A test analyst is the person responsible for testing the computer hardware or software before it is packaged and sold on the open market. It is a position that requires great attention to detail, as test analysts are the last line of quality control. If an error goes through the test analyst and reaches the final product, the full product launch can turn into a disaster.
The Test Analyst role is an entry-level position in the IT industry. Applicants typically have a bachelor's degree in computer science or a related field. Information technology as a whole is a fast-growing industry, so it's safe to say that the demand for test analysts will increase in the coming years.
Duties and responsibilities of the test analyst
The role of the test analyst is more complex than it sounds. The duties of a test analyst include more than just running tests. The following list of duties and responsibilities came primarily from our search for various Test Analyst job descriptions.
Participate in the development process
In order for a test analyst to perform the other tasks and responsibilities, they must be an active participant in the software development process. The test analyst often collaborates with the software development team during the incubation phase. Although Test Analyst is a highly technical job, this particular task requires experience in small group communication. Test analysts are also involved in the software review process, as they are typically the person who identifies a bug and submits it to the software development team.
Review the application requirements and design documents.
An effective test analyst must be able to read and analyze application requirements and design documents. This requires a basic understanding of the jargon of the software development industry. This task also requires above-average analytical skills, as test analysts must be able to conceptualize the design process to proactively address potential issues.
Develop comprehensive test structures
Test analysts need to be able to switch between being big and detail-oriented. They need to be able to see the big picture of a project to understand the role of all functions in relation to the user experience. They should be able to think like developers and average users to develop a test framework that covers all the bases.
Develop test plans
The test analyst is responsible for developing the test plans and protocol. They must ensure that all created test plans comply with industry regulations and corporate standards. This activity also requires some teamwork as these test plans need to be communicated to the project stakeholders.
Perform tests and analyze / document results
This is where the test analyst spends the most valuable time. This is where the work of all the aforementioned tasks comes together. They do diagnostic tests first. They then analyze the results and present their results to decision makers. If they find a problem, they meet with the software development team to fix it.
Put analyst skills to the test
Test analysts are not as one-dimensional as you might think. It is a profession that requires much more than computer skills. Test analysts must be big picture thinkers, but they must also have above-average attention to detail. Identifying the source of an error can be as small as a single error in a line of code. They need to be able to see the big picture of a project to develop tests that can find these small errors. In addition to their technical skills, test analysts must possess some soft skills to excel at their job. The following sections are a collection of skills that we consider most important in our analysis of Test Analyst job descriptions.
Read More: it support skills list
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