How Do I Become a Quality Assurance Analyst?

Quality assurance analysts typically work within an organization to ensure that all computers, technology, and equipment meet the expectations of users. Responsibilities include collecting data gathered from testing processes, inspections, and responding to user input. A quality assurance analyst also assesses a business to determine problems that affect overall quality. The requirements to become a quality assurance analyst include excellent communication skills, organizational skills, familiarity with various applicable software programs, and a bachelor's degree.

In order to become a quality assurance analyst, you must first meet some specific qualifications and get a degree in computer science, computer engineering or software development, depending upon the industry in which you are interested. Some quality assurance analysts have worked their way up within their companies, but acquiring a degree will probably take less time. Arguably, one of the most valuable qualifications is experience within a specific industry or business. Over the span of a career, most quality assurance analysts work for several different companies or organizations within a specific industry. It is this industry experience, accumulated over many years, that develops the best and most sought-after characteristics in quality control analysts.

Job duties for a quality assurance analyst include analyzing applicable data, developing appropriate quality control standards, reviewing current quality control practices, and evaluating the services or products offered by a company or organization. While similar in scope to a systems analyst, who develops computer systems, a quality control analyst focuses more on quality assurance through the testing of systems. His or her main purpose is to make sure that all computer systems work efficiently and are functioning properly. The two job titles may be interchangeable from company to company, however.

Those who aspire to become a quality assurance analyst should have exceptional verbal and written communication skills. Since they are likely to interact with high-ranking executives as well as lower-level employees, the ability to develop, create, and present ideas and information in an easy to understand format is vital. Quality assurance analysts also develop and organize various inspection techniques, devise precise quality assurance principles, and implement testing procedures. A working knowledge of the various types of software programs used in quality assurance is likely to be a requirement for this position.