How to become a tester from scratch without education: expert recommendations

At first glance, it may seem that the position of a QA engineer is limited to identifying defects and compiling reports. However, already during the interview process, it becomes obvious that the candidate evaluation process includes much more aspects than just checking technical knowledge. To understand how to pass an interview for a tester and receive a job offer, it is necessary to demonstrate not only basic skills but also the ability to think logically, communicate effectively, and interact within a team.

Modern companies, especially leading technological players, are interested not in executors, but in analytical-minded specialists capable of adding value to the product at all stages of development. Therefore, preparation for the interview should be approached systematically, considering it as part of professional growth rather than just a formal knowledge check.

What a QA specialist needs to know before selection: from preparation to offer

The selection process usually includes several stages: initial interview with an HR specialist, assessment of soft skills, and technical interview. But it all starts with how well you prepared for the interview for a tester in a top company. The key criterion for success becomes not only the level of knowledge but also how consistently the candidate structures their answers, how they justify decisions made, and how deeply they understand the role of testing in the product lifecycle.

An interview is not an exam in the classical sense but a business dialogue. Its goal is to assess how well the candidate fits the company’s tasks and culture. Therefore, it is important not only to provide correct answers but also to demonstrate confidence, a professional approach, and systematic thinking. This is what allows you to successfully pass all selection stages and receive an offer to join a strong team.

How to stand out: preparation tips

Even strong professionals sometimes fail interviews simply because they were not prepared. Below are proven recommendations that will help you approach the process with maximum efficiency:

• research the company’s tech stack — it will allow you to adapt your experience to the specific team’s needs;
• review key concepts — testing types, bug lifecycle, test design techniques;
• study common interview questions for testers from open sources and HR interviews in IT communities;
• update your tester resume, focus on results and projects where you added value;
• practice explaining your experience to a mentor — especially if you are just starting out or transitioning from another field.

These steps form the basis for confidently passing the interview, especially if you want to understand how to pass an interview for a tester with the highest chances of success.

How to pass a tester interview: main stages

The selection process may vary depending on the company, but the main steps are often similar:

• preliminary communication with HR (evaluation of motivation, soft skills, overall fit);
• test assignment or assessment (often logic and attention tasks);
• interview with a QA lead or engineer (assessment of professional skills, testing approach);
• meeting with the team or development manager (at the final approval stage);
• discussion of the offer, terms, and start date.

It is important to understand that each step is an opportunity not only to talk about yourself but also to ask questions. This approach demonstrates maturity and understanding of the process.

Most common questions in a QA tester interview

To avoid awkwardness and be confident, it is important to think in advance about how you will answer the most common questions. Here are examples of topics that are addressed in almost every interview: What is the difference between positive and negative testing? What test design techniques have you used and where? What critical bugs have you found for the business? How do you prioritize tasks with limited time? What do you do if a developer disagrees with a bug report?

Each of these questions tests not only knowledge but also your approach, systematic thinking, and ability to act in conditions of uncertainty — qualities that are essential to understand how to pass an interview for a tester and present yourself as a strong candidate.

How to avoid interview failures: common candidate mistakes

Even experienced candidates make mistakes that can easily be avoided. Below is a list of typical errors that hinder successful selection:

• providing overly brief answers without elaborating on the task’s essence;
• unable to explain why they applied a specific testing technique;
• excessively criticizing former colleagues or projects;
• not asking questions about the team, process, or company culture;
• getting lost in discussions about salary or conditions.

Understanding these mistakes allows you to prepare and avoid repeating them — especially if you want to understand how to pass an interview for a tester on the first attempt and build a successful career.

What skills are currently valued in QA engineers?

The market is rapidly evolving, and the requirements for quality analysts are constantly increasing. Modern companies prefer specialists who can adapt to changes, quickly learn new tools, and strive to automate routine processes.

In practice, this means confident command of SQL, knowledge of working principles with REST API, ability to use tools like Postman and DevTools. Understanding CI/CD processes, experience with Jenkins and version control systems like Git are also valued.

Employers also pay attention to experience with bug tracking and test management systems, including Jira and TestRail. A valuable skill remains the ability to create test cases, checklists, bug reports logically, and justify actions during testing. Even if a specialist works as a manual QA engineer, there is an increasing welcome for willingness to learn automation and interact with code.

The combination of these competencies not only increases a candidate’s chances in the market but also helps successfully pass even the most technically challenging HR interviews.

How to pass a tester interview and get an offer: the key

A successful interview is not a coincidence but a result of preparation, reflection, and self-presentation skills. To understand how to pass an interview for a tester, you need not only to review the theory but also to consciously approach your strengths, build a narrative about yourself, and clearly understand the value you can bring to the team.

