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How to Become A Quality Assurance Tester

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What is a Quality assurance tester

A quality assurance tester makes sure software actually works the way it should. They hunt down bugs, run test cases, and flag issues before a product goes live. Think of them as the last line of defence between a broken app and the end user. It is a hands-on, detail-driven role that sits right at the heart of every software team.

QA testers write test plans, run checks, and log defects in tools like JIRA. They work side by side with developers to explain what broke and confirm it is fixed. Both manual testing and automated testing are part of the job. As you gain experience, you can move into automation engineering or test lead roles.

You will find QA testers working in banks, tech startups, government agencies, and everywhere in between. Software is everywhere, so testers are always in demand. In Australia, around 9,100 people work in this field and future demand is rated Strong by yourcareer.gov.au (2025). It is a great entry point into the tech industry if you love finding problems and solving puzzles.

You do not need to be a coding expert to start. Strong attention to detail, logical thinking, and good communication skills will take you far. Many testers build from manual testing into automation, test architecture, and quality lead roles. The career path is flexible and full of options.

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Career Outlook for Quality assurance tester

Quality assurance testing offers solid job security in Australia. Around 9,100 people work in this occupation nationally, with future demand rated Strong by yourcareer.gov.au (2025). About 90% of testers work full-time, averaging 40 hours per week. The median age in the field is 38. Women make up 50% of the workforce.

The profession spans many sectors. Finance, information technology, telecommunications, and public administration are the main employers. As digital transformation continues across all industries, the need for testers who can ensure software quality keeps growing. Automation skills are becoming especially valuable as companies shift to continuous delivery pipelines.

Median weekly earnings for software testers are $2,496, or around $130,000 per year (yourcareer.gov.au, 2025). Entry-level roles typically start from around $65,000, and senior specialists can earn $140,000 or more. There are clear pathways from junior tester to test lead, QA manager, or automation engineer. This career rewards curiosity, precision, and a willingness to keep learning.

On this Article

Introduction

Average Salaries

Resources

Steps to Become a Quality Assurance Tester

Step 1: Complete a Diploma or bachelor degree in ICT

Complete the Diploma of Information Technology (ICT50220) at a TAFE or registered training organisation (RTO). The diploma takes 12 to 18 months full-time and covers software development, systems analysis, and ICT fundamentals. Alternatively, a Bachelor of Information Technology at a university gives you a deeper technical base and takes three years. Both are recognised entry routes into software testing roles in Australia.

Step 2: Earn the ISTQB Certified Tester Foundation Level (CTFL) certification

Register for the ISTQB Certified Tester Foundation Level (CTFL) exam through the Australia and New Zealand Testing Board (ANZTB). This is the most widely recognised entry credential for software testers in Australia and New Zealand. Preparation takes around 4 to 8 weeks of self-study. You can sit the exam online or at test centres in major Australian cities.

Step 3: Build hands-on skills with testing tools

Learn the tools used daily in QA roles. Focus on Selenium or Cypress for automated browser testing, JIRA for defect tracking, and TestRail for test management. Free and low-cost online courses cover all of these tools. Spend at least 2 to 3 months building project experience before applying for your first role.

Step 4: Gain work experience through internships or junior roles

Apply for junior QA tester, test analyst, or software testing intern positions. Many Australian tech companies, banks, and government agencies hire junior testers. Early experience gives you exposure to real test cycles, agile workflows, and team collaboration. A portfolio showing test plans and defect reports strengthens job applications.

Step 5: Advance and consider specialisation

After 2 to 3 years of experience, consider specialising in automation, performance testing, or security testing. The ISTQB Advanced Level through ANZTB is a recognised next step. Pathways include Test Analyst and Test Automation Engineer. Joining the Australian Computer Society (ACS) gives you access to professional development events and a broader ICT network. Ongoing learning keeps your skills competitive as tools and methods evolve.

What does a Quality assurance tester do?

On any given day, a quality assurance tester writes test plans, runs test cases, and logs every bug they find. They use tools like JIRA to track defects and work with developers to confirm that fixes solve the problem. They also run regression tests after code changes to make sure nothing new broke. Testers may write automated scripts to speed up repetitive checks. They also review technical documents to spot gaps before testing even starts. It is a fast-moving, detail-focused role where every issue you catch before release helps real users.

Tasks

Quality assurance testers keep software reliable by finding problems before users ever see them. They plan tests, run them, and report what they find. The role blends precise detail work with team collaboration and a constant drive to improve.

  • Test Planning – Write test plans that cover scope, methods, and timelines for each testing phase.
  • Test Case Design – Build test cases from software requirements to cover all key functions.
  • Manual Testing – Run hands-on tests to check that features work correctly in real conditions.
  • Automated Testing – Use tools like Selenium to run tests quickly and consistently.
  • Defect Reporting – Log bugs with clear steps and evidence so developers can fix them fast.
  • Regression Testing – Re-check features after code changes to confirm nothing broke.
  • Performance Testing – Test how an app handles heavy use and flag any slow points.
  • Collaboration – Work with developers and product teams to understand what needs testing.
  • Documentation – Keep records of tests and results for future reference.
  • Continuous Improvement – Share ideas in team reviews to make the testing process better.

Skills for Success

To do well as a quality assurance tester, you need sharp attention to detail and solid logical thinking. You will write test cases, run checks, and pinpoint exactly what went wrong and why. Knowing how to use tools like JIRA, Selenium, or TestRail is a big plus from day one. As you grow, skills in automated testing and scripting with Python or JavaScript become very valuable.

Good communication matters just as much as technical know-how. You need to explain defects clearly to developers, often under deadline pressure. Staying organised, working well in a team, and adapting quickly to new tools will set you apart. The best testers combine curiosity, precision, and a genuine drive to make things work properly.

Skills & Attributes

  • Attention to Detail
  • Analytical Thinking
  • Problem-Solving
  • Knowledge of Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC)
  • Test Planning and Test Case Design
  • Manual Testing Techniques
  • Automated Testing (Selenium, Cypress)
  • Defect Reporting and Bug Tracking (JIRA)
  • Regression Testing
  • Performance Testing
  • Written Communication
  • Teamwork and Collaboration
  • Time Management
  • Scripting Skills (Python or JavaScript)
  • Adaptability to New Tools and Technologies

Average Salaries

The median salary for a software tester in Australia is around $130,000 per year (yourcareer.gov.au, 2025). This is based on median weekly earnings of $2,496. Entry-level quality assurance tester roles start from around $65,000 per year. With experience and automation skills, senior roles can reach $140,000 or more.

min $65 K

max $140 K

av $95 K

About the author

Laura Atkinson - Course Finder Groups
Laura Atkinson

Laura Atkinson is an Account Management and SEM specialist at Course Finder Group with six years' experience in the Australian education sector. She works day to day with universities, TAFEs and independent training providers, which gives her a close view of how courses map to real career outcomes. She writes practical guidance on career pathways, choosing the right qualification and what to expect when moving into a new field.