Are you curious about tech jobs but don’t know where to start? Quality Assurance (QA) testing is one of the most accessible entry points into the tech industry — even if you don’t have a technical background. In this blog, we’ll break down exactly what QA testing is, why it’s beginner-friendly, and how you can start your QA journey from zero.
What is QA Testing?
QA testing (Quality Assurance testing) ensures that software applications work as expected. A QA tester finds bugs, verifies functionality, and ensures a smooth user experience before a product is released to users.
There are two types of QA testing:
- Manual testing: Checking software manually to identify issues.
- Automation testing: Writing scripts to test software automatically.
Why QA Testing is Great for Beginners
Here’s why QA testing is a good fit if you’re just starting out:
- ✅ No coding needed to begin with (manual testing)
- ✅ High demand across industries
- ✅ Great foundation to grow into automation, business analysis, or product roles
- ✅ Tons of free and affordable learning resources
7 Steps to Become a QA Tester With No Tech Background
1. Understand the Basics of Software Development
You don’t need to code, but you should understand how software is built and delivered. Learn:
- What is software development life cycle (SDLC)
- Agile and Scrum frameworks
- The role of QA in a tech team
📚 Free resource: Software Testing Fundamentals
2. Learn Core QA Concepts
Start with these:
- Types of testing: Functional, Regression, Smoke, UAT
- Test case vs test scenario
- Bug lifecycle
- Writing test cases and reporting bugs
📘 Tip: Look up ISTQB Foundation Level topics — this is the global certification standard for QA.
3. Get Hands-On With Tools
Familiarity with tools helps you stand out, even as a beginner. Start with:
- Test Management: Jira, TestRail, qTest
- Bug Tracking: Jira or Bugzilla
- Exploratory Testing: Use any live website or app
💻 Create a simple project: Test an e-commerce website like Amazon or Shopee. Document bugs and write test cases in Google Docs or Excel.
4. Build a Portfolio
Document your learning by:
- Writing sample test cases
- Creating bug reports with screenshots
- Recording a short video walkthrough of your test process
📂 Upload your work to a Google Drive or Notion page — this becomes your beginner portfolio.
5. Join a QA Community
Surround yourself with others who are learning or working in QA:
- LinkedIn groups
- Reddit: r/QualityAssurance
- Discord or Slack channels
- Local QA meetups or webinars
🤝 Communities help you stay motivated and informed.
6. Apply for Entry-Level Roles
Search for roles with titles like:
- QA Tester (Junior)
- Software Tester (Manual)
- QA Analyst (Entry Level)
🔍 Look at job boards like LinkedIn, Indeed, or local tech job sites. Apply even if you don’t meet 100% of the requirements.
7. Optional: Earn a Certification
Once you’re confident, a certification can boost your credibility:
- ISTQB Foundation Level
- Certified Software Tester (CST)
- Udemy/LinkedIn QA Certificates (for practical skills)
📜 Certification isn’t required, but it helps you stand out if you have no prior experience.
Final Thoughts
You don’t need a computer science degree or coding background to become a QA tester. With curiosity, discipline, and hands-on practice, you can land your first QA job within months.
Remember: everyone starts somewhere. QA testing is not just a job — it’s your entry ticket into the tech world.
