Software testing is an essential part of the software development process as it helps ensure the correct functioning of applications and the satisfaction of user needs. Originally, this activity was considered a specialized competence of IT professionals. However, with the advancement of technology, this career path has become accessible to more people.
If you are interested in a career as a software tester, this article is for you! In our writing, we present the most important courses that will help you become an excellent professional.
Understanding software testing
Before choosing specific courses, it is essential to acquire basic software testing knowledge. This helps you find the tasks and directions in your work that best fit your personality. Many do not know, but testing is a particularly creative profession, as professionals often need to find innovative solutions to various problems. During the development process, not only are technical skills essential, but analytical thinking and creative approaches are also necessary. For example, when creating test cases, software testers need to anticipate possible user behavior and develop novel methods to observe the software's limits.
Creativity is also essential in writing automation scripts or testing user experience. Testers need to put themselves in the end users' shoes and think like them. In addition, due to the evolution of technologies and software, they must continuously adapt to new tools and trends, which demands dynamic and innovative work performance.
Accredited training for software testers
It may be surprising to many that currently, there is no specialized software testing degree in university education in Hungary. However, those with a degree in computer science—such as software engineering or computer engineering—may have encountered this field during certain courses. Nevertheless, this profession is an area that has attracted many career changers in recent years, thus showing that relevant, accredited training is of significant importance.
In Hungary, several educational centers offer accredited courses that specifically deal with the fundamentals of software testing. These courses provide a thorough knowledge base, undoubtedly forming a strong foundation for those looking to build a career in software testing. In the following, we introduce those courses that are most recommended for prospective professionals.
ISTQB exam for software testers
If you want to work as a software tester, obtaining the ISTQB certification is now essential. The certification not only provides an advantage but is also a basic requirement at many places, available at various levels and specializations. The foundation level exam offers knowledge such as understanding software development, testing processes, test management, testing techniques, and test design methods.
Preparation materials are available online in both Hungarian and English. However, it is recommended to use the English materials, as the exam is conducted in this language, and it also aids in mastering the professional terminology. For those seeking deeper knowledge, a detailed 300-page book is also available.
Self-study practices in software testing
The most popular self-study course is the accredited Masterfield software tester training, and many have also spoken positively about Codecool's courses. There are also options for those who do not wish to spend hundreds of thousands of forints on such training: short but comprehensive instructional materials available on platforms like Udemy and Coursera provide an excellent alternative. These courses are generally available for under $50, however, they often do not provide adequate foundational knowledge for beginners.
A career in software testing not only offers exciting challenges and continuous learning opportunities but also plays a crucial role in the digital world. This job position provides long-term opportunities for professional development and advancement. Moreover, it is an accessible choice not only for IT professionals. The accredited courses and online tutorials mentioned in our article enable anyone to quickly and cost-effectively acquire relevant knowledge in this field.