How To Become An App Tester And Make Money

Introduction.

I’m excited to share with you one of the most interesting ways to work in tech—app testing.

Today, apps are a huge part of our daily lives, and there’s a big need for people who can find bugs and help developers make their apps work better.

As someone who has spent time in this field, I can tell you that app testing not only lets you be part of something innovative but can also be a great way to earn money.

I remember when I first started testing apps—I was amazed at how much detail went into checking every little feature, and I felt like I was making a real difference in the product’s quality. Now, I want to share with you how you can follow a similar path.

From freelancing on your own time to working with established testing platforms, there’s a space for everyone.

In this post, I’ll explain what app testing is all about, the skills you need to get started, and the steps I took to build my testing career.

What is App Testing?

App testing is a way to check mobile and web applications for bugs, errors, and usability issues before they reach the public.

I learned that testing isn’t just about finding glitches; it’s about understanding how real users interact with an app and ensuring that it meets their needs. This process helps developers fix issues early, which saves time and money in the long run.

Testing involves running the app on different devices, checking various features, and sometimes even trying out scenarios that the developers might not have thought of.

As a tester, I get to see the app from the user’s point of view. This perspective is valuable because even small issues can affect how users feel about an app.

According to a report by MarketsandMarkets, the global software testing market is expected to reach a value of around $50 billion by 2025. This shows that quality assurance is not only important but also a growing field.

Understanding app testing can seem a bit overwhelming at first, but I found that breaking it down into simple steps helped.

It’s all about being patient, observant, and willing to learn. And the best part? You don’t need to have a fancy degree in computer science to get started.

Skills to Develop

To succeed as an app tester, I found that a few key skills made a difference:

Attention to Detail: It’s important to notice even the smallest problems. A tiny glitch might seem unimportant, but it can impact the overall user experience.
Communication: When you spot an issue, you need to explain it clearly to the developers. Good communication helps everyone understand the problem and work on a fix.
Curiosity: A natural desire to explore how things work can take you far. I often spent extra time clicking around to see if I could find any hidden bugs.
Basic Technical Skills: While you don’t need to be a coding expert, knowing a bit about how apps are built can be really helpful. I found that online courses and tutorials made it easier to understand the basics.

Even if you’re not from a tech background, these skills can be developed over time with practice and the right resources.

Many online courses and tutorials are designed to help beginners get started in app testing. Remember, every expert started as a beginner!

Getting Started as an App Tester

When I first dipped my toes into app testing, I started by signing up for beta testing programs. Many developers look for everyday users to try out their apps before they launch publicly. This was a great way for me to practice and get feedback on my work.

Here are some steps that helped me get started:

Learn the Basics: There are plenty of free resources online. Websites like Software Testing Help offer articles, guides, and tutorials that cover the fundamentals of testing.
Join Testing Platforms: I signed up on sites like uTest and Test IO. These platforms connect testers with companies that need their apps checked out. They’re a great way to get real-world experience and even earn money.
Practice on Your Own: Before diving into professional testing, I played around with beta versions of apps available on platforms like BetaFamily. This gave me a chance to practice my skills without any pressure.
Build Your Profile: As you gain experience, it’s important to showcase your work. I kept a record of the issues I found and the improvements suggested. This portfolio came in handy when I applied for more advanced testing opportunities.

Taking these steps allowed me to build confidence and credibility as a tester. It’s all about gradually building your skills and showing potential employers that you know what you’re doing.

Platforms and Tools

Several platforms and tools can help you get started and grow in app testing. Here are a few that I’ve found useful:

uTest: This is one of the most popular testing communities. It offers a range of testing opportunities and a supportive community of fellow testers. You can check it out at uTest.com.
Test IO: Known for connecting freelance testers with companies, Test IO allows you to work on different projects. Visit test.io to learn more about it.
Bug Tracking Tools: Tools like JIRA help in recording and tracking issues. I found learning the basics of such tools very useful as they are widely used in the industry.
Automation Tools: While many testing jobs are manual, learning about tools like Selenium can give you an edge. Even a basic understanding can open up more opportunities.

Each platform and tool has its learning curve, but there are plenty of tutorials and community forums where I can ask questions and share experiences. The key is to start small and gradually expand your toolkit.

Tips for Success

After spending time in the field, I picked up a few tips that might help you succeed in app testing:

Stay Curious: Always be willing to explore and ask questions. I learned that the more I questioned how an app worked, the more issues I found.
Keep Learning: The tech world is always changing, and so are testing methods. Regularly updating your skills can make you a more valuable tester.
Network: Join online communities and forums dedicated to testing. I found that connecting with others in the field provided not only useful advice but also potential job leads.
Document Everything: Good documentation is a tester’s best friend. I made it a habit to write clear, concise reports of every issue I found. This practice really paid off when I had to explain problems to developers.
Be Patient: Sometimes, finding the bug can take time. I remind myself that persistence is key. A patient and methodical approach always wins in the end.

These tips helped me become more efficient and confident in my testing work. Remember, every tester has their style, so find what works best for you and stick with it.

FAQs

What skills do I need to become an app tester?

You don’t need advanced coding skills. Focus on developing attention to detail, clear communication, and a bit of technical knowledge about how apps work.

Do I need a degree to start app testing?

Not at all! Many successful testers are self-taught. There are lots of free resources and courses online that can help you learn the basics.

Can I do app testing as a side job?

Yes, many platforms offer freelance testing opportunities that allow you to work on your own time. Sites like uTest and Test IO are great places to start.

What tools should I learn?

Start with basic bug-tracking tools like JIRA. As you gain confidence, consider learning about automation tools like Selenium to expand your skill set.

Further Resources

If you’re ready to dive deeper, here are some extra resources that I found incredibly helpful:

Software Testing Help: A great resource for beginners with tutorials, guides, and tips.
Ministry of Testing: A friendly community where you can learn from experienced testers.
Coursera’s Software Testing Courses: Online courses that cover a range of topics, from basic testing to advanced techniques.
Udemy: Offers affordable courses on app testing and quality assurance.
Google Testing Blog: Insights and tips from the testing team at Google.

These resources have been a solid foundation for me, and I’m confident they can help you build your skills too.

Conclusion

Becoming an app tester has been a fulfilling journey that blends curiosity, technical know-how, and the satisfaction of helping improve the digital tools we all rely on.

I’ve enjoyed sharing my experiences and tips with you, and I hope you feel inspired to give it a try.

How do you plan to start your journey into app testing and make money?