Manual testing

---

Welcome! A lot more coming soon!

Please verify this platform information with authenticated sources before using in real life

---

Manual testing is the foundational practice of verifying software functionality by manually executing predefined test cases without automation tools.

It ensures that applications meet requirements, are user‑friendly, and free of defects before release (GeeksforGeeks).

Positioned at the heart of QA within the SDLC, manual testers collaborate with developers and stakeholders to design test plans, execute tests, and report findings (Coursera). Key prerequisites include a solid grasp of software development life cycles, basic database and networking knowledge, and strong analytical skills (Testsigma).

After gaining experience, manual testers can advance to roles like QA Analyst, Test Lead, or transition into automation testing and performance or security testing specializations (Reddit).

Rich learning resources span BrowserStack tutorials, Coursera articles, and community blogs, while certifications such as ISTQB Foundation and CAST bolster credibility (BrowserStack, LambdaTest).

With a clear roadmap—master fundamentals, build domain expertise, earn certifications, and continuously upskill—aspiring testers can thrive in this enduring career path.

---

1. What It Is

Manual testing is a software testing technique where testers execute test cases by hand to validate application functionality against requirements (GeeksforGeeks). It involves writing test plans, creating test scenarios, executing tests, and reporting defects, ensuring that the software behaves as expected for end users (Coursera).

---

2. Where It Falls in the Ecosystem

Manual testing sits within the Quality Assurance (QA) phase of the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC), bridging development and release. Testers collaborate with developers, business analysts, and product owners to translate requirements into test cases and ensure product quality before deployment (Medium).

---

3. Prerequisites Before This

• Understanding of SDLC and STLC: Familiarity with software and testing life cycles is essential (BrowserStack).
• Basic Technical Knowledge: Knowledge of databases (SQL), networking protocols (HTTP, TCP/IP), and operating systems helps in test design and execution (Testsigma).
• Analytical and Communication Skills: Critical thinking to identify edge cases and clear communication to report defects effectively (Testsigma).
• Domain Knowledge: Understanding of the application domain (e.g., finance, healthcare) enhances test relevance.

---

4. What You Can Learn After This

• Automation Testing: Transition into tools like Selenium, QTP/UFT, or Tricentis Tosca to automate repetitive tests (Reddit).
• Performance & Security Testing: Specialize in non‑functional testing areas such as load testing (JMeter) or penetration testing (OWASP) (LambdaTest).
• Test Management: Move into QA Lead or Test Manager roles, overseeing test strategies and teams (Reddit).
• DevOps & CI/CD: Integrate testing into continuous integration pipelines using Jenkins, GitLab CI, or Azure DevOps.

---

5. Similar Roles

• QA Analyst: Focuses on requirements analysis and test planning.
• Test Engineer: Designs and implements both manual and automated tests.
• Quality Engineer: Broader role encompassing process improvement and metrics.
• Functional Tester: Similar to manual tester but often domain‑specific.
• User Acceptance Tester: Works closely with end users to validate business requirements.

---

6. Companies Hiring This Role

• IT Services & Consultancies: TCS, Cognizant, Accenture, Capgemini, Wipro (LinkedIn).
• Product Companies: Google, Microsoft, Adobe, Netflix.
• Financial Institutions: JP Morgan Chase, Goldman Sachs.
• Healthcare & Pharma: UnitedHealth Group, Pfizer.
• Startups & Mid‑Size Tech Firms: Frequently list QA roles on LinkedIn and ZipRecruiter.

---

7. Salary Expectations

Region	Typical Range	Source
India	₹1 L-₹10 L per year	(AmbitionBox)
United States	$33-$57 per hour (≈ $68 K-$118 K per year)	(ZipRecruiter)

Entry‑level roles start around ₹1.5 L in India and $33/hr in the US, while senior manual testers can earn up to ₹6.6 L or higher in specialized industries (AmbitionBox).

---

8. Resources to Learn

• BrowserStack Guide: “Manual Testing Tutorial for Beginners” covers fundamentals and methods (BrowserStack).
• Coursera Article: “What Is a QA Manual Tester?” explains roles and test types (Coursera).
• GeeksforGeeks: Detailed definitions and examples of manual testing techniques (GeeksforGeeks).
• Reddit Communities: r/softwaretesting and r/QualityAssurance for peer advice and real‑world insights (Reddit).
• YouTube Tutorials: Complete courses like “Manual Testing Complete Tutorial In Hindi” for hands‑on learning (YouTube).
• Books: “Software Testing: A Craftsman’s Approach” by Paul Jorgensen.

---

9. Certifications

• ISTQB® Foundation Level (CTFL): Industry‑standard entry‑level credential (ISTQB Official Registration).
• Certified Associate in Software Testing (CAST) by QAI Global Institute (LambdaTest).
• ISTQB® Test Analyst (Intermediate level) for test design skills.
• Agile Tester (CTFL‑AT) for testers in Agile environments (ISTQB Official Registration).
• Certified Software Tester (CSTE) by QAI for broader QA knowledge.

---

10. Job Market & Future Outlook (2025)

Demand for manual testers remains steady, with over 9,000 roles advertised monthly on major platforms like LinkedIn and ZipRecruiter (ZipRecruiter). While automation grows, manual testing is still crucial for exploratory, usability, and ad hoc testing, leading to hybrid roles that value both manual and automated skills (aqua cloud - best software for testing). Industry projections indicate stable or modest growth through 2025, especially in domains requiring regulatory compliance (finance, healthcare) (Smart Mentors).

---

🚀 Roadmap to Excel in Manual Testing

1. Master Fundamentals

   • Study SDLC/STLC and testing types (functional, regression, exploratory).
   • Practice writing clear test cases and bug reports.

2. Gain Domain Experience

   • Volunteer for projects in finance, healthcare, or e‑commerce to build context.

3. Earn Certifications

   • Start with ISTQB Foundation, then CAST or Agile Tester.

4. Develop Technical Skills

   • Learn basic SQL for data validation and HTTP for web testing.
   • Familiarize with defect‑tracking tools like JIRA and TestRail.

5. Build Soft Skills

   • Enhance communication for clear bug reporting and stakeholder updates.

6. Transition to Hybrid Roles

   • Learn a basic automation tool (Selenium or Cypress) to become a “hybrid tester.”

7. Advance to Leadership

   • Move into QA Lead, Test Manager, or specialize in niche testing (security, performance).