Are you looking to break into the field of quality assurance and testing? If so, then QA engineer/tester bootcamps are a great way to learn the skills needed for success. With the right guidance, these programs can help you become an in-demand professional quickly and effectively.
In this blog post, we’ll discuss some of the best QA engineer/tester bootcamps available in 2024. We will look at their curriculum, cost structure, job placement rates, and more so that you can make an informed decision about which one is right for you. So let’s get started!
What Is Quality Assurance (QA)?
In software development, QA (Quality Assurance) is the process of verifying that a software program or application works as intended and meets certain quality standards.
This includes tasks such as testing for bugs and errors, checking for compatibility with different operating systems and devices, and verifying that the software meets user requirements and expectations.
The QA process helps to identify and fix any issues with the software before it is released to the public, ensuring that it is reliable, user-friendly, and meets the needs of its intended audience.
By implementing a robust QA process, software development teams can improve the quality of their products, increase customer satisfaction, and reduce the risk of costly defects or issues arising after release.
What Do QA Engineers/Testers Do?
QA Engineers/Testers are responsible for designing, executing, and automating tests to verify that the software works as intended and meets the standards set by the development team.
This may involve writing test cases, creating test plans, and executing tests manually or using automated testing tools.
QA Engineers/Testers also review and analyze the results of their tests, report any issues or bugs they find, and work with the development team to resolve them.
They are involved in the entire software product development life cycle, from the early stages of development to the final release and maintenance of the product.
By performing comprehensive testing, QA Engineers/Testers help to ensure that the software is reliable, user-friendly, and meets the needs of its intended audience.
What Is Quality Assurance (QA) Bootcamp?
A quality assurance (QA) bootcamp is a training program designed to provide individuals with the skills and knowledge necessary to work in the field of software quality assurance.
The bootcamp covers a wide range of topics, including testing methodologies, software development processes, and the use of testing tools and automation.
The goal of the bootcamp is to provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of QA and to help them develop the practical skills required to succeed in a QA role.
The bootcamp is typically structured as a fast-paced, intensive program that combines classroom-style instruction with hands-on experience, allowing participants to apply their newly acquired skills in a real-world setting.
Upon completion of the QA bootcamp, participants should have a strong foundation in QA principles and techniques and be well-prepared to pursue a career as a QA engineer, tester, or similar role.
Things You Will Learn at a QA Bootcamp
At a QA bootcamp, you can expect to learn a variety of skills and concepts that are essential for working in the field of software quality assurance. Some of the things you will learn include:
- Testing methodologies: You will learn about different testing methodologies, such as manual testing, automated testing, and performance testing. You will also learn how to design and execute test cases to verify the functionality of software applications.
- Software development processes: You will gain an understanding of the software product development life cycle (SPDLC) and how QA fits into this process. You will learn about agile development methodologies and how QA is integrated into these processes.
- Testing tools and automation: You will learn how to use a variety of testing tools and automation frameworks, such as Selenium, Appium, and JUnit. You will also learn how to write and run automated tests.
- Debugging and troubleshooting: You will learn how to debug software applications and identify and resolve problems with the software.
- Defect tracking: You will learn how to log, track, and resolve defects in software applications.
- Communication and teamwork: You will learn how to effectively communicate with development teams and stakeholders, and how to work effectively in a team environment.
By the end of the bootcamp, you should have a solid foundation in QA principles and techniques and be well-prepared to pursue a career in this field.
Manual vs. Automated QA Testing
Manual and automated QA testing are two approaches to QA testing that you should understand and discern in order to pick the right QA bootcamp and curriculum for you.
Manual testing involves testing the software manually, without the use of any tools or automation scripts. An example of manual testing is a QA tester accessing a new website or app to manually check the functionality of each button and block and make sure everything works properly.
Automated testing, on the other hand, uses software tools and scripts to automate the testing process. They are best used when repetitive tests have to be performed, as they can save time and resources. An example of automated testing is an automated script that check whether the intended app (let’s say, a calculator) performs the correct calculations for any given set of numbers.
Both manual and automated testing have their own advantages and disadvantages, and the choice between the two depends on the specific needs of the software application and the testing environment.
Many QA bootcamps offer courses in both manual and automated testing, so it is important to understand the differences between these approaches before deciding which one is right for you.
Top 6 QA Engineer/Tester Bootcamps of 2024
All right, now that you know what a QA bootcamp is, let’s take a look at the top 6 QA engineer/tester bootcamps of 2024.
