Occupations/15-1253.00
Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers
Develop and execute software tests to identify software problems and their causes. Test system modifications to prepare for implementation. Document software and application defects using a bug tracking system and report defects to software or web developers. Create and maintain databases of known defects. May participate in software design reviews to provide input on functional requirements, operational characteristics, product designs, and schedules.
Usually a four-year bachelor’s degree.
AI automation risk
79%
Higher automation risk
Human characteristics
34%
Fewer uniquely human demands
Task orientation
71%
Higher automation risk
A day in this job
- Task
Identify, analyze, and document problems with program function, output, online screen, or content.
- Task
Document software defects, using a bug tracking system, and report defects to software developers.
- Task
Develop testing programs that address areas such as database impacts, software scenarios, regression testing, negative testing, error or bug retests, or usability.
These are core tasks from O*NET. The wording didn’t clearly split routine from human, so they are listed without that label.
Core tasks
- 01Identify, analyze, and document problems with program function, output, online screen, or content.
- 02Document software defects, using a bug tracking system, and report defects to software developers.
- 03Develop testing programs that address areas such as database impacts, software scenarios, regression testing, negative testing, error or bug retests, or usability.
- 04Design test plans, scenarios, scripts, or procedures.
- 05Document test procedures to ensure replicability and compliance with standards.
- 06Provide feedback and recommendations to developers on software usability and functionality.
Model drivers (O*NET 1–5)
- Repeating same tasks3.66
- Degree of automation2.88
- Time sitting4.68
- Originality (ability)3.00
- Conflict situations3.03
- Hands-on objects/tools2.68
- Outdoors / weather1.12
- Disease exposure1.09
- Decision freedom4.12
Top abilities
- Written Comprehension4.00
- Problem Sensitivity4.00
- Oral Expression4.00
- Oral Comprehension4.00
- Inductive Reasoning4.00
- Deductive Reasoning4.00
- Written Expression3.88
- Information Ordering3.75
Essential skills
- Reading Comprehension4.00
- Active Listening3.88
- Writing3.75
- Speaking3.88
- Mathematics2.75
- Science2.75
- Critical Thinking3.88
- Active Learning3.12
- Learning Strategies2.88
- Monitoring3.62
CIP matches
Schools offering related programs
12 of 93 shown
Earnings are College Scorecard medians for that program, 1 and 2 years after completion. A dash means the Department suppressed the cell or the campus is not in the field file.
| Institution | Program | Tuition | Admit | Grad 6-yr | Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Stanford University Stanford, CA · Private nonprofit | Computer Science 11.0701 | $62,400 | 4% | 96% | 1 yr $147,858 2 yr $136,499 Bachelor's · CIP 11.07 |
University of California-San Diego La Jolla, CA · Public | Computer and Information Sciences, General 11.0101 | $15,200 | 24% | 87% | 1 yr $109,429 2 yr $110,878 Bachelor's · CIP 11.01 |
University of California-Berkeley Berkeley, CA · Public | Computer and Information Sciences, General 11.0101 | $14,800 | 11% | 93% | 1 yr $109,392 2 yr $120,462 Bachelor's · CIP 11.01 |
Columbia University in the City of New York New York, NY · Private nonprofit | Computer and Information Sciences, General 11.0101 | $68,200 | 4% | 96% | 1 yr $103,078 2 yr $100,127 Master's · CIP 11.01 |
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor Ann Arbor, MI · Public | Computer and Information Sciences, General 11.0101 | $17,700 | 18% | 93% | 1 yr $101,903 2 yr $94,281 Bachelor's · CIP 11.01 |
Georgetown University Washington, DC · Private nonprofit | Computer Science 11.0701 | $65,400 | 12% | 95% | 1 yr $93,342 2 yr $88,639 Bachelor's · CIP 11.07 |
Northeastern University Boston, MA · Private nonprofit | Computer Science 11.0701 | $63,200 | 7% | 91% | 1 yr $91,744 2 yr $84,100 Bachelor's · CIP 11.07 |
Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus Atlanta, GA · Public | Computer and Information Sciences, General 11.0101 | $11,800 | 17% | 91% | 1 yr $88,731 2 yr $91,152 Bachelor's · CIP 11.01 |
The University of Texas at Austin Austin, TX · Public | Computer and Information Sciences, General 11.0101 | $11,700 | 31% | 88% | 1 yr $87,663 2 yr $79,558 Bachelor's · CIP 11.01 |
The University of Texas at Dallas Richardson, TX · Public | Computer and Information Sciences, General 11.0101 | $14,600 | 65% | 73% | 1 yr $86,867 2 yr — Master's · CIP 11.01 |
University of St Thomas St. Paul, MN · Private nonprofit | Computer and Information Sciences, General 11.0101 | $50,200 | 77% | 82% | 1 yr $84,021 2 yr $88,527 Master's · CIP 11.01 |
New York University New York, NY · Private nonprofit | Computer and Information Sciences, General 11.0101 | $60,400 | 12% | 88% | 1 yr $81,158 2 yr $79,957 Bachelor's · CIP 11.01 |