ict-system-tester/references/tasks.md

Tasks & work activities — ICT system tester

Source: O*NET 30.3, occupation 15-1253.00 (Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers) — manual nearest-occupation mapping via ISCO group 2519; the official ESCO crosswalk has no entry for this ESCO occupation.

Task statements

• [Core] Design test plans, scenarios, scripts, or procedures.
• [Core] Test system modifications to prepare for implementation.
• [Core] Develop testing programs that address areas such as database impacts, software scenarios, regression testing, negative testing, error or bug retests, or usability.
• [Core] Document software defects, using a bug tracking system, and report defects to software developers.
• [Core] Identify, analyze, and document problems with program function, output, online screen, or content.
• [Core] Monitor bug resolution efforts and track successes.
• [Core] Create or maintain databases of known test defects.
• [Core] Plan test schedules or strategies in accordance with project scope or delivery dates.
• [Core] Participate in product design reviews to provide input on functional requirements, product designs, schedules, or potential problems.
• [Core] Review software documentation to ensure technical accuracy, compliance, or completeness, or to mitigate risks.
• [Core] Document test procedures to ensure replicability and compliance with standards.
• [Core] Develop or specify standards, methods, or procedures to determine product quality or release readiness.
• [Core] Update automated test scripts to ensure currency.
• [Core] Investigate customer problems referred by technical support.
• [Core] Install, maintain, or use software testing programs.
• [Core] Provide feedback and recommendations to developers on software usability and functionality.
• [Core] Monitor program performance to ensure efficient and problem-free operations.
• [Core] Conduct software compatibility tests with programs, hardware, operating systems, or network environments.
• [Core] Install and configure recreations of software production environments to allow testing of software performance.
• [Core] Collaborate with field staff or customers to evaluate or diagnose problems and recommend possible solutions.
• [Core] Identify program deviance from standards, and suggest modifications to ensure compliance.
• [Core] Design or develop automated testing tools.
• [Core] Coordinate user or third-party testing.
• [Core] Perform initial debugging procedures by reviewing configuration files, logs, or code pieces to determine breakdown source.
• [Core] Visit beta testing sites to evaluate software performance.
• [Core] Evaluate or recommend software for testing or bug tracking.
• [Core] Conduct historical analyses of test results.
• [nan] Modify existing software to correct errors, allow it to adapt to new hardware, or to improve its performance.
• [nan] Recommend purchase of equipment to control dust, temperature, or humidity in area of system installation.
• [nan] Store, retrieve, and manipulate data for analysis of system capabilities and requirements.

Detailed work activities

• Analyze data to identify or resolve operational problems.
• Analyze data to identify trends or relationships among variables.
• Assess database performance.
• Collaborate with others to determine design specifications or details.
• Collaborate with others to resolve information technology issues.
• Compile technical information or documentation.
• Create databases to store electronic data.
• Develop detailed project plans.
• Develop performance metrics or standards related to information technology.
• Develop testing routines or procedures.
• Document design or development procedures.
• Document operational activities.
• Evaluate utility of software or hardware technologies.
• Install computer software.
• Manage documentation to ensure organization or accuracy.
• Modify software programs to improve performance.
• Monitor computer system performance to ensure proper operation.
• Prepare data for analysis.
• Provide customer service to clients or users.
• Provide recommendations to others about computer hardware.
• Read documents to gather technical information.
• Recommend changes to improve computer or information systems.
• Report maintenance or equipment problems to appropriate personnel.
• Test computer system operations to ensure proper functioning.
• Test software performance.
• Troubleshoot issues with computer applications or systems.