The course on manual testing typically targets individuals interested in gaining foundational knowledge and skills in software testing, particularly through manual methods. Here's who can generally join such a course, along with the requirements and prerequisites often expected:

Who Can Join?

1. Fresh Graduates: Recent graduates from computer science or related fields looking to enter the software testing profession.

2. Career Changers: Individuals from other professions aiming to transition into software testing.

3. QA Professionals: Quality Assurance professionals who want to enhance their manual testing skills.

4. Anyone Interested: Individuals with a keen interest in software testing and quality assurance.

Requirements and Prerequisites

1. Educational Background:

• A basic understanding of computer systems and software applications is beneficial.

• Typically, a degree in computer science, information technology, or a related field may be preferred but not always required.

2. Technical Skills:

• Familiarity with using computers and software applications.

• Ability to navigate and use basic software tools.

3. Soft Skills:

• Attention to detail and a methodical approach to tasks.

• Good communication skills, as testing often involves reporting defects and working closely with developers.

4. Tools and Technologies:

• Basic understanding of how software applications work and interact.

• While not always required, familiarity with testing concepts, principles, and terminology can be advantageous.

5. Personal Attributes:

• Patience and persistence in testing scenarios.

• Analytical thinking to identify potential issues and bugs.

Course-Specific Requirements:

• Some courses might have specific prerequisites like completing introductory courses in programming, databases, or software development.

• Access to a computer with internet connectivity for online courses.

• Depending on the course format (online or in-person), there might be additional requirements for software installations or access to specific tools. In summary, while formal prerequisites can vary depending on the institution or specific course, a general interest in software testing coupled with basic technical and soft skills are often sufficient to start a course on manual testing.

Manual testing continues to be an essential part of software development and quality assurance processes despite the rise of automated testing. Job prospects for manual testing professionals remain robust, particularly in various industries that prioritize rigorous quality control and thorough testing processes. Here are some key aspects of job prospects in manual testing:

Demand Across Industries

1. Software Development Companies:

• Many software companies still rely on manual testing to ensure comprehensive quality assurance before product releases.

• Startups and smaller firms often begin with manual testing due to its cost-effectiveness and immediate applicability.

2. Financial and Healthcare Sectors:

• Industries with stringent regulatory requirements (e.g., finance, healthcare) heavily rely on manual testing to ensure compliance and mitigate risks.

• Manual testing is crucial in validating complex scenarios and ensuring data security and privacy.

3. Gaming and Mobile App Development:

• Mobile app developers and gaming companies frequently employ manual testing to ensure user experience and functionality across diverse devices and platforms.

Career Growth Opportunities

1. Career Progression:

• Manual testers can progress into roles like Senior Tester, Test Lead, or Quality Assurance Manager as they gain experience and domain expertise.

• Opportunities for specialization in specific domains or technologies (e.g., web applications, mobile apps) are common.

2. Transition to Automation:

• Many manual testers transition into automation testing roles as they gain proficiency in scripting languages and automation tools.

• Understanding manual testing principles provides a strong foundation for designing effective automated test cases.

Job Stability and Flexibility

1. Global Demand:

• Manual testing skills are in demand worldwide, offering opportunities for international career growth and mobility.

• Remote work options are prevalent, allowing testers to work with teams globally.

2. Continuous Learning:

• The field of manual testing evolves with new methodologies and technologies, requiring testers to stay updated with industry trends and best practices.

1. Exploratory Testing:

• Advantage: Human testers can explore the software system intuitively, identifying complex or unexpected issues that automated tests might miss.

• Application: Useful in early stages of development or when requirements are vague, allowing testers to uncover usability issues and potential edge cases.

2. User Experience Evaluation:

• Advantage: Manual testers can assess the software from a user's perspective, evaluating ease of use, intuitiveness, and overall satisfaction.

• Application: Critical for applications where user experience directly impacts adoption and customer retention, such as mobile apps and consumer software.

3. Ad Hoc Testing:

• Advantage: Enables testers to execute tests without predefined scripts, responding to real-time feedback and adjusting tests as they discover new issues.

• Application: Ideal for testing scenarios where formal test cases may not cover all possible interactions or where rapid testing feedback is needed.

4. Edge Case Identification:

• Advantage: Human testers can identify and simulate edge cases or scenarios that are difficult to automate or anticipate with scripted tests.

• Application: Essential for testing applications where unusual user inputs or uncommon system configurations might lead to unexpected behavior or security vulnerabilities.

