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Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers: reported tasks and exploration worksheet

Develop and execute software tests to identify software problems and their causes. Test system modifications to prepare for implementation. Document software and application defects using a bug tracking system and report defects to software or web developers. Create and maintain databases of known defects. May participate in software design reviews to provide input on functional requirements, operational characteristics, product designs, and schedules.

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This source lists 30 tasks, including 27 marked Core and 0 marked Supplemental. Labels and dates are retained below. Employers can combine or divide these responsibilities differently; explore the task itself before assuming it belongs in every version of the role.

Task source dates: 08/2022, 11/2020.

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30 tasks shown

Core · Task 14642 · 08/2022 · Occupational Expert

Identify, analyze, and document problems with program function, output, online screen, or content.

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Core · Task 14641 · 08/2022 · Occupational Expert

Document software defects, using a bug tracking system, and report defects to software developers.

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Core · Task 14640 · 08/2022 · Occupational Expert

Develop testing programs that address areas such as database impacts, software scenarios, regression testing, negative testing, error or bug retests, or usability.

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Core · Task 14638 · 08/2022 · Occupational Expert

Design test plans, scenarios, scripts, or procedures.

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Core · Task 14648 · 08/2022 · Occupational Expert

Document test procedures to ensure replicability and compliance with standards.

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Core · Task 14653 · 08/2022 · Occupational Expert

Provide feedback and recommendations to developers on software usability and functionality.

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Core · Task 14652 · 08/2022 · Occupational Expert

Install, maintain, or use software testing programs.

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Core · Task 14639 · 08/2022 · Occupational Expert

Test system modifications to prepare for implementation.

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Core · Task 14644 · 08/2022 · Occupational Expert

Create or maintain databases of known test defects.

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Core · Task 14649 · 08/2022 · Occupational Expert

Develop or specify standards, methods, or procedures to determine product quality or release readiness.

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Core · Task 14643 · 08/2022 · Occupational Expert

Monitor bug resolution efforts and track successes.

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Core · Task 14650 · 08/2022 · Occupational Expert

Update automated test scripts to ensure currency.

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Core · Task 14646 · 08/2022 · Occupational Expert

Participate in product design reviews to provide input on functional requirements, product designs, schedules, or potential problems.

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Core · Task 14645 · 08/2022 · Occupational Expert

Plan test schedules or strategies in accordance with project scope or delivery dates.

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Core · Task 14654 · 08/2022 · Occupational Expert

Monitor program performance to ensure efficient and problem-free operations.

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Core · Task 14655 · 08/2022 · Occupational Expert

Conduct software compatibility tests with programs, hardware, operating systems, or network environments.

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Core · Task 14651 · 08/2022 · Occupational Expert

Investigate customer problems referred by technical support.

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Core · Task 14647 · 08/2022 · Occupational Expert

Review software documentation to ensure technical accuracy, compliance, or completeness, or to mitigate risks.

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Core · Task 14658 · 08/2022 · Occupational Expert

Identify program deviance from standards, and suggest modifications to ensure compliance.

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Core · Task 14661 · 08/2022 · Occupational Expert

Perform initial debugging procedures by reviewing configuration files, logs, or code pieces to determine breakdown source.

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Core · Task 14659 · 08/2022 · Occupational Expert

Design or develop automated testing tools.

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Core · Task 14656 · 08/2022 · Occupational Expert

Install and configure recreations of software production environments to allow testing of software performance.

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Core · Task 14657 · 08/2022 · Occupational Expert

Collaborate with field staff or customers to evaluate or diagnose problems and recommend possible solutions.

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Core · Task 14660 · 08/2022 · Occupational Expert

Coordinate user or third-party testing.

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Core · Task 14662 · 08/2022 · Occupational Expert

Visit beta testing sites to evaluate software performance.

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Core · Task 14664 · 08/2022 · Occupational Expert

Conduct historical analyses of test results.

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Core · Task 14663 · 08/2022 · Occupational Expert

Evaluate or recommend software for testing or bug tracking.

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Unspecified · Task 21680 · 11/2020 · Analyst

Modify existing software to correct errors, allow it to adapt to new hardware, or to improve its performance.

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Unspecified · Task 21681 · 11/2020 · Analyst

Recommend purchase of equipment to control dust, temperature, or humidity in area of system installation.

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Unspecified · Task 21682 · 11/2020 · Analyst

Store, retrieve, and manipulate data for analysis of system capabilities and requirements.

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Source and practice material

Occupational context uses the O*NET® 31.0 Database from the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, under CC BY 4.0. View the occupation.

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