What does a quality assurance tester do?

A quality assurance tester, also known as QA tester, has different responsibilities depending on the line of work or industry involved. In a computer development setting, they are in charge of working and coordinating with technical engineers. They have to conduct regular tests for new software and programs, identify inconsistencies, and find areas for improvement. Furthermore, a quality assurance tester must produce reports from the tests, which can be the basis of progress for further developments.
Quality assurance tester responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real quality assurance tester resumes:
- Test UNIX shell scripts as part of the ETL process, automate the process of loading, pulling the data.
- Manage departmental inventory and troubleshoot testing, reporting and inventory issues.
- Perform functional testing, regression testing and integration testing, and UI testing according to the requirement specification and test plan.
- Experience in load and performance testing tool JMeter.
- Work with testing frameworks - TestNG / JUnit.
- Develop selenium scripts for identify test cases using TestNG framework.
- Used Json for submitting request and view response to verify with requirements.
- Conceptualize, design, and implement automated functional API test cases using SOA test, and SoapUI.
- Create and execute automated test scripts using QTP verify that software and applications are coded according to the specifications.
- Develop, test and implement various shell scripts using Perl and PL/SQL procedures, to facilitate the execution of jobs.
- Job operate within a very agile environment, with daily scrum meetings; stand up meetings, presentations and review.
- Work on deploying the code into the test environment (UAT) and give the UAT system for customer validation.
- Analyze HIPAA EDI transactions in XML and X12 responses and of 270 and 276 and look for defects for amendment.
- Use TSO/ISPF to review the extracted and update data and XML from MQ queues to verify expect results are met.
- Work closely with the UX/UI team to perform functional testing on the new UI and provide inputs to improve user experience.
Quality assurance tester skills and personality traits
We calculated that 6% of Quality Assurance Testers are proficient in Manual Test Cases, Regression, and Test Scripts.
We break down the percentage of Quality Assurance Testers that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Manual Test Cases, 6%
Developed Manual Test Cases and Automation Test Scripts based on Test Plan after analyzing Functional Requirements Documents and Design Documents.
- Regression, 6%
Identified, created and executed detailed functional and regression tests and analyzed results for validity.
- Test Scripts, 5%
Developed manual test scripts and automation test scripts using Selenium to evaluate Security of Web based user authentication apps.
- Selenium Webdriver, 4%
Experienced on automation framework in Selenium WebDriver using Behavior-Driven Development (BDD) approach in Cucumber framework with Gherkin.
- Java, 4%
Developed and altered existing Java code based upon Business Analysts designs, and collaboration with Senior Technical Architects.
- Status Reports, 3%
Generated testing status reports including precise replication steps for Developer/Project Management Department as a part of the daily scrum meetings.
"manual test cases," "regression," and "test scripts" are among the most common skills that quality assurance testers use at work. You can find even more quality assurance tester responsibilities below, including:
The three companies that hire the most quality assurance testers are:
- U.S. Bank51 quality assurance testers jobs
- Welocalize31 quality assurance testers jobs
- Randstad North America, Inc.25 quality assurance testers jobs
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Quality assurance 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.
These skill sets are where the common ground ends though. The responsibilities of a quality assurance tester are more likely to require skills like "manual test cases," "selenium webdriver," "data warehouse," and "back-end." On the other hand, a job as a test specialist requires skills like "test cases," "test procedures," "test equipment," and "troubleshoot." As you can see, what employees do in each career varies considerably.
The education levels that test specialists earn slightly differ from quality assurance testers. In particular, test specialists are 5.5% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree than a quality assurance tester. Additionally, they're 0.6% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Quality assurance tester vs. Tester
The role of technical testers is to test computer software for defects, bug errors, or any issues that may come across by an end-user. They mainly conduct product testing and prepare reports about any problems or recommendations for improvements. Other responsibilities include reviewing test plans, assessing and analyzing product specifications and requirements, and mapping out testing strategy. Technical testers also frame the test environments or support network management staff and system administrators. Qualifications for this position include knowledge of the database or structured query language, proficiency in Linux commands, and proficiency in defect tracking tools.
In addition to the difference in salary, there are some other key differences worth noting. For example, quality assurance tester responsibilities are more likely to require skills like "selenium webdriver," "status reports," "bug fixes," and "back-end." Meanwhile, a tester has duties that require skills in areas such as "digital transformation," "qa," "metasploit," and "regression test cases." These differences highlight just how different the day-to-day in each role looks.
On average, testers earn a lower salary than quality assurance testers. Some industries support higher salaries in each profession. Interestingly enough, testers earn the most pay in the telecommunication industry with an average salary of $74,239. Whereas quality assurance testers have higher pay in the finance industry, with an average salary of $86,999.testers earn lower levels of education than quality assurance testers in general. They're 6.1% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.6% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Quality assurance tester vs. Etl tester
An ETL tester is responsible for validating data sources, extracting data applications of transformation logic, and uploading data in target tables. They are responsible for designing, testing, and troubleshooting the company's data storage system before it goes live. They must have strong technical capabilities and good knowledge of the coding languages commonly used in ETL development, such as Java, SQL, XML. Familiarity with data warehouse architecture techniques like ODS, DM, EDW, M, and ROLAP is also needed. Employers or clients often prefer ETL developers with extensive experience in solving complex technical problems and troubleshooting.
There are many key differences between these two careers, including some of the skills required to perform responsibilities within each role. For example, a quality assurance tester is likely to be skilled in "manual test cases," "selenium webdriver," "bug fixes," and "scrum," while a typical etl tester is skilled in "test cases," "test plan," "qa," and "informatica etl."
Etl testers earn the highest salary when working in the finance industry, where they receive an average salary of $86,978. Comparatively, quality assurance testers have the highest earning potential in the finance industry, with an average salary of $86,999.Most etl testers achieve a higher degree level compared to quality assurance testers. For example, they're 11.9% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.3% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Quality assurance tester vs. Systems tester
A systems tester is an information technology expert who specializes in developing test structures to identify the strengths and weaknesses of systems and software. They primarily work to identify and eliminate bugs to ensure quality and client satisfaction. They may also perform clerical tasks such as preparing reports and findings. Furthermore, as a systems tester, it is essential to recommend solutions against problem areas, all while adhering to the project's budgets and the company's policies and regulations.
Types of quality assurance tester
Updated January 8, 2025











