A job description for a test lead is a document that details this professional’s duties, responsibilities, educational qualifications and skills. A test lead is a member of a software testing team that performs tests in person or online. This department typically tests different parameters and ensures the quality of the final deliverables.Software and IT companies may recruit test leads to oversee project development, and create high-quality products that meet customer expectations. Working in this role often requires several years of experience as a software tester. Employers typically expect these professionals to identify how the test team functions within an organisation, create a roadmap for the team and find ways to reach organisational goals.Related:35 Test Lead Interview Questions (With Example Answers)Find test lead jobs
Duties And Responsibilities Of A Test Lead
Here are some of the key duties and responsibilities of a test lead:
Developing test plans
A test lead typically develops testing procedures by defining quality metrics and test strategies. Working with test managers, these individuals establish expected standards for quality assurance and communicate them to the entire test team. Depending on client requirements, they decide on the type of test to validate the software quality.
Planning projects
Employers usually expect test leads to determine a project’s deliverables, objectives, policies and strategies. Before the start of a project, the test lead typically estimates the resources necessary for running it successfully. Based on the project’s requirements, they build a team of skilled software testers.
Providing feedback
Software testing teams depend largely on their test lead to set quality standards and improve their work. When a team surpasses expectations and meets project goals, the test lead often provides positive feedback and praise for the team’s efforts. A key part of this role is giving constructive advice on using the correct processes that can accelerate the testing process without compromising quality.
Conducting and monitoring the test process
Part of a test lead’s role involves checking whether their team runs tests as per the initial plan. They typically perform various tests on software applications and computer systems. They may also look for potential defects in an application and fix them to ensure quality control. This helps to make sure that the final deliverables are of a high standard.
Recognising when to use test automation
Automation is a technique where test leads write code to perform software testing. Companies often prefer test leads who are knowledgeable in both manual and automated testing because these skills maximise the efficiency of the testing process. The ability to decide when to switch from manual to automated testing is key for this role.Related:Automation Testing (With Definition, Types And Benefits)
Motivating team members
A test lead’s job involves motivating the software testing team to excel. This can result in higher output and improve the work environment of the testing team. Test leads often lead by example to encourage and motivate team members to perform well.
Writing reports
A test lead often creates scheduled reports during a project and shares them with their managers, and supervisors. These reports provide details about a project’s progression. The ability to write weekly, monthly, quarterly and yearly reports about the completed testing projects is desirable for this role.
Qualifications To Become A Test Lead
Here are the necessary qualifications to become a test lead:
Education
If you wish to become a test lead, start by earning a degree in computer science or a related area. Employers usually prefer candidates with a Bachelor of Technology or Bachelor of Engineering in computer science, IT or related areas. Typically, an engineering degree takes four years to complete. You may pursue other degrees, such as a Bachelor of Science in computer science or a Bachelor of Computer Application, which are three-year courses.During your course, you are likely to study subjects such as network technology and learn about various programming languages, databases, software development lifecycles and software architectures. While it is not mandatory to complete a master’s degree, having one can increase your chances of earning a higher salary.
Experience
After completing your education, find an entry-level job as a software tester. Starting from an entry-level position and gaining relevant work experience is usually a requirement to become a test lead. Entry- and mid-level roles in the testing domain can help you learn about the intricate details of software testing. Apply for entry-level roles using job websites or by looking at relevant job boards.
Certifications
Pursuing a certification can be a good way to gain knowledge and improve your candidacy during the job search process. There are several different certifications relating to software design and testing that you can earn. Here are some examples:
- Test Automation Engineer by the International Software Testing Qualifications Board (ISTQB)
- Certified Tester Advanced Level Test Analyst by ISTQB
- Certified Software Tester by Quality Assurance Institute
Related: Test Lead Certifications To Consider (With FAQs)
Skills Of A Test Lead
Here are some useful skills for a test lead:
Problem-solving
Organisations typically run software tests to discover and address underlying issues in the software product they build. The ability to identify bugs and fix them is key for a test lead’s role. Problem-solving skills help you determine how to predict and solve such issues. This ability allows you to analyse a problematic situation, find potential solutions and evaluate outcomes.Related:How To Highlight Problem-Solving Skills On A Resume
Leadership
Leadership entails motivating and guiding a software testing team to achieve set goals. As a test lead, you may lead a team of testers who work on projects with strict deadlines. Employers typically prefer test leads with strong leadership skills that help them direct the team to meet the objectives.Related:How To Demonstrate Leadership Skills At Work: A Guide
Knowledge of automation
Automated testing is software testing that uses computer scripts to test applications automatically. It is often useful for large projects with many features where manual testing is not feasible. Employers typically expect test leads to determine when to switch from manual to automated testing. The ability to use different types of automation software is key for this role.
Knowledge of the industry
Team leads often rely on their software industry knowledge to make informed workplace decisions. This primarily involves having expert knowledge about an organisation’s hardware, software and operating systems. Being familiar with the latest trends in the market can help you develop a strategy that benefits the entire organisation.
Communication
As a test lead, you typically require excellent communication skills. Strong verbal communication abilities help you share information and ensure your team members understand it properly. This can be particularly important when working with remote teams. Written communication skills are useful for creating reports and sharing them with your managers, and colleagues.Related:10 Ways To Improve Your English Communication Skills
Decision-making
As a test lead, you often make decisions about a test case’s direction or plan. This involves deciding how to perform the test and what data to analyse to ensure the accuracy of the results. The ability to make quick decisions, which ensures the delivery of quality software, is desirable for this role. You may also use decision-making skills to create plans for meetings with clients or managers who want regular updates about the project.
Performance testing
In this role, you often conduct performance tests, which involve evaluating a product’s performance in real-world conditions. This setting tests the software’s ability to work properly and checks whether it is facing any safety issues. Evaluating these aspects of a product is a key duty of a test lead, so knowledge of relevant processes is often a requirement of the position.Related:34 Performance Testing Interview Questions (With Answers)
Test execution
Test execution refers to performing tests and analysing different data. As a test lead, you typically require an in-depth understanding of how your team executes tests so you can provide guidance when necessary. Knowledge of common testing tools, such as automation software or performance management systems, may help you understand what the team can do.Related: 34 Test Manager Interview Questions (With Sample Answers)
Sample Job Description For A Test Lead
Here is a sample job description:We are looking for a test lead who can help us deliver the next generation of video games to our worldwide audience. Your hands-on approach and technical proficiency are likely to help the team deliver video games without bugs, and meet the client’s quality standards. This test lead role requires excellent testing expertise, an in-depth understanding of various testing procedures and knowledge of various consumer devices. We expect the test lead to identify test requirements from specifications and design test coverage plans based on the game.
