How To Become A Quality Assurance: What It Is and Career Path - Zippia (2024)

Updated June 25, 2024

6 min read

Quoted Expert

Nola Pearce

How To Become A Quality Assurance: What It Is and Career Path - Zippia (1)

A quality assurance professional is an individual responsible for ensuring that products or services meet the established standards of quality before they are released to the public. They perform various tests, inspections, and audits to identify any defects or issues that need to be addressed.They work closely with other departments within a company to ensure that all processes are consistent and effective. Their ultimate goal is to improve the overall quality of products and services.

How long does it takes to become a quality assurance?

It typically takes 5-7 years to become a quality assurance:

  • Years 1-4: Obtaining a Bachelor's degree in a relevant field, such as engineering, biology, or chemistry.
  • Years 5-6: Accumulating the necessary work experience in quality control, inspection, or testing.
  • Year 7: Completing on-the-job training for 3-6 months.

ScoreQuality AssuranceUS Average

Salary

4.0

Avg. Salary $51,313

Avg. Salary $59,228

Diversity

4.1

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.51%

Asian 11.99%

Black or African American 6.24%

Hispanic or Latino 8.82%

Unknown 4.70%

White 67.73%

Gender

female 44.16%

male 55.84%

Age - 43

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 43

Stress Level

5.1

Stress level is manageable

7.1 - high

Complexity Level

6.3

Complexity Level is intermediate

7 - challenging

Work Life Balance

6.0

Work Life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

What are the pros and cons of being a Quality Assurance?

Pros

  • Job security as quality assurance is a vital part of any industry

  • Competitive salary and benefits packages

  • Strong attention to detail skills are developed

  • Opportunities for career advancement and growth

  • Work-life balance is often prioritized

Cons

  • High pressure to ensure quality standards are met consistently

  • Strict deadlines can lead to high stress levels

  • Constantly adapting to new technologies, processes, and standards can be demanding

  • -Fast-paced environments that require quick thinking and decision making

  • May need to enforce unpopular decisions or protocols.

Quality Assurance career paths

A quality assurance professional can move into various leadership positions like quality assurance lead, manager, or director. They may also shift into project management, product management, or become an information technology project manager. In some cases, they can transition into business analysis or become a team leader, supervisor, or superintendent.

Key steps to become a quality assurance

  1. Explore quality assurance education requirements

    The educational requirements for a quality assurance are typically a bachelor's degree. According to the data provided, 63.64% of quality assurance professionals hold a bachelor's degree. There are also certifications that can be beneficial, such as Certified Welding Inspector and Certified Scrum Master.

    As per the data, there are various majors that can lead to a career in quality assurance, including Business, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Nursing, and Biology. Stanford University, University of Pennsylvania, Northwestern University, Maine Maritime Academy, and University of Southern California are some of the top schools for quality assurance education.

    Most common quality assurance degrees

    Bachelor's

    46.9

    %

    Associate

    17.2

    %

    High School Diploma

    15.9

    %

  2. Start to develop specific quality assurance skills

    Quality assurance professionals perform a range of tasks including data entry, editing, and testing. They also inspect departments for cleanliness and proper food handling procedures, and assist in investigations with a focus on product quality and regulatory expectations. They update software, plan and release solutions into the software development life cycle, and perform end-to-end testing considering all interface and subsystems for functional and non-functional testing.

    SkillsPercentages
    Test Cases6.30%
    Food Handling6.22%
    Java4.52%
    Selenium4.37%
    Data Entry4.28%

    Show more

  3. Complete relevant quality assurance training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 3-6 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New quality assurances learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a quality assurance based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real quality assurance resumes.

  4. Research quality assurance duties and responsibilities

    A quality assurance professional's main responsibility is to ensure the quality of a product or service. They do this by reviewing documents, inspecting departments, and conducting various types of testing. This can include functional cross-browser testing, regression testing, and user acceptance testing. They also identify and report defects, and initiate corrective action when necessary. As Nola Pearce, a Practice Director and Account Executive at ETSTech-Ops, puts it, "The skill a young graduate needs to walk away with is the ability to apply their materials knowledge in a way that allows them to continually learn, listen, and solve problems."

