Learn Software Testing: The Best Courses and Resources

If you decide to learn software testing, you will be getting insight into an integral part of the software development life cycle (SDLC). This testing phase is important because it ensures that a piece of software is functioning correctly. A software testing course will help you master this phase of the SDLC, weeding out any bugs before the software is released.

There are a few different types of software testing, which we will go over in this article. Some of these include functional testing, non-functional testing, integration testing, exploratory testing, automation testing, and manual testing.

What Is Software Testing?

Software testing is the process of investigating a piece of software to make sure it is ready for the client. It is a way of understanding any risks that might be involved in implementing the software, testing its abilities, and making sure it is ready to deploy.

Manual testing and test automation are two basic types of software testing. Manual testing is when the tester manually submits their inputs and checks the output. In contrast, automation testing is when tools are used to check the software automatically.

Exploratory testing is a type of informal testing that also explores possible defects in an application. Functional testing is used to check that each individual function of the software is working as intended, while non-functional testing focuses on more broad aspects such as the usability of the software. 

What Jobs Use Software Testing Skills?

Since software testing is an integral part of the SDLC, there are many jobs that require this skill. Being able to execute testing plans can be useful in the following careers.

• Software testing engineer. As a software engineer working in testing, you will typically need to know programming languages such as Java, Python, as well as basic Microsoft software. To get this job, you will also need to have data management skills such as knowledge of the coding language SQL, and the extract, transfer, and load (ETL) process. A background in business intelligence and cloud services like Amazon Web Services and Azure will also help.
  
  
• Software developer. Along with knowledge of the specific type of software you’re developing, you will also need to know C++, Python, Java, JavaScript, and a variety of testing methods to get this job. In particular, automation testing and performance testing will come into play in this role.
  
  
• Software test consultant. These consultants analyze the requirements of a software project, then create a test plan based on them. Generally, in this role, you will organize testing meetings and come up with effective strategies that will subsequently be implemented by the software testing engineer. 
  
  

Steps to Learn Software Testing

Learning software testing takes time, as there are many kinds of tests that you will need to learn how to conduct. You will also need to know when to use each one. Below, we have broken down the process of learning software testing into manageable chunks.

1. Learn Programming Languages

Software testers should know how to code, as well as other fundamental software concepts like architecture, algorithms, and object-orientation. The ideal programming language to use will vary depending on what kind of software you are testing. However, learning Java, JavaScript, C++, Python, and Ruby can’t hurt, as they are commonly used and relatively easy to learn. 

2. Study Source Code Analysis

This is a type of automated testing used to check for any bugs in a program’s source code. The source code will be created with a programming tool and then saved to a file to be checked later.

3. Get to Know the Types of Testing 

As mentioned above, there are numerous ways to test software based on the type of program you’re dealing with. Some examples are application software, system software, and programming language software. Further tests will be necessary depending on other pieces within the software.

To get to know the different types of software thoroughly, it is best that you take a software testing course. This way, you will learn how to apply these tests.

4. Review the Testing Process

Next, you need to learn how to design and prepare software tests based on the possible risks of each software. Models you can follow to develop your testing processes include the Agile model, the V model, the Spiral Model, and rapid application development.

5. Get a Certification

Lastly, finding a job will be easier if you have a certification. It is best to look for certifications from reputable organizations such as the International Software Testing Qualifications Board (ISTQB). You might also choose to study for a degree in software development.

The Best Courses and Certifications to Learn Software Testing

The comprehensive list of courses below includes both certification courses offered by the ISTQB and other online courses that range from beginner to expert levels.

Best QA Manual Software Testing: Live Project+Agile+Jira+API

• Provider: Udemy
• Where: Online
• Time: 4 hours
• Cost: Varies
  
  

You can learn all about manual testing in this tutorial. It is a great beginner’s course for those who want to learn manual rather than automation testing. Students will be introduced to live projects, test planning, Agile methodology, test cases, and API testing. 

Selenium WebDriver with Java 

• Provider: Udemy
• Where: Online
• Time: 54 hours 
• Cost: Varies
  
  

In this course by Udemy, you will learn basic and advanced frameworks including the website testing framework Selenium. The class will also bring your coding skills up to speed, and teach you about automation. The tools you will use include TestNG, Cucumber, HTML reports, Excel API, and Grid Parallel Testing.

Mobile Automation Testing from Scratch, Plus Frameworks (Appium)

• Provider: Udemy
• Where: Online
• Time: 30 hours
• Cost: Varies
  
  

In this course, you will learn to automate apps for Android and iOS with the mobile app automation software Appium. Students will learn to script mobile automation frameworks and web frameworks using Selenium, TestNG, Maven, and Jenkins.

Robot Framework Test Automation

• Provider: Udemy
• Where: Online
• Time: 6.5 hours
• Cost: Varies
  
  

Students interested in Robot Frameworks and automated tools should take this course. In it, you will learn to install Robot Framework test automation tools and relevant libraries. In addition, you will gain experience in Selenium Webdriver, XML, and database APIs.

ISTQB Foundation Level Exam for CTFL Certification

• Provider: ASTQB
• Where: Online
• Time: 135-minute exam
• Cost: $229
  
  

If you have already completed some foundational courses, then you may be ready to take this professional certification exam. This certificate is offered by the American Software Testing Qualifications Board. It is useful for both beginners and experts seeking to advance their software testing careers. This exam is a prerequisite for all other ISTQB certifications.

ISTQB Agile Testing Certification

• Provider: ASTQB
• Where: Online
• Time: 1-hour exam
• Cost: $199
  
  

This certification is the next step once you have completed the Foundation Level Software Testing certification. This test incorporates components of the Agile methodologies, so it is ideal if you are already working as part of a team that utilizes Agile in its development processes.

ISTQB Agile Technical Tester Certification

• Provider: ASTQB
• Where: Online
• Time: 90-minute exam
• Cost: $375
  
  

The next level of ISTQB certifications is the Agile technical tester. It is an expert-level accreditation that shows you are a master of Agile testing and that you can lead a development team when carrying out testing.

ISTQB Test Analyst Certification

• Provider: ASTQB
• Where: Online
• Time: 4 days
• Cost: $249
  
  

ISTQB’s Advanced Level Test Analyst certificate will allow you to demonstrate your ability as a testing professional. This fantastic certificate is seen as the equivalent of three years of experience in software system testing, so it will enable you to receive promotions more quickly. 

ISTQB Test Manager Certification

• Provider: ASTQB
• Where: Online
• Time: 5 days
• Cost: $249
  
  

The advanced-level Test Manager certificate is a good choice if you want to become a leader in testing. It covers a mixture of advanced software testing and leadership skills. This certification will help you land roles in product management.

Combined ISTQB Foundation & Agile Foundation Extension

• Provider: TSG Training
• Where: Online
• Time: 5 days
• Cost: $1,798
  
  

In this course certified by the UKTB and the ISTQB, you will learn all about software testing. This foundational course is intended for those who want to pursue careers in testing, such as test leads, test analysts, test engineers, test consultants, test managers, and software developers.

Why Learn Software Testing?

Software testing is an in-demand skill that not everyone is capable of. It’s both challenging and rewarding, and requires you to use your creative and analytical skills to solve problems. In this job, you will be helping companies create better software, and can choose from a variety of employment sectors based on what interests you.

Most testers start off in web development or as a UX/ UI designer, then move on to software testing later, as it is such an important part of the production process. So, we recommend that you start out learning about testing in some of the tutorials above, then work toward your software testing goals.