What are the essential skills and competencies for test automation engineers?

A solid foundation in programming is fundamental for test automation engineers. When building frameworks from scratch, clarity in programming basics is really important. For Example, In Selenium with Java, a solid understanding of programming basics is key. It guides how you implement Object-Oriented Programming (OOPS) in your framework, deciding which class to extend or implement, and where to apply abstraction. Similarly, in logic building, using loops (like 'for' and 'while', etc) and understanding when to use switch cases or if-else statements is crucial. So, having strong programming skills is really essential for a test automation engineer.

Test automation engineers are nothing but developers who have well versed knowledge in testing concepts. Before diving into tools one should get expert in atleast one of the programming language. If the foundation of programming is strong then switching between other languages and tools will not be a difficult thing. The next step for any test Automation engineer Would be to know the concept of source control, CICD. This means to learn how Git works, what is continuous integration and continuous delivery and continuous testing, One can start with creating a simple test automation repo in GitHub and then use the CICD tool like jenkins to create a basic job Which pulls code from GitHub and execute the tests

Test automation engineers should possess 1. Strong programming skills 2. Proficiency in testing tools and frameworks 3. Solid understanding of software testing principles 4. Ability to collaborate with developers and QA teams. Continuous learning about new technologies and staying updated on industry best practices is crucial for success in this role. Effective communication is also essential for conveying test results and collaborating with cross-functional teams.

As a test automation engineer one of the most important responsibilities that you have is to automate the test scenarios. If you just start working at this position don't hesitate about which languages or framework is better. Teams use different programming languages and frameworks based on the technology they are using in the code base. So just pick one and become experienced in that.

Test Automation engineers must think like Developers and have positive mindset. Ther are few Skills which must test Automation Engineer have : 1) Programming Skills 2) Analytics Skills 3) Decision making 4) Deep dive knowledge of Tool using for Automation 5) CI/CD Concepts 6) Domain Knowledge ( Not on Priority) 7) Soft Skills 8) AI and Self Healing Concepts 9) Framework Concepts ( Best Practises and implementation from scratch)

For a QA engineer it is essential to have some strategies for testing. There are many kinds of testing as explained in this article. But the point is how you are going to run them. Which parts should be automated and which manual testing should be run first to decrease the release time. These questions should be answered in meetings with PO, Developers (3 Amigos).

Testing Foundation: Test automation engineers must possess solid skills in test design, execution, reporting, and management. Automation Suitability Assessment: Ability to discern scenarios suitable for automation versus those best suited for manual testing. Versatility in Testing Types: Proficiency in applying various testing types, including functional, non-functional, integration, regression, and performance testing. Project Alignment: Capability to align testing strategies with project requirements and objectives for comprehensive test coverage.

A thorough understanding of testing principles, methodologies, and frameworks is essential. Understand the different types of testing, and execution of comprehensive test plans, covering critical areas such as integration, regression, functional testing, and interoperability to ensure complete test coverage.

A solid grasp of testing skills is fundamental for test automation engineers. From designing and executing tests to reporting and managing them, a well-rounded understanding is crucial. The ability to discern between scenarios fit for automation versus those requiring manual testing showcases a nuanced skill set. Moreover, proficiency in various testing types—functional, non-functional, integration, regression, or performance—ensures adaptability to diverse project requirements. Testing skills are the backbone, guiding automation engineers to make informed decisions and contribute effectively to project objectives.

Test automation engineers need to be skilled in programming and automation tools, familiar with CI/CD, version control, and databases/SQL. It's essential to have strong test design, framework, and debugging abilities. Knowing performance, security, and regression testing is a big plus. Additionally, being analytical, communicating well, and working effectively in a team are key competencies.

Definitely debugging the code is crucial to create reliable test scenarios. Although debugging the tests on the local environment is important, debugging flaky tests on CI/CD is more important. Having an effective approach to debug the flaky tests can introduce you as a skilled QA engineer. Flaky tests are the test scenarios that sometimes fail in the pipeline and we don't have enough information why they failed. One approach to catch the errors is to record scenarios or take snapshots when the tests didn't meet the assertion. Frameworks like Cypress also have an internal tool to save the DOM status after each action.

