Occupation
Software quality assurance analyst
Software quality assurance analysts check that software does what it is supposed to do before it reaches users. They design test cases from requirements, run them against new builds, and write up defects clearly enough for a developer to reproduce and fix.
Also known as: QA analyst · Software tester · Quality assurance tester · QA engineer
Occupation content
Part of Information technology, data and cybersecurity
What the work involves
- Turn requirements and acceptance criteria into test cases
- Execute functional, regression, and exploratory tests on new builds
- Log defects with reproduction steps, evidence, and severity
- Retest fixes and confirm nothing else has broken
- Feed recurring failure patterns back into the team's process
How people commonly enter
- A college diploma or certificate in software testing or information technology
- A degree in computer science or information systems
- A software testing certification alongside on-the-job experience
- Internal movement from customer support or business operations into testing
Typical training: Certificate or college diploma
Licensing: Certification common, not usually required
Typical work context
Team based · Desk based · Predictable routine · Remote capable · Hybrid office
Related interests
Conventional (organizing) · Investigative (analytical) · Realistic (hands-on)
Related aptitude preparation
These are preparation links only. They do not measure eligibility for this occupation and no score here qualifies or disqualifies anyone.
Skills to practise
- Error detection
- Attention and concentration
- Logical reasoning
- Critical thinking
- Data checking and clerical accuracy
Practice suites
Related learning
Family-level learning links for Information technology, data and cybersecurity.
Official sources
Labour-market facts such as pay and employment projections are not reproduced here. Open an official source below for figures, with its own geography and reference period.
- O*NET OnLine — Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers (15-1253.00) · International
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- US Bureau of Labor Statistics — Occupational Outlook Handbook: Software Developers, Quality Assurance Analysts, and Testers · United States
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- Canada Job Bank — Job profile search: information systems testing technicians · Canada
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Labour-market context (not part of exploration match)
This is broad family-level context for Information technology, data and cybersecurity in Canada, not a figure for Software quality assurance analyst. It does not affect matching scores and is not an eligibility determination.
This is a broad Information technology, data and cybersecurity family. Explore the official profile for the chosen occupation; entry education and training can differ within the family.
Canada Job Bank Career Planning · Canada · Current official profile; consult source for its release period
Information technology, data and cybersecurity: education pathways
Some roles in Information technology, data and cybersecurity may be regulated. Confirm whether the specific role requires registration, certification, or a jurisdiction-specific licence.
Canada Job Bank Career Planning · Canada · Current official profile; consult source for its release period
Information technology, data and cybersecurity: licensing
Find jobs
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- Search Canada Job Bank · Canada
- Search USAJOBS · United States federal
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- Search Indeed · International (choose location on Indeed)