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QA Tester job description template

If you are hiring for this role, start here. This free template is our detailed definition of the position, with everything you need to find and hire the right person. Copy it, add your own requirements, and post it.

Free job description below
Median pay
$89,334per year, about $43 an hour
Range$54,912 to $122,500 a year
Hourly$26 to $59 an hour
EducationQA Testers typically obtain at least a Bachelor’s degree in computer science or computer engineering.
Also calledQA Manager, IT Manager, Quality Engineer
DepartmentInformation Technology
The role

What is a QA Tester?

QA Tester, also known as a QA Engineer or Software Tester, is a professional who helps maintain the proper functionality of software on a daily basis.

QA Testers are important members of the development team, as they are responsible for executing tests on new and existing software to ensure functionality, identifying and removing bugs and errors, and collaborating with other QA testers to guarantee quality across the software development lifecycle.

What to screen for

The top QA Tester skills.

Five things separate a strong hire from a résumé that reads well. Use these as your scorecard criteria.

SkillWhy it matters
Testing TechniquesSince QA Testers are mainly responsible for executing tests and removing bugs; they must possess wide knowledge and experience with various testing techniques and usage of tools. Black-box testing, security testing, system testing, or any other kind of testing will surely be useful in this job.
Critical ThinkingGreat QA Testers know how to think outside the box and develop and maintain software that will satisfy the clients’ needs and wishes. On the other hand, critical thinking helps QA Testers dig deeper into the problem and therefore solve it more efficiently and professionally.
CommunicationEven though QA Testers seem like they don’t need to communicate as much as some other positions, the situation is completely opposite. QA Testers must know how to communicate accurately with their coworkers and superiors when it comes to discussing development ideas or problems.
Basic Programming KnowledgeQA Testers should be at least familiar with basic programming languages and the development process. This helps them understand the insights of the application or software better and therefore execute the appropriate test for any potential bugs or errors more efficiently.
Attention to DetailQA Testers work in an abstract and invisible environment. The ability to spot minor errors and bugs and remove them, as well as to spot if there is a space for improvement, is crucial for QA Testers. Also, QA Testers should always double-check their work to make sure everything works perfectly.
Free template

The job description, ready to post.

Copy it as written, or edit it until it sounds like your company. Both work.

QA TesterInformation Technology · Free to use and edit

Are you passionate about ensuring software quality and have a knack for detail? We are looking for a dedicated QA Tester to join our dynamic team and help us deliver exceptional digital products. As a QA Tester, you will play a crucial role in the development process, identifying bugs and ensuring that our products meet the highest standards of quality before reaching our users.

In this role, you will collaborate closely with developers and product managers to understand requirements, create test plans, and execute tests across various platforms. You will be responsible for documenting any issues and working towards their resolution on time. If you are a problem solver with a strong analytical mindset and a desire to contribute to creating flawless applications, we would love to hear from you.

Duties and responsibilities

  • Examine and analyze system specifications.
  • Establish effective development strategies and plans.
  • Execute tests on new and existing software.
  • Analyze test results and findings.
  • Identify and remove bugs and errors.
  • Help troubleshoot issues.
  • Conduct post-release and post-implementation testing.
  • Form test cases for manual and automated tests.
  • Collaborate with project managers and developers to understand business requirements.
  • Improve the usability of software programs.
  • Create accurate and organized documentation of feedback, bugs, and errors.
  • Develop and evaluate product code according to specifications.
  • Collaborate on development projects as needed.

Requirements

  • Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in computer science, computer engineering, or related field.
  • Proven prior experience as QA Tester or similar position.
  • Knowledge of test management software and SQL.
  • Ability to identify and solve various errors, bugs, and problems.
  • Basic knowledge of programming languages.
  • Analytical and critical thinking.
  • Attention to detail.
  • Communication and collaboration.
Add your pay range, benefits, and location before you post. Postings with a stated range get significantly more finished applications than the ones that leave it out.

Take the template with you

Copy it straight into your job board or ATS, or have it emailed to you with the interview questions for this role.

Education

Degree first, then the certification.

QA Testers typically obtain at least a Bachelor’s degree in computer science or computer engineering.

Some candidates have a Master’s degree in the same field. Internships are great ways for candidates to acquire the working knowledge and experience necessary for a successful QA Tester.

Diverse programs and internships also help candidates develop the skills and mindset required for this position.

CQA

Certified Quality Auditor

Demonstrates expertise in quality auditing processes and principles.

ASQ
Treat these as a signal, not a requirement. Plenty of strong candidates come up through experience without one.
After the applications land

Sample interview questions for a QA Tester.

Once you have gathered the applications, work through these in order. Twelve questions across four areas, enough to tell your shortlist apart.

Personal
  • What motivated you to pursue a career in Quality Assurance testing?
  • Can you describe a particularly challenging project you worked on and how you overcame the obstacles?
  • How do you keep yourself updated with the latest trends and technologies in QA testing?
Human Resources
  • How do you handle conflicts within your team, especially when there are differing opinions on a testing approach?
  • Can you describe a time when you had to deliver negative feedback to a developer or a peer? How did you approach it?
  • What qualities do you think are essential for a QA tester to work effectively in a team?
Management
  • Have you ever had to manage or lead a team of QA testers? If so, how did you ensure that the team met its deadlines and quality standards?
  • Can you describe your experience with planning and executing a testing strategy for a new project?
  • How do you prioritize testing tasks when working on multiple projects simultaneously?
Technical Skills and Knowledge
  • What types of testing frameworks and tools are you most proficient in, and how have you used them in your previous roles?
  • Can you explain the differences between black-box testing, white-box testing, and gray-box testing?
  • Describe a situation where you identified a critical bug in a software product. What steps did you take to report and ensure it was fixed?
Pay

How much to pay when hiring.

Annual pay by percentile. Where you land depends on the size of the cycle they will own, and the 25th percentile is usually where a first analyst hire sits.

10th percentile$54,912
25th percentile$68,500
Median$89,334
75th percentile$108,500
90th percentile$122,500

Hourly equivalents run from $26 at the 10th percentile to $59 at the 90th.

Related job titles

Candidates may apply under a different name.

Post the title your industry uses and keep the rest of the description. These three roles overlap enough that the same posting usually reaches all of them.

Same work, different title

Three titles, one description.

Search behavior varies by industry, so the same job is advertised under several names. If you are unsure which one your candidates search for, run two titles and see which fills.

QA Manager

Quality Assurance Managers, or QA Managers, are professionals who establish and maintain company and product quality standards.

$118,074 median

IT Manager

An IT Manager is a professional responsible for overseeing the information technology (IT) infrastructure of an organization.

$109,707 median

Quality Engineer

Questions

Frequently asked questions.

What are the primary responsibilities of a QA Tester?

A QA Tester is responsible for designing and implementing tests, debugging and defining corrective actions, reviewing system requirements, and tracking quality assurance metrics.

They ensure that the final product meets the company's quality standards before it goes to market.

What qualifications should a QA Tester have?

A QA Tester should have a degree in computer science or a related field, although some positions may require relevant certifications or experience.

They should also have strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and proficiency with QA testing tools and software.

How does a QA Tester contribute to the development process?

A QA Tester contributes by identifying and documenting bugs and defects early in the development process, which helps developers address issues before the product is released.

This leads to higher-quality software, fewer post-release problems, and increased customer satisfaction.

What tools and software are commonly used by QA Testers?

QA Testers commonly use tools such as Selenium, JIRA, QTP, LoadRunner, and TestComplete.

Familiarity with these tools helps them efficiently execute test cases, track bugs, and manage test automation.

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