How to Become a Product Tester
Every day, we purchase products that help us solve problems, entertain us, and get us from point A to point B. When you learn how to become a product tester, you do your part to ensure that goods meet certain quality standards. Most importantly, you ensure that the products we purchase are safe and reliable.
Becoming a product tester is a great way to earn a living while working from home or on a dynamic product development team. Plus, there’s a constant demand for product testers. In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 17% increase in new software development, quality assurance, and testing jobs over the next ten years.
Below, we’ll show you how to become a product tester, including the types of product tester jobs available and what you’ll need to get started.
What Is a Product Tester?
Product testers provide feedback on the quality and safety of products. They typically work for marketing firms and businesses that need accurate and honest reviews before launching products. Some product testers work on QA teams, while others work individually or on a freelance basis.
Some examples of product testers include:
- Software testers: These are individuals who test software for defects, errors, and bugs.
- Electronics testers: Electronics testers evaluate the wiring, circuits, and components of electronic products to ensure that they work properly.
- Retail testers: Retail testers test limited-quantity product samples for efficiency, convenience, and functionality. They also provide feedback to developers before items go to market.
- Video game testers: These are testers who assess video game features and evaluate them for bugs and glitches.
- Automobile test drivers: Automobile test drivers drive new car models or prototypes and evaluate them for safety, features, fun, and speed.
- Cosmetics product testers: Cosmetics product testers evaluate new beauty products.
What Does a Product Tester Do?
Product testers get paid to test products for companies or marketing firms. They provide feedback on how the products look and work, so companies can make any necessary changes before they hit the shelves.
Some product testers work on product development teams and collaborate with product managers. In some cases, product managers act as quality assurance testers during product life cycles. For more information on product management careers, see Monster’s guide on how to become a product manager.
The typical duties of product testers include:
- Inspecting prototypes and new products.
- Evaluating the quality of raw materials before production.
- Testing and analyzing products and providing a pass or fail grade.
- Comparing products.
How to Become a Product Tester
Want to test products for money? You’ll need in-depth knowledge about the type of products you’re testing. For example, if you’re planning on becoming a software tester, you should have in-depth knowledge of software functionality, as well as some software development skills.
If you plan on becoming a freelance, at-home product tester, you’ll need to join a product testing panel. Many panels offer incentives such as free products, gift cards, and even cash rewards.
The skills you’ll need to be successful as a product tester include:
- Analytical skills.
- Critical thinking skills.
- Attention to detail.
- Problem-solving and troubleshooting skills.
- Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
- Presentation and reporting skills.
Product Tester Training, Education, and Requirements
Most product tester jobs don’t require any formal education. But if you’re just getting started, you might consider taking a product tester course online to learn how to select products that you’re knowledgeable about, evaluate products, and provide honest and accurate feedback.
Some corporate product tester jobs require formal education or credentials. Here are some examples:
- Software tester jobs typically require at least a bachelor’s degree in computer science, software engineering, or a related field.
- Video game tester jobs typically require a bachelor’s degree in computer game design or a related field.
- Automobile test driver jobs require a valid class C driver’s license. Many employers prefer candidates who have post-secondary automotive mechanics training from a vocational institute.
- Quality assurance jobs may require a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field and an understanding of Agile frameworks.
- Some advanced quality assurance and product development jobs may call for Six Sigma certification (typically Yellow to Master Black Belt levels).
How Much Do Product Testers Make?
Want to know how much you can get paid to test products? It all depends on which market you’re testing for and your level of knowledge and experience within a certain niche. Additionally, your pay will be determined by whether you’re a part- or full-time employee or you do product testing as a freelance gig. For example, software quality assurance testers earn a median salary of $31.92 per hour.
Here are some more general estimates of how much product testers make:
- Video game testers: $31,000 to over $100,000 per year
- Cosmetics products testers: $25,000 to over $50,000 per year
- Automobile test drivers: $18,000 to over $100,000 per year
- Retail product testers: $28,000 to over $60,000 per year
How to Find Product Tester Jobs
Now that you know how to become a product tester, start looking for job opportunities that match your skills and interests. But before hitting that “apply” button, make sure you craft a resume that demonstrates your skills and experience in product testing or the field you’ll be working in. Then, let Monster provide a free quality assurance check on your resume before sending it to employers.
Once you’re ready to test products for money, start by applying for product tester jobs on Monster. Or, check out these similar positions:
Put Your Job Application to the Test
So, you’ve learned how to become a product tester. Now, put your QA skills to the test by scouring job ads to find the best position in the bunch. Or, make things easier for yourself by completing your profile at Monster to receive free job notifications and connect with hiring managers. We also have tons of career advice articles to help you meet your career goals.