1. Devmountain
- Location: Remote
- Automated/Manual: Both
- Duration: 6 weeks (full time) or 12 weeks (part-time)
- Tuition: $4,900
- Financing: scholarships, loans, income share agreements
- Skills: QA theory, manual QA, automated QA, JS
- Employment outcomes: 100% employed in 6 months
Devmountain’s 12-week software tester course has been designed to help you launch a career in tech, beginning with entry-level positions related to functional and software testing. You will learn about the contrast between Git and GitHub, how to implement them efficiently, along with applying test writing techniques, unit test execution, load test creation, API requirements verification, and automated test case crafting.
2. Test Pro
- Location: Remote
- Automated/Manual: Both
- Duration: 9 weeks (level 1), 20 weeks (level 2)
- Tuition: $3,500 (level 1) – $4,999 (level 2)
- Financing: scholarships, loans
- Skills: GitHub, Git, DevOps, Algorithms, Agile, JavaScript, Java, C#, HTML, CSS, SQL, Scrum, REST, Quality Assurance Testing, MySQL
- Employment outcomes: 79% hired within 3 months
Test Pro’s renowned QA bootcamp curriculum will equip you with the essential skills to become a specialist in only three months. Our comprehensive course covers programming, testing, databases, and analysis training as well as how to ace job interviews. After completing their online courses, you’ll have gained proficiency that is worthy of an entry-level position offering substantial paychecks!
3. Careerist
- Location: Remote
- Automated/Manual: Both
- Duration: 15 weeks, includes 3.5-week remote internship
- Tuition: $4,200-6,900, money-back guarantee
- Financing: Deferred Tuition, Upfront Payments, Loan Financing, Employer Sponsored
- Skills: Web testing, mobile testing, SDLC, Jira, version control, Python, Selenium
In Careerist’s 15-week QA automation bootcamp, students learn Python, OOP, PyCharm, Selenium WebDriver, GitHub, and Git. QA Automation students will become equipped with the necessary knowledge to master window handling, basic algorithms, test data separation techniques, page object pattern implementation, and expected conditions library applications.
4. Test Automation University
- Location: Online
- Automated/Manual: Automated
- Duration: Self-paced
- Tuition: Free
- Skills: Web automated testing, Java, JavaScript, Python, C#, Ruby, API, mobile testing, Swift, codeless testing, visual testing
Test Automation University (TAU) is a free online learning platform for testing professionals who wish to learn the fundamentals of test automation. TAU provides comprehensive tutorials to help you gain knowledge on the topics of web, mobile and API testing using various automation tools and popular programming languages such as Java, JavaScript, Python, C#, Ruby and Swift. You’ll also learn about codeless testing and visual testing.
5. Clarusway
- Location: Remote
- Automated/Manual: Automated
- Duration: 6 months, part-time
- Tuition: $9,000-14,000
- Financing: Upfront, loans, installment plan, income share agreement
- Skills: AWS, Jenkins, MySQL, Selenium, Java, API, Jira, TestNG, Junit, HTML, GitHub
With this course, you’ll master the art of conducting all controls on created products to ensure user satisfaction. You will become a Test Automation Engineer, an incredibly sought-after profession in today’s world. This Software Development Engineer in Test (SDET) program is customized to teach you how testing works in coding projects and give you valuable IT leadership training that comes from interdisciplinary experience. Furthermore, it will shape your communication abilities so that success follows wherever you go!
6. DevX School
- Location: Remote
- Automated/Manual: Automated
- Duration: 6 months
- Tuition: $1,995-2,995
- Financing: Monthly plans
- Skills: Java, Selenium, Rest API, Junit, Jenkins, Cucumber
- Employment outcomes: 87% job placement
Wedevx, powered by Antler, provides all-inclusive education in technology for online learners. They recognize that everyone learns best differently and have thus tailored our curriculum to reflect the individualized needs of each student’s career path. The integrated method compiles virtual classes with actual coding practice and mentorship programs; guaranteeing students receive an optimal educational experience from start to finish as they pursue their tech dreams.
How Much Do QA Bootcamps Cost?
QA bootcamps are priced between $500 and $16,000. But don’t be fooled; there are plenty of options outside the price range or even completely free.
The amount you pay for a QA program varies depending on your educational and career objectives. Should the bootcamp cost more than anticipated, consider various financial aid options and payment arrangements such as income share agreements (ISAs), scholarships, installment plans, or loans.
