Software testing courses allow you to work on the latest technology. When someone creates computer software, such as a software engineer, they want to ensure the software functions properly for all of its users. To do this, technology undergoes extensive software testing. Some companies are designed to test various types of software, from computer applications to video games. 

There are opportunities for people all over the world to become a software tester. If you have an analytical mind, then software testing may be the right career for you. Check out our guide below on the best software testing courses available.

What Is Software Testing?

Software testing is the process of verifying a system’s operations. It is a significant part of software development. Through testing, people identify any errors, gaps, or missing data. There are several types of testing. They are typically divided into two categories, which are functional and non-functional testing.

Functional Testing

Functional testing is the process of verifying that the software is doing what is expected. This means that the software acts in the way the creator wants. Functional testing has several types, including the following:

• Unit Testing
• Interface Testing
• Integration Testing
• System Testing
• Regression Testing
• Sanity Testing
• Smoke Testing

Non-Functional Testing

Non-functional testing is the process of examining and verifying customer expectations are being met by the software. This type of testing may fall under the purview of a quality assurance engineer to make sure users have the best experience. This type of testing typically includes the following:

• Performance Testing
• Stress Testing
• Volume Testing
• Endurance Testing
• Security Testing
• Usability Testing

Manual vs Automatic Software Testing

Manual Software Testing

Manual testing is the process of testing software by hand. This means physically using the software. Some manual testers use the software as intended, acting as a user, to see what errors occur during normal operations.

Other testers specifically seek out issues in the software and stress test certain aspects of it. This is to ensure the software cannot be broken or that certain actions won’t lead to a crash or glitch in the software.

Automatic Software Testing

Automatic testing the process of using an automation tool to test software. This process uses test scripts to generate results automatically. While this process is effective, it may not replicate some user actions when it comes to software.

There are also different types of automatic and manual software testing. Throughout your courses, you’ll come to learn about each type of testing and how it applies as a career.

The Best Software Testing Courses

Countless software testing courses are available, many of which are online. This means you can learn no matter where you’re located. Many of these courses are self-paced as well, which allows you to study and learn at your own time.

Software Testing and Automation Specialization – Coursera

Coursera offers a long list of college degree courses in technology. This software testing course develops your software testing skills. Throughout the course, students master theory, practice testing, learn testing strategies, and use industry testing tools. Upon completing the program, students receive a certification to show to potential employers.

Automated Testing: End to End

Plural Sight offers a full end to end automated testing course online. The course is designed for complete beginners and it teaches students all about automated software testing.

This course is geared more towards individuals who wish to develop their own software. However, the knowledge you gain may help you with finding a position in automated software testing.

Plural Sight offers a subscription-based service. Use their services for the first 10 days for free. Then, take part in any of their subscription plans to take advantage of this and the courses they currently have available.

ISTQB Software Testing Foundation

If you’re a complete beginner to software testing and development, then this course may be the best for you. Among the software testing courses online that are available, this course is one of the most comprehensive.

Not only does the course validate your testing skills, but it also gives you a deeper understanding of concepts related to the field. In addition to this, the course meets the International Software Testing Qualification Board standards.

Even if you do not exclusively want a career in software testing, this course may be right for you. IT professionals, test engineers, test analysts, and professionals in similar roles can all benefit from this course.

The course does not have any prerequisites, but it does cost $82 a month to take part in. The course lasts for approximately three months.

Robot Framework Test Automation

If you already have some familiarity with automation, then check out this Udemy course. It teaches you all about the Robot Framework in a fast and efficient manner. Upon completing the course, you’ll learn about Selenium test automation, mobile test automation, API test automation, and databases.

The course is around 6.5 hours long and costs $139.99 for students. There is an opportunity to preview the course to see what it is like before purchasing.

This is only for those who are intermediate or have some experience with software testing and would like to learn a specific framework.

In-Depth Software Testing Training Course From Scratch

This is another software testing course online provided by Udemy. The course is designed for everyone. Whether you’ve experienced or just a beginner, you’ll benefit from it. Within this program, students learn software testing and the basics of automation.

Instructions are taught by an industry professional and there is a live end to end project in software testing included in the program.

The course is 26 hours long with an on-demand video. Upon completion, students receive a certificate. The price of the course is $99.99 and it is self-paced.

Become a Software Tester Path

Lynda.com provides a series of courses to help students become a software tester. The courses teach the foundations, tools, and techniques needed for an individual to work in the industry.

Students can try the course for free and preview the available videos before taking part in it. The course is 15 hours long and students receive a certification upon completing it. The course is available to those with a Lynda.com membership.

How Long Does It Take to Learn Software Testing?

One of the best benefits of software testing as a career is that you do not need a formal education. You can learn software testing at home without needing a degree. If you have no background in technology, it could take several months to a year to learn software testing.

However, the amount of time it takes mostly depends on how much time you spend studying and learning. If you want to increase your chances of finding a career, earn your certification from a program or course. These online courses take a few days to months to complete.

Should You Learn Software Testing?

Software testing requires extensive knowledge and understanding of technology, analytical skills, and more. However, if you have a passion for the field, you can find a lucrative career as a tester.

Through software testing courses online, it’s possible to join the career field quickly, instead of earning a degree. The average salary of a software tester is $56,600, according to Payscale.com.

If you have an interest in the field, you owe it to yourself to give it a try. Not only is software testing a growing career field, but there are many ways to try it for free. Check out any of the above software testing courses. Learn more about becoming a tester today.