Testing work is necessary for analyzing and determining the sustenance of any product before it hits the market and is available for general users. Although it is carried out across most industries, the testing carried out in software, pharmaceutical industry, manufacturing of ammunition and other engineering fields is generally considered of high value due to the nature of the products in these fields and the high level of precision they require. From a test analyst to a full fledge testing engineer, there are a number of different jobs available in testing work.
Testing professionals often work in close coordination with the quality assurance team of a company because of the dependence of QA functions on testing work. If a product is not compliant with the set quality assurance standards, test engineers coordinate with the manufacturing department and suggest appropriate changes to the product on the basis of their observations. Due to the increasing focus on excellent quality products and services, testing work plays a vital role in the overall structure of any organization.
Functions
Testing is carried out with the help of several test processes that are executed by test work professionals. Testing engineers develop these processes by working in coordination with the production technicians. By virtue of their extensive nature, these test processes determine the feasibility and accuracy of the product in order to give it the go-ahead for getting launched in the market. Some products such as automobiles and industrial machinery also go through stress tests in order to check their durability and sustainability in the event of a mishap. Some testing technicians and engineers also play an important part during the design and implementation phase of the project. In this type of work, they have to ensure that the production team is carrying out the work as per the predetermined specifications and requirements.
In the field of software testing, individuals have to test the software codes for their functionality and scan for any bugs or errors that might mar the end user experience. They either test the code in its entirety along with its internal data structures and algorithms or merely carry out input data tests on the software. The former method is known as white box testing, while the latter is black box testing. Both of these types require in-depth knowledge about the software code and its components. There is a third type of testing, known as grey-box testing that utilizes the main features of the two testing methods.
Skills
Any person involved in testing work must possess good analytical skills and in-depth knowledge about the particular product they are dealing with. They should be organizational in carrying out their work and in order to interact with other professionals in various departments, they must possess excellent oral and written communication skills. They must have skilled expertise in the various testing procedures used and how the results affect the final product. They should have good problem-solving capabilities, which are needed while coming across hurdles during testing.
Requirements
Software testing engineers should have a bachelor's degree in computer engineering or computer science along with specialized knowledge in the field of testing, which can be gained from specific training courses or prior work experience in the field. Test engineers working in a mechanical or technical field should possess a degree in engineering with specialization in the respective field. Basic test analysts and workers are not expected to have specific educational qualifications; however they should have some prior knowledge about testing work in that particular field.
Career Advancement
Test technicians may advance to the position of a test engineer or supervisor depending upon his/her performance, skills and experience in the company. Test engineers may move on to managerial positions based on their qualifications and tenure in the organization. There are a number of hierarchical positions available in this line of work.
Salary and Benefits
The average salary of software test engineers is between $75,000 and $110,000 while test engineers in other fields earn around $80,000. Test analysts earn anywhere between $50,000 and $75,000. These figures depend upon the person's experience and skill level.
Thus, testing work is an exciting career prospect that has a number of career advancement options and good salary packages for those who are interested in this line of work.