Tuesday, June 24, 2014

Testing Credentials

Every so often I get into discussions with testers about the value of certifications. While I'm all for additional education and gaining a better understanding of your craft, I always leave the discussions empty. Developers have Software Engineering degrees and sometimes even advanced degrees; product owners often have degrees in their profession and many also have MBA's or other advanced degrees. What do testers have? Usually not much. I have come across many testers who are career changers; myself included (I was a city planner for 7 years before moving into the software development field). Many testers are BA's or Developers who "backed into" testing. During a project they were asked to also do testing because there were no testers on the project. They did a good job and kept being asked. After a while they found they enjoyed testing more than their regular work. So they began seeking the work out.

While the stories have happy endings (people stay in testing because they enjoy it) it does create a problem: lack of confidence due to a lack of education. Example: a developer (with an advanced degree and years of experience) is saying you need to test less versus a tester who knows what they are doing but used to be a school teacher who got laid off and felt she needed a career change. Who is most likely going to win the argument? Hint: I have yet to meet a developer who was less that 100% sure they are right. They have the degrees, they have the experience, of course they're right.

Discussions with business owners usually end up much the same. They will ignore your discussions about risk because they know what's best for the business. After all, they have the degrees, they have the experience, of course they're right.

This leaves testers caught between a rock and a hard place when trying to make a point.

Confidence starts with a strong belief that what you are doing brings value to the team. I don't think anyone questions any longer the value of testing. What is being questioned is usually what type and how much. Conferences and (on a smaller scale) local User Groups can help reinforce and validate what you are doing. These are great places to learn the tricks of the trade and see that other people are facing the same roadblocks you are. More importantly, they are great places to build your confidence and talk to other testers who also believe that what you are doing and how you are doing it is correct.

Certifications are another great step. While its not quite as powerful as a BA in Computer Science or an MBA, a CSTE Certification (for example) does tell the world that you know the basics of software testing. You might also learn a thing or two.

The final piece to the Testers Credentials puzzle is on-going advanced training courses. This education provides great opportunities to learn more about your trade and gain confidence in what you are doing. It might be a 2 day "Intro to ruby/cucumber" training course or a 3 day "Becoming an agile tester" course. Here you will learn more about the discipline you are practicing. And maybe even pick-up and trick or two on how to deal with Developers.

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