The demand for QA testers continues to grow in 2025, as companies across industries look for professionals who can ensure their digital products function flawlessly. But what does it take to become a QA tester today? In this guide, we break down the essential technical and soft skills you need, and how to acquire them even if you’re starting with zero experience.
Core technical skills for QA testing
To succeed in QA, you need to understand how to test, document, and analyze the quality of a product. These are the core technical skills every QA tester should develop:
- Writing test cases and test plans: Clear, structured documentation of what to test and how
- Manual testing: Navigating the software like a user to detect visual, functional, or usability bugs
- Bug reporting: Logging issues using systems like Jira, with steps to reproduce, severity, and expected behavior
- Automation basics: Using tools like Selenium or Cypress to write simple automated scripts
- Understanding SDLC and QA processes: Knowing how QA fits into agile and DevOps workflows
Technical skills give you the power to detect and prevent errors before users ever see them.
Key soft skills for success
Being a QA tester is not just about tools, it’s about mindset. These soft skills are just as critical as technical ones:
- Attention to detail: Catching inconsistencies that others miss
- Communication: Writing clear bug reports and speaking up in stand-ups or retrospectives
- Curiosity: Exploring software beyond the obvious use cases to uncover hidden issues
- Critical thinking: Prioritizing bugs, identifying root causes, and challenging assumptions
- Team collaboration: Working closely with developers, designers, and product owners
Soft skills are what make QA professionals more than just “bug hunters.” They make you a trusted part of the product team.
Tools you should learn first
Learning QA tools shows you’re ready for real-world work. Start with these essentials:
- Jira (bug tracking and workflow management)
- TestRail or Zephyr (test case management)
- Postman (API testing)
- Selenium or Cypress (automation tools)
- Git & GitHub (version control)
Mastering 3–4 of these tools is often enough to land your first job.
Should you get certified?
Certifications are not mandatory, but they can be helpful—especially if you’re changing careers or don’t have tech experience. Employers often recognize:
- ISTQB Foundation Level
- Certified Software Tester (CSTE)
Certifications can:
- Strengthen your resume
- Boost confidence during interviews
- Show that you’ve learned QA fundamentals
However, they’re not a substitute for hands-on skills and a strong portfolio.
Ways to learn these skills without prior experience
You don’t need a tech background to start learning QA. Here’s how to build skills from scratch:
- Free resources: YouTube tutorials, blogs, Reddit QA communities
- Online courses: Udemy, Coursera, Test Automation University
- QA challenges: Join platforms like Test IO or crowd testing communities
- Practice testing real apps: Choose open-source apps or popular platforms and test them like a pro
Learning by doing is the fastest way to grow your QA confidence.
Build these skills with our QA bootcamp
Our QA bootcamp is designed for beginners and career switchers. We focus on:
- Teaching manual and automated testing step by step
- Guiding you through real tools like Selenium, Postman, Jira, and Git
- Helping you create a portfolio with real-world test cases and automation scripts
- Providing feedback and mentorship from experienced QA professionals
- Supporting your job search with mock interviews and career coaching
Whether you’re just starting or looking to upgrade your skills, our bootcamp gives you the tools and guidance you need to succeed.