    • Participate in weekly scrum meetings with project leads and the QA team to track and report overall progress.
    • Manage the logistics requirements, handling, processing, and repairing of avionics equipment and avionics support equipment.
    • Champion use of detail bug tracking (JIRA) and strict release methodology to achieve field stability and maintainability.
    • Experience in working with product teams, product owners and scrum masters to compose and manage integrate project plans.
  5. Prepare your quality assurance resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your quality assurance resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a quality assurance resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose From 10+ Customizable Quality Assurance Resume templates

    Build a professional

    Quality Assurance

    resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume.

    Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your Quality Assurance resume.
  6. Apply for quality assurance jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a quality assurance job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How Did You Land Your First Quality Assurance Job

How To Become A Quality Assurance: What It Is and Career Path - Zippia (18)

Are you a Quality Assurance?

Share your story for a free salary report.

Average quality assurance salary

The average Quality Assurance salary in the United States is $51,313 per year or $25 per hour. Quality assurance salaries range between $28,000 and $92,000 per year.

Average

Quality Assurance

Salary

$51,313Yearly

$24.67

hourly

More quality assurance salary info

What Am I Worth?

How To Become A Quality Assurance: What It Is and Career Path - Zippia (19)

How do quality assurances rate their job?

-/5

5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

Quality Assurance reviews

How To Become A Quality Assurance: What It Is and Career Path - Zippia (20)

A zippia user wrote a review on Dec 2021

Pros

Pride on myself making sure the quality is in the product for releasel

How To Become A Quality Assurance: What It Is and Career Path - Zippia (21)

A zippia user wrote a review on Jul 2019

Pros

New field to work with compassion.

Cons

Low pay structure as compared to the efforts put in.

How To Become A Quality Assurance: What It Is and Career Path - Zippia (22)

A zippia user wrote a review on Jun 2019

Pros

Very repetitive work schedule, so no huge surprises or having to carve out time in addition to the regular work week. Little supervision, which could be a plus if you are looking for a job where there is no micromanagement.

Quality Assurance FAQs

Have more questions?

See all answers to common computer and mathematical questions.

Search for quality assurance jobs

Updated June 25, 2024

How To Become A Quality Assurance: What It Is and Career Path - Zippia (23)

Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

Quality Assurance Related Careers

  • Engineer Lead Quality Assurance Lead
  • Quality Analyst
  • Quality Assurance Analyst
  • Quality Assurance Associate
  • Quality Assurance Auditor
  • Quality Assurance Consultant
  • Quality Assurance Coordinator
  • Quality Assurance Engineer
  • Quality Assurance Inspector
  • Quality Assurance Internship
  • Quality Assurance Lead
  • Quality Assurance Officer
  • Quality Assurance Representative
  • Quality Assurance Specialist
  • Quality Assurance Team Leader

Quality Assurance Related Jobs

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  • Quality Assurance Auditor Jobs
  • Quality Assurance Consultant Jobs
  • Quality Assurance Coordinator Jobs
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  • Quality Assurance Internship Jobs
  • Quality Assurance Lead Jobs
  • Quality Assurance Officer Jobs
  • Quality Assurance Representative Jobs
  • Quality Assurance Specialist Jobs
  • Quality Assurance Team Leader Jobs

What Similar Roles Do

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  • What Does a Quality Assurance Associate Do
  • What Does a Quality Assurance Auditor Do
  • What Does a Quality Assurance Consultant Do
  • What Does a Quality Assurance Coordinator Do
  • What Does a Quality Assurance Engineer Do
  • What Does a Quality Assurance Inspector Do
  • What Does a Quality Assurance Internship Do
  • What Does a Quality Assurance Lead Do
  • What Does a Quality Assurance Officer Do
  • What Does a Quality Assurance Representative Do
  • What Does a Quality Assurance Specialist Do
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Resume For Related Jobs

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  • Quality Assurance Lead Resume
  • Quality Assurance Officer Resume
  • Quality Assurance Representative Resume
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  • Zippia Careers
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Updated June 25, 2024

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How To Become A Quality Assurance: What It Is and Career Path - Zippia (2024)

FAQs

How To Become A Quality Assurance: What It Is and Career Path - Zippia? ›

To become a quality assurance specialist, you typically need a bachelor's degree in a related field, such as computer science, engineering or business. However, some employers may accept an associate degree in a relevant field or equivalent work experience.