Understanding the business context, confidence in your actions, and respect for the process are often the decisive factors in receiving an offer.

In the modern world of automation and digital technologies, software testing occupies a special place. It is a process without which stable system operation is impossible. This is especially true for the 1C platform, actively used in accounting, logistics, trade, and other areas. Who ensures the reliability of these solutions? A 1C tester – a professional who ensures that errors do not hinder business operations.

In this article, we will detail who a 1C tester is, what tasks they solve, and how much they can earn. We will also touch on the question of mastering the profession.

Features of the 1C Tester Profession

The work of a 1C tester includes checking software solutions for stability, performance, and compliance with user requirements. It is not just mechanical test execution, but a deep analysis of the system’s logic, its algorithms, and business processes. The specialist must not only find bugs but also understand the 1C platform, understand how standard and customized configurations work. After all, errors in software can lead to serious consequences, from incorrect reports to failures in business processes.

Main Tasks of a 1C Tester

Working in this field involves performing a variety of duties: manual and automated testing of configurations and updates, working with logs, identifying the causes of errors, and documenting bugs. A 1C tester deals with a wide range of tasks, including:

• analyzing requirements for the software product and identifying potential issues;
• developing test cases and checking scenarios for 1C functionality.

The specialist interacts with developers and customers to resolve issues and ensures quality at every stage of implementing changes. Understanding not only the technical aspects but also the impact of identified bugs on business processes allows them to propose optimal solutions. This approach defines who a 1C tester is and what their role is in ensuring the reliable operation of the software product.

Requirements for a 1C Tester

To successfully develop in the field, a specialist must possess a range of competencies. Among the key requirements are knowledge of the 1C platform, the principles of configuration operation, and update mechanisms. It is important to understand testing methods and be able to work with SQL queries for database analysis. Proficiency in automated testing tools is also an advantage. Equally important are analytical thinking, attention to detail, and the ability to clearly articulate thoughts in reports. A tester must be able to explain found bugs to developers and justify the need for their correction.

1C Tester Career

Like in any other IT profession, growth is possible in several directions. Beginners can work in manual testing, where attentiveness and understanding of program logic are important. The next stage is automated testing, involving the creation of auto-tests. Experienced testers can become team leads and lead testing processes in a company. Specialists in load and regression testing work with high-load systems, requiring deep knowledge.

It is important to understand that career development in the field depends on continuous learning of new technologies and work approaches.

1C Testing for Beginners

If you want to understand who a tester is and then enter the profession, start by studying the basics and the 1C platform. Many newcomers lack practice, so it is useful to undergo internships and educational projects. Courses on 1C testing will help you quickly master the basics and acquire sought-after skills. Additionally, it is important to work with real cases, analyze errors, and try different testing methodologies.

Materials for Studying 1C Testing

A 1C tester is someone who not only knows the platform’s functionality but also can find errors, analyze their impact, and propose effective solutions. To master the profession, it is recommended to:

• study official 1C documentation and manuals on working with the platform;
• take video courses and attend educational webinars on automated testing.

Additionally, it is useful to study professional literature, such as “Testing Computer Software” by S. Kaner, and participate in discussions on professional forums.

Experienced specialists recommend analyzing real errors, delving deeper into the system’s operation principles, and regularly completing testing tasks. The more practice, the faster the understanding of processes and skills in working with testing tools develop.

1C Tester: Training and Development

Education in the field does not end after the initial courses. Continuous development is the key to a successful career. Specialists should participate in professional conferences and meetups, study new testing tools and methodologies.

It is beneficial to learn programming languages and interact with developers and analysts for a deeper understanding of the system. The more knowledge a specialist gains, the higher their demand in the market and the broader their career growth opportunities.

1C Tester: Salary and Prospects

The income level depends on the level of competencies and the region. On average, a 1C tester starting out earns 50,000–70,000 rubles. Experienced specialists earn 100,000–120,000 rubles, and team leads can earn over 150,000 rubles.

Salary growth depends on practical experience, knowledge, and market demand. Specialists with automated testing skills and deep knowledge of 1C are highly valued. In addition to salary, additional bonuses for successful project completion and test process optimization can also impact income.

Who Is a 1C Tester: Conclusions

A 1C tester is a specialist who makes software reliable by eliminating bugs. Their work requires perseverance, attention to detail, technical knowledge, but it brings valuable experience and decent compensation.

Develop, learn new tools, accumulate knowledge, and a career in the 1C testing field will open up many opportunities for you!