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How do I become an automation tester?

In this article

To become an automation tester, build a strong foundation in manual testing, learn programming basics, master automation tools, and practice creating automated test scripts.

  1.  Start with Manual Testing: Begin by mastering manual testing concepts to build a solid foundation. Understand the differences between manual and automation testing and their complementary roles.
  2. Develop Programming Skills: Learn programming languages such as Java, Python, or C++, along with scripting languages such as SQL, XML, and HTML. Familiarize yourself with concepts including test architecture, design, and performance testing.
  3.  Understand the Application: Study the application you’re testing—know its programming languages, platform, database, APIs, and objectives. This allows you to approach automation testing with a complete understanding of the system.
  4. Learn Automation Tools: Experiment with popular tools such as Selenium, Appium, or JUnit. Understand their architecture and how to apply them effectively to various applications.
  5. Master the Automation Testing Lifecycle (ATLC): Learn the phases of ATLC, including decision-making, tool selection, test planning, script development, execution, and review. Use this methodology in all automation projects.
  6.  Create Test Automation Strategies: Build strategies that reduce manual testing hours while providing value and return on investment (ROI). Strategize tool selection, execution plans, and test coverage.
  7. Stay Updated with Trends: Keep up with new tools, techniques, and practices in software testing to stay competitive and innovative in your approach.
  8.  Practice and Network: Continuously improve your skills, connect with the testing community, and showcase your passion and expertise. Transitioning from manual to automation testing is a journey that requires dedication and learning. 

Can a manual tester become an automation tester?

A manual tester can become an automation tester with the right mindset, skills, and training.

  1. Utilize Existing Knowledge: Your understanding of test planning, scenarios, and processes from manual testing provides a strong foundation for automation.
  2. Learn Programming Basics: Start with beginner-friendly languages such as Python or Java, which are widely used in automation tools.
  3. Master Automation Tools: Gain hands-on experience with tools such as Selenium, Appium, or Cypress. Experiment with real-world scenarios to understand their capabilities.
  4. Understand Automation Frameworks: Learn test automation frameworks such as TestNG, JUnit, or keyword-driven and data-driven frameworks.
  5. Practice Continuous Integration: Familiarize yourself with CI/CD tools such as Jenkins, GitHub Actions, or CircleCI to integrate automation testing into the development pipeline.
  6. Follow a Step-by-Step Transition: Start automating repetitive test cases while still working as a manual tester, and gradually shift your focus to automation.
  7. Stay Updated: Follow industry trends and best practices in automation testing to stay competitive.
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Sridhar K

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QA Touch is an AI-driven test management platform built by testers for testers. It simplifies collaboration between developers and QA engineers while helping to manage, track, and organize test cases efficiently. Streamline your testing processes, enhance QA visibility, and deliver high-quality software with ease.

QA Touch offers comprehensive features to manage the entire test management process. From easy migration with CSV files to audio-visual recording of issues and activity logs and a shareable dashboard for real-time reporting to stakeholders, we ensure the testing teams are always on top of things.

Our focus is on providing complete visibility and control over testing workflows and fostering collaboration between testers and other stakeholders (both internal and external). You can have a look at all the features here.

Once you sign up, it takes only 30 minutes to get your QA Touch account up and running. After registration, you will receive an account activation email with all the details. Log in with your account details and create your first test project on QA Touch—it’s that simple. You are now ready to start inviting your team and assigning them roles.

If you are finding it difficult to log in or facing any difficulty, feel free to reach our support team at info@qatouch.com

Why is QA Touch the best test management tool for me?

QA Touch is an AI-driven test management platform that simplifies collaboration between your developers and testers. Beyond creating, organizing, and executing test cases, QA Touch enables you to manage projects, track bugs, and monitor time—all in one platform.

With an intuitive UI and seamless two-way integrations, QA Touch adapts to your workflow, making test management, project oversight, and bug tracking smarter and more efficient.

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We have integrations with dozens of major apps like Slack, Jira, Monday.com, Cypress, and many more. Explore the whole list of integrations now supported here: Explore integrations

The test management tool is a modern software application that helps QA teams and developers manage their testing process efficiently. It provides a structured approach to creating, organizing, executing, and tracking tests to ensure software applications meet specified requirements and function properly before release.

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