Hierarchy of roles in software testing
Software testing has moved beyond bug catching.
Software testing has become an important part of the Software Development Lifecycle employing dedicated staff who work operationally and strategically.
Today’s testers evaluate the behaviour, functionality and integrity of systems resolving useability, availability and performance issues in production and modified applications.
In many organisations where entire test teams are employed, testing has become a value-adding discipline that protects and enhances core operations, reducing time to market for products and services.
Accordingly, work responsibilities can range from basic test execution through to C-level management.
| Level | Activities |
|---|---|
| Principal Consultant | Works with clients at strategic level, providing strong leadership and management to large, complex or distressed projects when required. Undertakes test process improvement initiatives, tool evaluation, test audits and work shops. |
| Senior Test Consultant | Develops and leads large teams across significant or multiple programs of work. Assesses risk and determines optimum risk reduction plan. Experienced at negotiating with vendors and suppliers to ensure testing deliverables are met. Creates test strategies and test plans at either the program, project or test-phase level. Can report at all levels within a client organisation. |
| Test Consultant/Manager | Develops leads and controls teams on project work, implements, tracks and manages test process and progress. Fully adept at creating test strategies and plans and all associated test reporting. They take responsibility for the production, delivery and completion of test phases. |
| Test Team Leader | Responsible for team management and ensures that the agreed test strategy is implemented appropriately. Significant experience in leading teams, Full life cycle testing and competency across testing tools. |
| Senior Test Analyst | Skilled in the full test life cycle including requirements review and analysis, test preparation, test execution and incident management. Specialists in their fields and take operating control over team initiatives liaising closely with the test lead or manager. |
| Test Analyst | Full life cycle testing including requirements review and analysis, test preparation, test execution and incident management. Combine industry experience with testing skills to meet client and project objectives. |
| Tester | Works alongside Test Analysts in all areas of test preparation and is primarily responsible for test execution. |
