checks if the system is accessible to people with disabilities.
Automated Testing. A type of software testing that uses automated tools to execute tests without manual intervention.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Software Quality Assurance Analyst?

A Software Quality Assurance Analyst is a professional responsible for ensuring the quality and reliability of software products. They typically review and test software for errors, defects, and compatibility with other systems, as well as overseeing the development process to ensure compliance with industry standards.

What are the responsibilities of a Software Quality Assurance Analyst?

Responsibilities of a Software Quality Assurance Analyst include designing and executing test plans, analyzing results, creating reports, and collaborating with development teams to ensure product quality and reliability. They must also stay up to date on industry best practices and regulations to ensure compliance.

What qualifications are necessary to become a Software Quality Assurance Analyst?

Qualifications for becoming a Software Quality Assurance Analyst typically include a bachelor's degree in computer science or a related field, as well as experience with software development and testing. Knowledge of scripting languages such as Python and JavaScript is also beneficial.

What certifications are available for Software Quality Assurance Analysts?

There are several certifications available for Software Quality Assurance Analysts, including Certified Software Quality Analyst (CSQA) from the American Quality Assurance Institute, Certified Tester Foundation Level (CTFL) from the International Software Testing Qualifications Board, and Professional Tester Certification (PTC) from the International Software Testing Qualifications Board.

How much does a Software Quality Assurance Analyst make?

According to Indeed.com, the average salary for a Software Quality Assurance Analyst is $72,361 per year in the United States. Salaries can vary based on experience, location, and other factors.

Web Resources

Software Quality Assurance Analyst and Tester - Miami University ... programs.miamioh.edu
Software Quality Assurance | UC San Diego Division of Extended extendedstudies.ucsd.edu
How to Become a QA Analyst - Western Governors University www.wgu.edu