Ashburton College
Test Analyst Kaitātari Whakamātautau
Test analysts design and carry out tests for computer software and systems, analyse results, and identify and report problems.
Test analysts may choose to become certified through professional associations such as IT Professionals or the Australia New Zealand Testing Board.
- IT Professionals NZ website - information on becoming certified
- ANZ Testing Board website - information on ISTQB certification
Test analysts may do some or all of the following:
- design and develop tests for software and systems to detect faults
- keep written records of defects and bugs that are discovered during testing
- analyse the defects and bugs to identify what is causing them
- develop or recommend solutions to fix any problems discovered during testing
- track the success of the solutions
- keep software and systems documentation up to date.
Physical Requirements
Test analysts spend a lot of time using computers, so it is important that they know how to use computer equipment properly to avoid occupational overuse syndrome (OOS).
Useful Experience
Useful experience for test analysts includes:
- work with computers or programming
- research and analysis
- quality control or assessment work
- IT internships and graduate recruitment programmes.
Personal Qualities
Test analysts need to be:
- methodical, accurate and patient
- able to work well under pressure, and meet deadlines
- able to work well as part of a team, and with minimal supervision
- skilled at problem solving
- skilled at verbal and written communication.
Skills
Test analysts need to have knowledge of:
- programming methods and technology
- computer software and systems
- project management.
Conditions
Test analysts:
- usually work full time and often work evenings and weekends, or might be on call
- work in offices in conditions that may be stressful because they sometimes work to strict deadlines
- may travel locally or overseas to meet clients.
Subject Recommendations
A tertiary entrance qualification is required to enter further training. Useful subjects include digital technologies, maths, physics and English.
For Year 11 to 13 students, the Gateway programme is a good way to gain industry experience.
Test Analysts can earn around $80K-$130K per year.
Chances of getting a job as a Test Analyst are good due to a shortage of people interested in this type of work.
Pay for test analysts varies depending on skills, experience and where you work, with pay in Auckland being higher.
- Test analysts usually earn $80,000 to $120,00 a year.
- Senior test analysts usually earn $100,000 to $130,00 a year.
- Lead test analysts and managers can earn $130,000 to $200,000 a year.
Sources: Absolute IT, ’IT Job Market & Remuneration Report 2022’; Recruit I.T., ’Technology & Digital Salary Update, Auckland, December 2022’; and Recruit I.T., ‘Technology & Digital Salary Update, Wellington, December 2022’.
Test analysts may progress to become lead testers or testing managers, or move into a general management role.
Years Of Training
1-3 years of training usually required.There are no specific requirements to become a test analyst. However, you usually need at least one of the following:
- a tertiary qualification in computer science, information systems or business computing
- a relevant industry-based certification such as International Software Testing Qualifications Board (ISTQB) Certified Tester
- on-the-job training through internships and graduate recruitment programmes
- experience in related entry-level IT roles such as systems administrator or helpdesk/support technician.
You can also learn through online courses and tutorials, and work on your own projects.
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