Some advice on how to get started learning QA

[Lilly Ell Miller]

Hello Everyone,

I'm simply curious about a few details pertaining to the different ways that one could start studying QA. I have a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science with a concentration in software development, and I am currently pursuing a Master of Science degree in the same field. However, Software Quality Assurance has always seemed to me like an interesting middle ground, especially when it comes to automation because it will involve some programming. I was aware that there were a few online learning opportunities available for the field...

When I was looking into online training, the first two options that kind of popped out for me were Learnologyworld Graduate School and SQE training. But it appears like Learnologyworld prepares you to receive a certificate and start a profession immediately after completing their course, but the SQE training prepares you to get the foundations and a certificate but does not really have a plan towards getting you ready to start a career.

The problem is that the majority of the jobs I look at don't appear to require an ISQTB certificate, at least not in Florida. Because of this, I'm wondering if it's worthwhile to learn from Learnologyworld Graduate School and gain the knowledge through their extensive training rather than taking a course that focuses solely on the fundamentals. Curiously, the foundations course has a higher price tag and does not cover as much material as the other courses.

In addition, it would be greatly appreciated if you could point me in the direction of any further websites that provide quality online training for quality assurance career changers.

Thanks,

 

[Ronen E]

Hello Everyone,

I'm simply curious about a few details pertaining to the different ways that one could start studying QA. I have a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science with a concentration in software development, and I am currently pursuing a Master of Science degree in the same field. However, Software Quality Assurance has always seemed to me like an interesting middle ground, especially when it comes to automation because it will involve some programming. I was aware that there were a few online learning opportunities available for the field...

When I was looking into online training, the first two options that kind of popped out for me were Learnologyworld Graduate School and SQE training. But it appears like Learnologyworld prepares you to receive a certificate and start a profession immediately after completing their course, but the SQE training prepares you to get the foundations and a certificate but does not really have a plan towards getting you ready to start a career.

The problem is that the majority of the jobs I look at don't appear to require an ISQTB certificate, at least not in Florida. Because of this, I'm wondering if it's worthwhile to learn from Learnologyworld Graduate School and gain the knowledge through their extensive training rather than taking a course that focuses solely on the fundamentals. Curiously, the foundations course has a higher price tag and does not cover as much material as the other courses.

In addition, it would be greatly appreciated if you could point me in the direction of any further websites that provide quality online training for quality assurance career changers.

Thanks,

Hi,

"QA" in software development holds quite a different meaning to the general/broader one, which is mostly used in Elsmar. Simply/bluntly put, in SW dev "QA" maens SW testing, or at most SW validation. QA in its true meaning is much broader, so I suggest NOT looking for general "QA training". Rather, I'd look for more SW testing/validation training, though I suspect that through BSc and MSc in computer science you already get plenty of that.

Unless specific types of certifications are explicitly required in job ads, I'd assume that your degrees are a very good starting point. What you need most is experience, so maybe look for an entry level role, and take it from there.

 

[Randy]

Nothing prepares one more than going into the world and actually working at something. Though admirable with your certs and education you've placed yourself into a very tight, specific notch with I'll guess little or no practical experience.

People getting tons of education education in very tight specific fields with nothing else to sell than the paper are nothing more than unmarked cans of soup on a shelf that also contains every other label imaginable.

Sorry to bust a bubble, but right now with nothing other than paper, including and future QA anything you're most likely looking at entry level-hourly pay factory something. Nothing wrong with that, I just spent a week with quite a few people that started that way and now they are managers & department heads doing very well for themselves, it just to 15-20-30 years of gaining real world experience on top of their paper.

 

[Jen Kirley]

Welcome to The Cove Lilly!

You have received good advice so far. Please understand that Quality Assurance is a demanding field that is almost completely populated with people who started "in the trenches." In my case it was US Navy pipefitting and sheet metal fabrication. I started inspecting submarine repairs while I was a Journeyman sheet metal mechanic, and later went into Nondestructive testing (NDT).

My point is, we all came from somewhere, carrying with us a range of experiences and observations that could then be applied in step-by-advancement-step QA roles. We collect targeted education and training, plus certifications that our employers usually (hopefully) sponsor.

If you are interested in learning about software quality engineering, you can invest in a Software Quality Engineer handbook that would be a more cost effective step than pouring a lot of money into a graduate level course.

Affiliation disclaimer: I am an ASQ member.

 

[Tidge]

If you are interested in learning about software quality engineering, you can invest in a Software Quality Engineer handbook that would be a more cost effective step than pouring a lot of money into a graduate level course.

Before investing in any education or certification, I recommend tracking down a copy of Roger Pressman's Software Engineering: A Practitioner's Approach. I like the 7th edition, but this work has been continually updated. As you engage with the field, you will recognize the areas discussed, as well as the wisdom within. I do think it will be difficult to develop mastery in software QA without actually working in some aspect of the field. The key IMO is to understand what others (besides yourself) are doing as part of a bigger project. This is where Pressman can help.

I have ASQ's certification for CSQE, and I spend a majority of time doing "Software QA". I've done programming (of all sorts) but I readily admit I have no mastery of it... enough to get by and to be able to recognize talent (and BS) in others. A programmer that can't develop (or refactor) an architecture, nor test (an an appropriate level) software is far less useful to my projects than just about anyone else. To paraphrase a great first line: "all successful projects are alike, every unsuccessful project is unsuccessful in its own way" and a good software QA Engineer recognizes (and directs teams) towards success.

As for 'entry-level' work: If you are interested in Software QA, the strongest starting position will be with testing (first test executions, but then development). There are lots of opportunities, including finance... you don't need to work in a field that has a Quality Management System to learn software quality. If you are full-time engaged with a Master's program I recommend reaching out to other departments to get some cross-disciplinary experience. There may be an engineering group working on some time of embedded hardware, or there may be another unit that has a project that requires a database (re)design. Any group that will expose you to a system that has elements requiring integration (communication, power) will teach a thing or two about quality.