Building Testing Skills
Is Testing an Art or a Mindset? My Take After 25+ Years in QA
After more than 25 years in the QA field, I’ve encountered two prevailing perspectives on testing skills:
- Testing is an art—an innate trait you either have or you don’t.
- Testing is a mindset—one that can be taught, nurtured, and developed for success.
I firmly believe in the second view. With the right guidance and willingness to learn, anyone can develop the mindset and skills needed for effective QA. Just like coding or writing requirements, success comes down to curiosity, enjoyment, and the willingness to understand the work at its core.
Why Some Struggle with Testing
I’ve met individuals who, despite understanding testing processes, struggled to execute tasks effectively. This doesn’t make them bad testers, it often means the learning environment or framing wasn’t right for their growth.
The Problem with Many QA Courses
There are numerous QA and testing courses available. Some are excellent, offering a true overview of QA as a discipline and how testing fits within it. Others focus narrowly on test execution, missing the “why” behind the work. I’ve even seen college courses that equate QA with just testing—missing the broader value of Quality Assurance. Unsurprisingly, some of these limited programs have since disappeared.
I’ve long advocated for comprehensive college programs dedicated to QA—just like those for engineering or development. QA deserves the same depth and recognition.
Guidelines for Building QA Skills
If you’re looking to build a strong QA skill set—whether for yourself or your team—start with these core practices:
1. Encourage Questioning
QA professionals should always ask questions. They don’t need to know every detail, but they must get enough information to do the job well. Understanding how the code works and how the pieces fit together prevents wasted effort and duplication of effort.
2. Prioritize Efficiency
Efficiency is critical. Too often, I’ve seen testing efforts become bogged down by unnecessary complexity. Organize test cases logically, streamline result recording, and avoid overly complicated tests when simpler ones will do.
3. Emphasize Review
Review is vital. The whole delivery team should agree on expected outcomes and ensure requirements or user stories are detailed enough to move forward. Consistent review prevents misunderstandings and sets the stage for quality results.
Why Building QA Skills Is Still a Challenge
Despite the abundance of literature and best practices, developing QA skills remains a challenge. Reasons may include management’s lack of understanding, conflicting definitions of QA, or simply not making time for professional growth.
However, with these foundational habits, anyone can begin to build their QA expertise. Seek out knowledge, ask the right questions, and always look for ways to improve—both for yourself and your organization.
Looking Ahead: Building a True QA Community
I’m currently working on plans for a comprehensive college-level QA program—one that goes beyond just testing and focuses on real Quality Assurance in software. My goal is to build a strong QA community and help organizations recognize the true value this discipline brings.
If you’re passionate about QA and want to help shape the future of the field, let’s connect and continue the conversation.
"I help create ecosystems that become legacies.”
- Jeremy Berriault
Quick Links
Hours of Operation
Monday - Friday
9 am to 5 pm
Saturday - Sunday
Closed