5. Early Feedback and Quick Adaptation:

• Advantage: Provides immediate feedback to developers on software functionality, allowing for quick iterations and adjustments.

• Application: Particularly beneficial in Agile development environments where continuous integration and deployment require rapid testing cycles.

1. Usability Testing:

• Assessing how user-friendly and intuitive the software is for end-users.

2. Installation Testing:

• Verifying the installation process and ensuring the software integrates smoothly with different environments.

3. Compatibility Testing:

• Testing the software on various platforms, devices, and browsers to ensure compatibility.

4. Localization and Internationalization Testing:

• Verifying that the software meets language, cultural, and regional requirements.

5. Regression Testing:

• Validating that recent code changes have not adversely affected existing functionality.

6. Security Testing:

• Identifying vulnerabilities and ensuring the software is secure against potential threats.

7. Accessibility Testing:

• Ensuring the software is accessible to users with disabilities, conforming to accessibility standards.

1. Test Planning and Preparation:

• Component: Creating test plans, test cases, and test scripts based on requirements and specifications.

• Purpose: Ensures systematic testing and traceability of test activities.

2. Test Execution:

• Component: Performing test cases manually as per the test plan.

• Purpose: Verifies software functionality, identifies defects, and validates expected outcomes.

3. Defect Reporting and Management:

• Component: Documenting and reporting defects discovered during testing.

• Purpose: Facilitates communication between testers and developers for defect resolution.

4. Test Closure:

• Component: Summarizing test results, preparing test closure reports, and evaluating test coverage.

• Purpose: Ensures all planned tests are executed, assesses testing effectiveness, and prepares for next testing phases.

1. Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC):

• Understanding different phases (requirements, design, development, testing, deployment) and how testing fits into each phase.

2. Types of Testing:

• Functional Testing: Verifying specific functions or features of the software.

• Non-Functional Testing: Testing aspects like performance, usability, security, and compatibility.

• Regression Testing: Ensuring existing functionality is not affected by changes.

3. Test Design Techniques:

• Equivalence Partitioning, Boundary Value Analysis, Decision Tables, State Transition Testing, etc., for effective test case design.

4. Test Execution and Reporting:

• Techniques for executing test cases, recording results, and preparing comprehensive test reports.

5. Defect Management:

• Processes for identifying, documenting, prioritizing, and tracking defects through to resolution.

6. Testing Documentation:

• Creating and maintaining test artifacts such as test plans, test cases, and test summary reports.

7. Tools and Techniques:

• Use of manual testing tools for test management, defect tracking, and reporting.

8. Quality Assurance Principles:

• Understanding the principles and best practices for ensuring software quality throughout the testing process.

Online Weekend Sessions: 08-10 | Duration: 24 to 26 Hours

1. Fundamentals of software testing

• Software context—Why does a software fail?
• Principles, scope, and focus of testing
• Debugging Vs. Testing
• Understanding risk
• Identifying and analyzing project and product risks
• Goals of testing
• Basic testing process

2. Testing throughout software development

• Testing and development
• Early testing
• Models and testing
• Verification and validation
• Test levels—unit, integration, system, acceptance
• Understanding regression testing

3. Understanding test types

1.Functional

2.Non-Functional

• Compatibility
• Recovery
• Installation
• Configuration
• Security
• Performance

4. Testing terminology

• Sanity Testing
• Smoke Testing
• Adhoc Testing
• Exploratory Testing

5. Static techniques

• What is static testing?
• Reviews, inspections, walkthroughs, etc.
• General review process
• Common types of reviews
• Roles and responsibilities in reviews
• Success factors for reviews
• Limits of reviews

6. Test design techniques

• Overview of test design and the design approach
• Documentation decisions
• Types of test design techniques
• Human/experience-based methods
• Black-box (functional) techniques
• White-box (structural) techniques
• Experience-based techniques
• Selecting the appropriate test technique

7.Test initiation

• Team organization
• Roles and responsibilities
• Understanding the test manager
• Understanding the tester
• Test planning and strategy
• Configuration management and testing
• Defect/incident classification and management

8.Tool support for testing

• Selection process
• Introduction
• Benefits
• Risks and concerns
• Classifications

9. Agile testing process

• Scrum Master
• Pre-Sprint Planning
• Sprint Planning
• Work Allocation
• Daily Scrum
• Impediment
• Burn down
• Product Backlog
•  Post-mortem meeting