In my experience, debugging skills are crucial for QA professionals because they enable quick identification and isolation of defects. This leads to more effective communication with developers, facilitating faster resolutions. Additionally, debugging helps optimize test cases and automation scripts, ensuring their reliability. It also enhances collaboration between QA and development teams, promoting a shared understanding of the software. Ultimately, strong debugging skills contribute to continuous improvement in the development process and software quality.

A good communication between stakeholders and developers can lead to better releases. As a QA engineer should have this ability to show the results of ran tests in an effective way. Using tools like Zephyr, Azure Test Plan can help the team with the testing process. These tools can provide the time spent on testing each feature, the number of test cases and how many of the test cases have failed.

Effective communication is the bridge between technical expertise and collaborative teamwork. Test automation engineers need to articulate findings, issues, and solutions clearly to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

One time at work, I realized how important communication skills are for QA professionals. They help foster collaboration with developers and product managers, ensuring everyone is aligned. Effectively reporting issues and documenting test plans and bug reports makes a huge difference in understanding and prioritizing problems. Providing constructive feedback on product quality requires clear expression, and strong communication is key when training new team members and sharing knowledge. Overall, good communication skills are vital for a successful QA process.

With disruptive technologies like Low-code and AI, programming skills are just the tip of the iceberg. Companies look for core competencies such as toolset proficiency, agile methodologies, CI/ CD, and extensive knowledge in test design techniques and frameworks. Building robust test automation frameworks require adaptability and eagerness to learn new tools and frameworks. Willingness to continuously learn and adapt to new automation technologies, tools, and best practices in the rapidly evolving field of test automation is the most essential skill to stay relevant in the market.

Adaptability to Change: A continuous learning mindset is essential for test automation engineers to stay abreast of evolving trends and technologies in the dynamic software industry. Tool and Framework Proficiency: Willingness to learn new tools, frameworks, languages, and methodologies enhances automation skills, keeping them relevant and effective. Collaborative Learning: Actively seeking and sharing knowledge with fellow automation engineers through online platforms, communities, and events fosters a collaborative and informed testing community.

If you are in charge of the quality of a software you should have a good awareness of technologies that are used in the product. So keep learning is crucial. Participating in online seminars that are held in the QA industry can be one of the possible ways to learn.

One thing I've found helpful as a QA professional is having strong learning skills. They allow me to adapt to new technologies and stay updated on the latest testing tools and methodologies. Embracing continuous learning helps improve my testing processes and product quality. It also enhances my problem-solving abilities, enabling me to develop innovative testing strategies. Additionally, strong learning skills facilitate better collaboration with development and product teams, as I can quickly grasp new concepts and requirements.

Problem solving is the skill that can distinguish between senior and junior QA engineers. It's a skill that you gain, not learn. So be patient in the process of being skilled in this area. Problem solving is a combination of having management and innovation. You should adapt yourself with other members to contribute to the success of the team.

Test automation is not just about running scripts; it's about solving complex problems. Engineers should possess analytical skills to identify challenges and devise innovative solutions. Embracing and honing these skills positions test automation engineers for success in delivering high-quality software in today's fast-paced development environment.

Problem-solving skills are essential for QA professionals as they enable effective identification of software issues and root causes. These skills help develop creative testing strategies and support quick decision-making under pressure. They also foster collaboration with developers and stakeholders, allowing QA engineers to provide valuable insights during discussions. Additionally, strong problem solvers can identify areas for improvement in testing processes, leading to enhanced quality and efficiency.

Success in test automation engineering hinges on a blend of curiosity and solution-seeking. A skilled engineer’s curiosity propels them to dissect complex problems and seek out new methods. It’s not just about posing questions—it’s about delving into the depths, questioning the status quo, and identifying the true causes of problems. This inquisitive nature, paired with a relentless drive to overcome challenges, defines a test automation engineer. They’re not only problem-solvers but also agents of change, enhancing the efficiency, reliability, and quality of software testing. In the dynamic field of test automation, cultivating these key attributes is essential for achieving exceptional results.

For a test automation engineer following skills are important apart from above mentioned skills. 1. Scope identification for test automation 2. Gaps analysis in automation 3. ROI calculation from manual to automation to show benefits 4. Automation metrics for reporting (coverage metric, status, usage, defects etc) 5. Mapping automation results with the testcases and requirement. 6. Publishing test score card to upper management to show the usage and adoption across different projects and apps