Software Testing Qa Assurance Cmm Cmmi Capability Maturity Model Tester Interpersonal
A good software tester needs the following skills.
(1) Interpersonal skills – A software tester reviews several documents such as requirements, design etc. and prepares test plans, test cases etc.. Strong interpersonal skills such as active listening skills, written communication skills, verbal communication skills and presentation skills are needed to communicate and present defects, plans, approach, strategy.
(2) Analytical skills – Analytical skills are needed to ensure that requirements, design are thoroughly analyzed and plans, test cases and defects are clearly documented.
(3) Problem solving skills – Problem solving skills are needed to work with developers and management in resolving and preventing defects, root causes and to improve processes.
(4) Customer focus – Focus on internal customers (coworkers) and external customers (client, suppliers and vendors) is needed to provide quality products and services.
(5) Computer science, software testing skills and expertize – Computer skills and expertize are to be able to understand complex integrated software systems and test these systems thoroughly. Tester needs to have an understanding of networks, routers, hardware, software. Testers also need to have an understanding of reviews, inspections, different stages of testing (unit testing, integration testing, system testing, acceptance testing, deployment verification testing, disaster recovery testing) and different types of testing (stress testing, regression testing, performance testing, load testing, parallel testing etc.)
(6) Discipline – Discipline is needed to overcome dependencies and complete assigned tasks on time.
(7) Process oriented and quality focused – Tester needs to be process oriented and quality focused individual and need to constantly look for process improvement opportunities.
(8) Collaboration skills – Tester needs to work closely and patiently with other testers, developers and managers and collaboration skills are needed for effective testing.
(9) Passion for learning – Tester needs to have a passion for learning to learn new skills and to improve existing skills. Obtaining industry recognized certifications in testing, technology and specific domain such as healthcare helps tester to be up-to-date and can contribute to testing effectiveness.
(10) Creativity – Tester needs to be creative to develop automation solutions and to plan, develop and execute tests.
Several Information Technology (IT) organizations have started realizing the importance of software testing profession and professional testers as testing and testers play a key role in the delivery of quality products and services. Successful organizations encourage testers to participate early in the life cycle from requirements and design review through post production implementation instead of limiting tester's role to execution of dynamic tests. Successful organizations are also implementing quality models such as Capability Maturity Model Integrated (CMMI) and Six Sigma and providing appropriate training to staff members including testers to realize their full potential. These changes are expected to improve the competency of the IT workforce including software testers, which will lead to more reliable and quality software products and services .
