What does a functional tester do?

A functional tester's main responsibility is to validate the behavior of an application and analyzed the requirements of the clients. They are skilled in Java and database design for software development. The tasks they do are complex, including scanning IDs of the receiver and serial numbers on each unit, testing the units to make sure they work properly, and checking for any defects and damages. They are also trained in using numerical codes for passing or failing each unit and writing serial numbers on the production tracker.
Functional tester responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real functional tester resumes:
- Manage UNIX system workstations in ATM test team and troubleshooting system problems.
- Develop web page for achieving documentation and developing a multiple user interface with JavaScript and Perl.
- Perform end to end testing for the whole project and create any defects find while testing the application in JIRA.
- Develop and maintain test data scripts to support regression testing and participate actively in system testing and regression testing.
- Perform various test scenarios including positive and negative testing and also execute performance, regression testing to ensure business functionality coverage.
- Experience in UAT and involve in UAT testing and setup the UAT environment.
- Attend UAT testing and assist BA and project manager in conducting UAT sessions.
- Test the browsers under specific conditions, such as with Java script enable and disable.
- Update JIRA with all the changes make to the test case and close it when all the requirements are met as specified
- Participate in QA decision making process
- Participate in regular scrum and defect reporting discussions
- Provide recommendations on existing QA standards and methodologies.
- Develop automation tests against web base client server applications using Java.
- Communicate with repair and modification technicians in order to troubleshoot hardware and software issues with problematic blade units.
- Involve in testing android application.
Functional tester skills and personality traits
We calculated that 11% of Functional Testers are proficient in Java, Test Cases, and Web Application.
We break down the percentage of Functional Testers that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Java, 11%
Developed automation tests against web based client server applications using Java.
- Test Cases, 6%
Designed and developed Test Scenario/Test Cases/Test Steps for various Business Services/ methods covering both positive and negative testing requirements.
- Web Application, 5%
Completed Web application testing in a fast paced environment on several overnight deployments.
- Selenium, 4%
Initiated and implemented Selenium web driver based UI automation for web based application.
- Test Automation, 4%
Propose and implement test automation solutions and frameworks to increase efficiency of automation tester.
- C Net, 4%
Educated users to network and system threats and best practices for maintaining basic network security.
Most functional testers use their skills in "java," "test cases," and "web application" to do their jobs. You can find more detail on essential functional tester responsibilities here:
The three companies that hire the most functional testers are:
- Accenture151 functional testers jobs
- Deloitte129 functional testers jobs
- Siemens52 functional testers jobs
Choose from 10+ customizable functional tester resume templates
Build a professional functional tester resume in minutes. Our AI resume writing assistant will guide you through every step of the process, and you can choose from 10+ resume templates to create your functional tester resume.Compare different functional testers
Functional tester vs. Test analyst
The duties of a test analyst depend on one's line of work or industry of employment. In the information technology setting, a test analyst is responsible for testing computer software or hardware to ensure its quality before being released in the market. They participate in the development process to monitor the product specifications, review and analyze documentation, and create test systems, implementing them promptly and efficiently. As a test analyst, it is essential to produce progress reports, prepare presentations, and even give recommendations.
There are some key differences in the responsibilities of each position. For example, functional tester responsibilities require skills like "test cases," "selenium," "test automation," and "digital transformation." Meanwhile a typical test analyst has skills in areas such as "manual test cases," "status reports," "selenium webdriver," and "strong problem-solving." This difference in skills reveals the differences in what each career does.
Test analysts tend to make the most money working in the finance industry, where they earn an average salary of $74,197. In contrast, functional testers make the biggest average salary, $74,785, in the technology industry.The education levels that test analysts earn slightly differ from functional testers. In particular, test analysts are 3.4% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree than a functional tester. Additionally, they're 1.0% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Functional tester vs. Test specialist
A test specialist is responsible for evaluating and running diagnostic tests for system networks and applications to ensure stability and efficiency according to the quality standards. Test specialists analyze the system's features and write findings reports for improvement and technical resolutions. They also help system engineers in developing infrastructures and designing servers to support business operations and maximize productivity. A test specialist must have excellent communication and organizational skills, especially in identifying malfunctions and inconsistencies before the actual launch of deliverables.
In addition to the difference in salary, there are some other key differences worth noting. For example, functional tester responsibilities are more likely to require skills like "web application," "test automation," "c net," and "digital transformation." Meanwhile, a test specialist has duties that require skills in areas such as "test equipment," "troubleshoot," "client facing," and "development life." These differences highlight just how different the day-to-day in each role looks.
Test specialists earn lower levels of education than functional testers in general. They're 8.8% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 1.0% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Functional tester vs. Senior quality assurance engineer
A senior quality assurance engineer oversees the testing procedures conducted in software development, ensuring technical accuracy and efficiency. They are primarily responsible for working alongside software designers and quality engineers, reviewing quality control reports, inspecting specifications, and devising particular test procedures. Moreover, it is also essential to troubleshoot issues and identify any inconsistencies or bugs. As someone with more experience in the team, they must supervise and serve as a mentor to the younger quality assurance engineers in the joint effort to develop efficient software.
The required skills of the two careers differ considerably. For example, functional testers are more likely to have skills like "test cases," "selenium," "digital transformation," and "test plan." But a senior quality assurance engineer is more likely to have skills like "python," "api," "scrum," and "c++."
Senior quality assurance engineers earn the highest salary when working in the telecommunication industry, where they receive an average salary of $112,284. Comparatively, functional testers have the highest earning potential in the technology industry, with an average salary of $74,785.Most senior quality assurance engineers achieve a similar degree level compared to functional testers. For example, they're 0.0% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.3% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Functional tester vs. Senior quality assurance analyst
Senior quality assurance analysts are responsible for developing and implementing quality assurance standards within an organization. They collect and analyze data to reinforce proposed projects, systems requirements, and business cases. These will include writing scripts and test plans to monitor errors and fixes in product and software development, operational systems, and information systems. Besides, they are also responsible for several tasks, including preparing reports and recommendations, communicating with suppliers and vendors in assessing applications, and conducting internal audits.
Even though a few skill sets overlap between functional testers and senior quality assurance analysts, there are some differences that are important to note. For one, a functional tester might have more use for skills like "test cases," "selenium," "test automation," and "digital transformation." Meanwhile, some responsibilities of senior quality assurance analysts require skills like "manual test cases," "selenium web," "status reports," and "scrum. "
The finance industry tends to pay the highest salaries for senior quality assurance analysts, with average annual pay of $99,710. Comparatively, the highest functional tester annual salary comes from the technology industry.The average resume of senior quality assurance analysts showed that they earn similar levels of education compared to functional testers. So much so that theyacirc;euro;trade;re 2.2% more likely to earn a Master's Degree and less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree by 0.5%.Types of functional tester
Updated January 8, 2025











