Do I Need a College Degree to Become a Software Tester?
The industry is changing.
According to a study by Global Market Insights, the software testing market is expected to exceed 20 billion dollars by 2020. Out of this staggering number, how many software testers have a degree? The answer may surprise you.
Note: I am speaking about software testing careers in the United States. Other regions may vary.
No, you don’t need a degree to get a job in software testing.
You don’t need to go to a coding boot camp. You don’t need to pay $4999 for an online course.
Does a degree, a boot camp, or a course hurt your chances of getting a testing job? No. But if they are stopping you from beginning your career in software testing, think again.
Software testing is a growing industry.
As more and more companies become tech companies, the field is growing. Software development has matured to a state that few companies believe they can skate by without dedicated testing for long.
The software testing market exceed 20 billion dollars in 2020, with an expected growth of 7% according to a study by Global Market Insights.
With the increasing reliance on technology in all aspects of life, it is no surprise that the demand for software testing is on the rise. In fact, according to a recent study, the software testing industry is expected to grow by nearly 20% in the next decade.
This growth is driven by the need to ensure that new and existing software applications are free of errors and function properly. Software testing can be a complex and time-consuming process, but it is essential for the development of high-quality software products. As the demand for software testing continues to grow, so too will the need for qualified professionals.
Less companies require degrees in 2022
Since there is a growing need for software testers in the US, many companies are pivoting from education requirements, to skill-based requirements.
American companies are getting rid of the archaic notion that every employee needs to have a bachelor’s degree. According to Harvard Business School, from 2017 to 2019, “46% of middle-skill and 31% of highskill occupations” experienced a change to skill-based employment instead of education-based employment.
How to become a software tester without a college degree
While a university degree can be helpful for getting started in a career in software testing, it is by no means essential. There are a number of alternative routes that can lead to a successful career in this field.
- Coding BootCamp: One option is to attend a coding bootcamp, which can provide the necessary skills and knowledge in a shorter time frame than a four-year degree program. These tend to be expensive though, and generally require attending full-time, which means that student’s aren’t able to work full-time while attending the bootcamp.
- Certifications: Alternatively, there are various certifications that can be earned that will demonstrate one’s competence as a software tester.
- Freelancing: This can provide valuable experience and allow one to build up a portfolio of work. The Software Testing Pipeline has covered where to get freelance testing experience as a junior tester.
Ultimately, there is no single path to becoming a software tester, and what matters most is developing the required skillset and gaining relevant experience.
✨ Make sure to follow the Software Testing Pipeline for more info on the software testing industry. ✨
