{"schemaVersion":"1.0","exportedAt":"2026-05-15T12:41:08.866Z","occupation":{"soc":"15-1253.00","title":"Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers","group":"Computer & Mathematical","sector":"54","jobZone":4,"jobZoneInferred":false},"framework":{"version":"v.26.05","description":"","contextCovered":"This framework covers software quality assurance and testing practice across agile and traditional SDLC environments, from entry-level test execution through enterprise QA leadership, in technology-intensive organizations at Job Zone 4 preparation depth.","levels":{"emerging":{"label":"Emerging","statements":["Software defects and anomalies — identify and document under direct supervision using a bug tracking system in an entry-level QA role.","Test plans and predefined test scripts — execute following established procedures on assigned application modules.","Program function and output — recognize deviations from expected behavior and escalate findings to senior QA staff.","Bug tracking tools and development environment software — install and configure with guidance from a senior analyst on a project team.","Test procedures and replicability standards — follow documented protocols to ensure consistent test execution across sprint cycles.","Regression test cases — run predefined suites under supervision to validate that recent code changes have not introduced new defects.","Software requirements and technical specifications — read and interpret to understand expected system behavior before beginning test execution.","Defect reports — write clear, structured summaries using approved templates and submit to development teams via the bug tracking system.","System modifications — assist in smoke-testing builds prepared for implementation in a supervised pre-release environment.","Test results and execution logs — record accurately and organize in shared documentation repositories for team review."]},"developing":{"label":"Developing","statements":["Test scenarios and usability test scripts — design for assigned features, incorporating positive, negative, and boundary-condition cases in an agile development environment.","Software defects affecting database integrity or online screen content — analyze root causes and document detailed reproduction steps in the bug tracking system with minimal oversight.","Regression and error-retest programs — develop and maintain to cover database impacts and functional changes across iterative software releases.","Feedback on software usability and functionality — prepare and communicate recommendations to developers during sprint reviews and design walk-throughs.","Testing tools and automation frameworks — install, configure, and maintain to support routine test cycles within a CI/CD pipeline.","System modifications scheduled for implementation — test independently against acceptance criteria and produce sign-off reports for project stakeholders.","Test procedures and compliance documentation — author to meet organizational and industry standards, ensuring replicability by other team members.","Defect trends and test execution metrics — monitor across releases and report anomalies to QA leads to inform risk assessments.","Object-oriented or scripted test code — write and review to extend automated regression suites for web and desktop applications.","Complex problem scenarios involving cross-module interactions — analyze and resolve by applying systematic critical thinking within familiar application contexts."]},"proficient":{"label":"Proficient","statements":["Comprehensive test plans and end-to-end test strategies — design autonomously for complex, multi-tier systems addressing scenarios including database impacts, security boundaries, and usability requirements.","Non-routine software defects involving ambiguous specifications or intermittent failures — investigate, reproduce, and document with precision, driving resolution through cross-functional collaboration.","Automated testing programs spanning regression, performance, and negative testing — architect and implement across the full software development lifecycle without requiring oversight.","Quantitative defect analysis and quality metrics — produce and interpret to evaluate system stability and guide release-readiness decisions for senior stakeholders.","Software usability and functionality recommendations — formulate and present to product and engineering leadership, grounding guidance in test evidence and industry best practices.","Testing tools, frameworks, and development environments — evaluate, select, and integrate into existing DevOps pipelines based on project requirements and technology stack.","Systems modifications and pre-production deployments — validate against complex acceptance criteria, identifying edge-case failures before customer-facing release.","Operations analysis of system behavior under load or failure conditions — conduct using monitoring tools and log analysis to uncover systemic risks.","Test documentation libraries and standards — maintain and continuously improve to ensure full compliance with organizational and regulatory requirements.","Junior and mid-level QA analysts — guide through technical problem-solving, peer review of test artifacts, and mentoring on quality assurance methodologies."]},"advanced":{"label":"Advanced","statements":["Organization-wide QA strategy and quality governance framework — define and champion across all product lines, aligning testing standards with enterprise risk tolerance and business objectives.","Quality assurance capability roadmap — lead the development of, including adoption of emerging test automation, AI-assisted testing, and shift-left practices across engineering organizations.","Cross-functional QA processes and toolchain standards — establish and enforce, coordinating with development, product, DevOps, and security teams to embed quality throughout the SDLC.","Senior QA engineers and test architects — mentor and develop, setting performance expectations and creating career growth pathways within the quality assurance function.","Executive and stakeholder reporting on product quality, defect risk, and release readiness — deliver with strategic recommendations that influence go/no-go decisions at the portfolio level.","Industry best practices in systems analysis, quality control, and software engineering — synthesize and translate into organizational standards, training programs, and methodology updates.","QA team hiring, structure, and resource allocation — lead to build high-performing testing organizations capable of supporting large-scale, complex software delivery programs.","Regulatory compliance and quality audit requirements — interpret and operationalize within the QA function, ensuring all test documentation and processes satisfy external and internal mandates.","Enterprise-level test infrastructure investment decisions — evaluate and authorize, balancing cost, scalability, and capability improvements for current and future technology portfolios.","Culture of quality and continuous improvement — instill across engineering and product organizations by advocating for proactive defect prevention, rigorous standards, and shared accountability."]}}},"sources":{"onet":"v30.2 (CC BY 4.0)","crosswalk":"https://skillscrosswalk.com","generator":"LER.me"},"attribution":"© EBSCOed"}