What is a test engineer: Everything you need to know

The work of a test engineer

A test engineer is thus responsible for setting up, running and evaluating tests that test software for quality. Software tests come in different forms, each with its own purpose: these are called test design techniques. The tests are set up based on certain specifications. As an engineer you partly determine these specifications yourself and partly in consultation with the customer. Software tests can be carried out both before the software is implemented and when it is already implemented.

As a test engineer you develop the methods and test equipment that you will use and you are involved in a project from the beginning to the end. You sometimes do the tests yourself, but it also happens often that software testers do that. They then follow your instructions carefully. As a test engineer it is important that you can see where the errors are based on the test results and that you report them accurately.

Why would you want to do this job?

As a test engineer you play an important role in quality assurance. You are responsible for ensuring that software meets all of the set requirements. This is a very important task, because releasing software with defects can have serious consequences. For example, imagine if there were a defect in the software of an aircraft. That would be very dangerous! So as a test engineer, you prevent this from happening.

Besides playing an important role in quality assurance, being a test engineer also has other advantages:

• For example, you often have a lot of freedom in your work;
• You are usually not tied to one place;
• You can often work from home;
• You have good job prospects.

Salary of a test engineer

How much do you earn as a test engineer? That depends of course on your experience and education. In general you can say that test engineers earn a good salary. For example, according to the Nationale Beroepen Gids, you can easily earn more than 3000 euros gross per month in the Netherlands. With a few years of experience you can even earn 4000 euros or more gross per month.

Is it a suitable profession for you?

Do you think that being a test engineer is a suitable profession for you? Then it is important to know that as a test engineer you need certain skills:

• Analytical;
• Critical;
• Eye for detail;
• Organize plans;
• Self-directed;
• Agile.

Which training do you need?

With our e-learning TMap® Suite Test Engineer you will learn how to test in a structured, effective and efficient way. You can follow the modules wherever and whenever you want and it covers the complete examination material of the generally recognized EXIN-exam by means of animations, practice questions and assignments for testing. The e-learning is the basic training in testing and prepares you to specify tests and apply the coverage forms and testing techniques.

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