QA SQA Automation Testing Boot Camps: Your Path to a High-Paying Career

Are you looking to enter the IT field and build a high-paying career through quality assurance (QA) and software quality assurance (SQA) automation testing? There are a variety of boot camps and online courses that can provide the right training and skills. This article will introduce you to several popular options and break down the different career levels in QA to help you plan your path.

Popular QA Boot Camps and Online Courses

The quest for a rewarding career in QA and SQA automation testing can start with choosing the right boot camp or online course. Here are some of the most popular options:

General Assembly

General Assembly offers a software engineering immersive program that includes comprehensive testing in its curriculum. They also provide shorter courses focused on QA and testing, offering flexible learning options tailored to career changers and enthusiasts.

Springboard

Springboard’s Software Quality Assurance Bootcamp is an intensive program that combines both manual and automated testing with real-world projects. This hands-on approach is designed to prepare you for a challenging yet rewarding career in QA.

Udacity

Udacity’s QA Engineer Nanodegree program covers both manual and automation testing, introducing you to powerful tools like Selenium. This program is ideal for those looking to deepen their understanding of QA methodologies and automation.

Coursera

Coursera provides a wide range of courses and specializations in software testing, including automation testing, offered by top universities and tech companies such as Google and the University of Minnesota. This platform is perfect for those who prefer a more self-paced learning experience.

Codecademy

Codecademy offers courses on testing and QA practices, including automated testing techniques. This platform is ideal for beginners who want to start their QA journey and gain practical skills.

LinkedIn Learning

LinkedIn Learning provides numerous courses on QA methodologies and automation testing, along with specific tools like Selenium and JUnit. This platform is useful for professionals who want to enhance their existing skills and knowledge.

Lambda School

Lambda School offers a full-stack web development program with a strong focus on software testing and QA. This comprehensive course will help you master the skills and prepare for a career in QA.

Test Automation University

Test Automation University is a free resource that offers various courses specifically on automation testing tools and practices. This platform is ideal for those who prefer free access to quality resources and want to self-pace their learning.

Breaking Down the QA Career Path

Understanding the different levels in a QA career can help you plan your path and set realistic career goals. Here is a breakdown of the major pieces:

QA Analyst (Manual)

The QA Analyst role is an excellent entry point into the IT field. With minimal training (a few months, part-time), you can acquire the necessary skills to find a job, earning around $20-$40 per hour. This role is also known as Black-box testing, where you interact with the application like a regular user—login, logout, ordering products, tracking order status, sending emails, and handling push notifications.

QA Engineer (Gray Box Testing)

At the next level, QA Engineers are exposed to more technical aspects while conducting functional testing. This includes API and database testing, performance testing, front-end and back-end testing, and accessibility testing. The compensation range for this role is around $30-$45 per hour.

Automation Engineer (Automation Testing)

At the third level, Automation Engineers focus on automating test cases from the previous level through the user interface (UI). This involves writing simple or complex code using a programming language to open a browser, perform actions like login/logout, and automate the process. Familiarity with Selenium is essential as it is the main W3C standard for automation testing. Automation Engineers can earn around $40-$60 per hour.

SDET (Software Development Engineer in Test)

The final level in the QA career path is the SDET role. This is a highly technical position where you will automate applications like REST APIs, create integrations, and even write unit tests. It is a developer-focused role that focuses on testing. As a full-fledged developer, SDETs can earn between $60-$150 per hour in the San Francisco area.

Conclusion and Next Steps

With the demand for QA skills steadily increasing, boot camps serve as a quick and effective way to enter the field. They provide a structured learning experience, hands-on projects, and job placement assistance. Our QA Boot Camp, Basic QA Course, and Test Pro offer degreed professionals and career changers the right tools and knowledge to succeed. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced professional, our courses can help you advance your career in QA and SQA automation testing.

To learn more about our QA boot camp and consulting services, visit our website.