There are even some QA bootcamps that offer a money-back guarantee if you don’t find a job in the field after completing the course. Be sure to do your research and weigh the pros and cons of each option when making a decision.
What Jobs Can You Get after a QA Bootcamp?
QA bootcamps equip you with the knowledge and skills to pursue a career in QA testing. QA professionals are typically responsible for ensuring the quality and functionality of a product, website, or software.
Depending on the program you choose, you may also gain experience in topics such as debugging techniques, regression testing, automation engineering, API testing, and more.
The following are some of the most popular career paths for graduates of QA bootcamps:
- QA Tester
- QA Analyst
- Automation Engineer
- Software Test Engineer
- Quality Assurance Lead
- Manual QA Tester
- Software Development Engineer in Test (SDET)
- Senior QA Engineer
- Software Associate Tester
- Software Product Manager
With the right experience from a QA bootcamp program and some practice with hands-on projects, you can apply for job openings in these fields and earn a competitive salary.
Additionally, many companies offer QA certification courses and have openings for experienced professionals. So you can also get certified and move up the career ladder as a QA engineer or manager.
Is Quality Assurance in High Demand?
With the rapid growth of technology, the demand for QA professionals is on the rise. Companies are constantly looking for experienced individuals to help them launch better products and services.
Job opportunities for software developers, quality assurance analysts, and testers is projected to experience a robust 25% growth in the decade spanning 2021 to 2031, according to the US Bureau of Labors Statistics – an impressive rate that significantly outperforms other occupations.
On average, 162,900 job openings for software developers, quality assurance analysts, and testers are expected each year over the decade. This number is forecasted to continue growing due to an increasing need for replacements of workers who move on or retire from these occupations.
For those with the right skills and experience, QA is an in-demand career with great potential. With the right QA bootcamp and a commitment to continuous learning, you can become an expert in this growing field.
QA Engineer/Tester Salary
The salary of a QA engineer/tester can vary depending on the job title and experience. According to the US Bureau of Labors Statistics, the average salary for software developers, QA analysts, and testers is approximated to be $109,020 per year.
Software developers and engineers typically earn higher salaries, ranging from $101,790 to $147,630, while QA analysts and testers can earn anywhere from $60,070 to $111,680 on average.
It is important to note that salaries can vary greatly depending on the type of job, the geographic location, and the employer. With experience and a commitment to continuous learning in QA, you can increase your earning potential in this field.
You can also look into specialized certifications and attend industry events to stay ahead of the competition. Quality assurance is an in-demand profession and can be a rewarding career choice if you are up for the challenge.
Will QA Bootcamp Get Me a Job?
Successfully completing a QA bootcamp can increase your chances of getting a job in the field, as it equips you with the skills and knowledge necessary to be a successful tester.
However, it is important to remember that QA bootcamps are not a guarantee of employment. You must still have the right experience, skills, and attitude to succeed in this field.
That said, some coding bootcamps do offer a money-back employment guarantee, in which you may be eligible for a refund if you are not able to find employment within a certain amount of time. Carefully examine the websites of your bootcamps of interest to see if they offer any such employment guarantees.
In any case, it is important to take advantage of the resources available and to make sure you are up-to-date with the latest trends in quality assurance. This can include attending events, reading industry-related blogs, and joining online forums to stay ahead of the competition.
When looking for a job in quality assurance, make sure you have a strong portfolio and an impressive resume to show potential employers. A QA bootcamp can definitely give you the competitive edge you need to be successful in this field.
Conclusion
Attending a QA bootcamp can be a turning decision in your career. As a QA tester or engineer, you can gain valuable skills that will help you develop your career. Plus, you’ll be able to network with professionals in the field and benefit from their experience.
In this article, we have outlined the top 6 QA bootcamps to get you started. Make sure to do your research and see which one best suits your needs.
Attending a high-quality QA bootcamp can set you up for success in the lucrative field of tech. Make sure to arm yourself with the right knowledge and get started today! Good luck on your QA journey!
Elmar Mammadov is a software developer, tech startup founder, and computer science career specialist. He is the founder of CS Careerline and a true career changer who has previously pursued careers in medicine and neuroscience.
Due to his interest in programming and years of past personal experience in coding, he decided to break into the tech industry by attending a Master’s in Computer Science for career changers at University of Pennsylvania. Elmar passionately writes and coaches about breaking into the tech industry and computer science in general.