What is the career path for quality assurance? ›

The QA Tester Career Path
QA Job TitleExperience Level
QA Analyst or Manual QA TesterEntry-level
QA EngineerEntry-level to Mid-level
QA Automation TesterMid-level
Lead Test Analyst or Senior Quality AnalystSenior-level
1 more row
Apr 12, 2024

How do I build a career in quality assurance? ›

How to land a QA job
  1. Explore your interests. ...
  2. Earn a computer science degree. ...
  3. Gain skills. ...
  4. Consider freelance tasks. ...
  5. Join a professional organization. ...
  6. Network with industry colleagues. ...
  7. Get certified. ...
  8. Connect with QA recruiters.
Jul 11, 2024

What degree do you need to be a QA specialist? ›

To become a quality assurance specialist, you typically need a bachelor's degree in a related field, such as computer science, engineering or business. However, some employers may accept an associate degree in a relevant field or equivalent work experience.

What is required to be a quality assurance specialist? ›

Understand the key responsibilities and tasks of a Quality Assurance Specialist. Develop essential skills, such as attention to detail, analytical thinking, and problem-solving. Pursue relevant qualifications and certifications, such as a degree in a relevant field or a Certified Quality Auditor (CQA) certification.

Is QA still in demand? ›

Is there a demand for QA testers? Thanks to a rapidly growing and evolving need for software by businesses, the demand for QA professionals and testers is projected to grow 25 percent between 2021 and 2031.

Is QA worth it? ›

Lucrative Opportunities: With the increasing reliance on software across industries, the demand for skilled QA professionals is on the rise. This translates to abundant job opportunities and competitive salaries in the field. Continuous Learning: QA is a dynamic field where technology and methodologies evolve rapidly.

How to start a QA job with no experience? ›

Start by applying for junior or entry-level QA Tester positions. Highlight your portfolio and certifications in your resume and cover letter. If possible, take on internships or volunteer work to gain hands-on experience. This is an excellent way to learn from experienced professionals.

Is being a QA hard? ›

No, manual QA testing is not inherently hard to learn, but it does require attention to detail and structured testing skills. The difficulty can vary depending on individual aptitude and prior experience.

Is it hard to become a quality assurance? ›

Most software quality assurance tester positions require a minimum of an associate degree and recommend a bachelor's degree to be a competitive candidate. Research the accredited institutions near you that offer the qualifications you need.

Can I be a QA without a degree? ›

Most commonly, they study computer science, business, computer applications, or information technology. You can also become a QA tester without a degree by meeting other employer qualifications, like industry certifications or hands-on experience.

How long does it take to become a QA? ›

For those with a background in computer science or a related field, it might take about 1-3 years to acquire the necessary skills through education and hands-on experience.

Is quality assurance a good paying job? ›

Yes, with an average salary of $80,912.00 according to Salary.com, and 1,545 current job openings, Quality Assurance (QA) Engineer is considered a great job.

What is quality assurance job salary? ›

₹5,24,138. The average salary for a quality assurance analyst is ₹5,24,138 per year in India.

How do I start a quality assurance job? ›

If you are interested in a job in quality assurance, here are some steps you can use:
  1. Earn a diploma. ...
  2. Pursue higher education. ...
  3. Obtain any necessary additional certifications. ...
  4. Research entry-level roles. ...
  5. Prepare your application materials. ...
  6. Interview successfully. ...
  7. Develop and grow.
Jun 28, 2024

What training is needed for quality assurance? ›

All you need is great training and a keen eye for detail. QA for beginners starts with the foundational knowledge of regulatory bodies and basic standard protocols and procedures. For example, you need to know what ISO 9000 registration is and how audits should be done in your office.

What is the highest position in quality assurance? ›

In the field of Quality Assurance, titles such as 'Director of Quality' or 'VP of Quality' typically offer the highest salary potential. These roles involve strategic oversight of quality systems, processes, and compliance across an organization.

Is quality assurance a career? ›

Is quality assurance a good career? A career in quality assurance can be rewarding for several reasons. The salary is above average, the job outlook is promising, and QA analysts play an essential role in businesses.

What career cluster is quality assurance in? ›

A subset of related occupations within a career cluster. Example: Quality Assurance is a program of study found within the Manufacturing Career Cluster.

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