Upgrading Manual Testing Skills: Best Courses and Key Skills

As a manual tester with two years of experience, it's important to stay ahead in the field by upgrading your skills. This article explores the best courses and key skills that can help you enhance your proficiency in software testing, including manual and automation testing techniques, programming knowledge, API testing, and more.

Key Skills for Upgrading in Software Testing

To become a more versatile and effective tester, you should focus on acquiring new skills in the following areas:

Automation Testing Skills: Gain proficiency in automation tools to expand your testing capabilities. This includes learning about tools like Selenium and JIRA. Programming Knowledge: Learn basic programming concepts, such as scripting, to enhance collaboration and scripting abilities. API Testing: Master API testing tools to validate backend functionality effectively. Tools such as Postman can be very useful. Performance Testing Awareness: Understand performance testing concepts to identify bottlenecks and optimize application performance. Agile and DevOps: Familiarize yourself with Agile and DevOps methodologies to seamlessly integrate with modern workflows. Exploratory Testing: Hone exploratory skills to quickly identify critical issues and unexpected behaviors. Test Management Tools: Use advanced test management tools for efficient defect tracking and reporting, such as JIRA. Domain Expertise: Deepen your industry-specific knowledge for relevant test scenarios. Communication Skills: Strengthen your ability to effectively report bugs and collaborate with different teams. Continuous Learning: Stay updated with the latest industry trends and tools to continuously improve your skills.

Best Courses for Upgrading Skills in Software Testing

Here are some top courses that can help you enhance your skills as a manual tester:

The Complete Quality Assurance Course on Udemy

Skill Level: Beginner Duration: 9 hours 35 minutes Content: This comprehensive course covers both manual and automation testing, including: C programming Automation testing with Selenium Java back-end testing with Postman JIRA Agile methodology Basics of cyber security and ethical hacking

Software Testing Basics on QA Academy

Skill Level: Beginner Duration: 80 hours Content: This course focuses on teaching quality assurance, with an emphasis on communication and interpersonal skills, making it suitable for those looking to enhance their soft skills in testing.

Setting a Foundation for Successful Test Automation at Test Automation University

Content: This course offers free starter classes on test automation, providing a general idea of automation frameworks and programming languages.

Coursera Course on Automation Testing

Coursera Rating: 4.8/5, 100 ratings Length: 10 hours Content: This course is designed for manual and automation QA professionals looking to excel in automation testing. It covers creating a robust test automation framework using Selenium and TestNG, including: Developing an automation layer and application layer Writing test cases and using them with TestNG XML files

By enrolling in these courses and focusing on the key skills mentioned above, you can significantly enhance your career in software testing. These resources provide valuable knowledge and practical skills to elevate your performance, ensuring you stay competitive in the rapidly evolving field of software development.