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Software QA Engineer

Technology

Develop and execute software tests to identify software problems and their causes. Test system modifications to prepare for implementation. Document software and application defects using a bug tracking system and report defects to software or web developers. Create and maintain databases of known defects. May participate in software design reviews to provide input on functional requirements, operational characteristics, product designs, and schedules.

Computer Science

What you'd do all day

The tasks that matter most in this job, most important first.

  1. 1Identify, analyze, and document problems with program function, output, online screen, or content.
  2. 2Document software defects, using a bug tracking system, and report defects to software developers.
  3. 3Develop testing programs that address areas such as database impacts, software scenarios, regression testing, negative testing, error or bug retests, or usability.
  4. 4Design test plans, scenarios, scripts, or procedures.
  5. 5Document test procedures to ensure replicability and compliance with standards.
  6. 6Provide feedback and recommendations to developers on software usability and functionality.
  7. 7Install, maintain, or use software testing programs.
  8. 8Test system modifications to prepare for implementation.
  9. 9Create or maintain databases of known test defects.
  10. 10Monitor bug resolution efforts and track successes.
  11. 11Develop or specify standards, methods, or procedures to determine product quality or release readiness.
  12. 12Update automated test scripts to ensure currency.
  13. 13Participate in product design reviews to provide input on functional requirements, product designs, schedules, or potential problems.
  14. 14Plan test schedules or strategies in accordance with project scope or delivery dates.
  15. 15Monitor program performance to ensure efficient and problem-free operations.
  16. 16Conduct software compatibility tests with programs, hardware, operating systems, or network environments.
  17. 17Investigate customer problems referred by technical support.
  18. 18Review software documentation to ensure technical accuracy, compliance, or completeness, or to mitigate risks.
  19. 19Identify program deviance from standards, and suggest modifications to ensure compliance.
  20. 20Perform initial debugging procedures by reviewing configuration files, logs, or code pieces to determine breakdown source.
  21. 21Design or develop automated testing tools.
  22. 22Install and configure recreations of software production environments to allow testing of software performance.
  23. 23Collaborate with field staff or customers to evaluate or diagnose problems and recommend possible solutions.
  24. 24Coordinate user or third-party testing.
  25. 25Visit beta testing sites to evaluate software performance.
  26. 26Conduct historical analyses of test results.
  27. 27Evaluate or recommend software for testing or bug tracking.

Also known as

What this job is called on JobStreet, LinkedIn and in job ads. Search these too.

  • QA Tester
  • IT Analyst
  • QA Analyst
  • Beta Tester
  • Game Tester
  • QA Engineer
  • SQA Analyst
  • UI Designer
  • UX Designer
  • Data Modeler

How far is this from you?

Roughly how much preparation this job usually takes. In Malaysia your UPU route and the programme's syarat still decide entry, so treat this as a guide, not a gate.

  1. 1

    Entry straight after SPM

  2. 2

    SPM + sijil / short TVET course

  3. 3

    Diploma / TVET (sijil–diploma)

  4. Typical entry

    Degree (ijazah sarjana muda)

  5. 5

    Postgrad (sarjana / PhD) or professional route

Typical educationBachelor's degree

Subjects that matter here

The SPM subjects worth your effort for this career, with the reason for each.

Computer Science / ICTDraws directly on Computers and Electronics — a top knowledge area for this role (O*NET).
Electrical & Electronic Eng. StudiesDraws directly on Computers and Electronics — a top knowledge area for this role (O*NET).
EnglishDraws directly on English Language — a top knowledge area for this role (O*NET).
Additional MathematicsDraws directly on Mathematics — a top knowledge area for this role (O*NET).
MathematicsDraws directly on Mathematics — a top knowledge area for this role (O*NET).

What you'd need to know

The subject areas this job leans on most, and the SPM subjects that build them.

  • Computers and Electronics88%

    Computer Science / ICTElectrical & Electronic Eng. Studies

  • English Language76%

    English

  • Mathematics66%

    Additional MathematicsMathematics

  • Engineering and Technology65%

    PhysicsAdditional MathematicsDesign & Technology (RBT)

  • Design60%

    Visual Art (PSV)Technical Comm. GraphicsEngineering Drawing

  • Education and Training58%

Tools you'd use

Software and equipment that show up in this job, worth learning early.

Where to learn these, free

Scholarships & funding

What the work feels like

Day-to-day working conditions, so you can tell whether the job suits how you like to work.

  • Face-to-face discussionsEvery day
  • Contact with other peopleContact most of the time
  • Dealing with customers or the publicA little
  • Indoors, air-conditionedEvery day
  • Outdoors, in all weatherAlmost never
  • Noisy environmentAlmost never
  • Time spent sittingAlmost all the time
  • Time spent standingA little

AI and demand for this job

A few real, dated data points — not a single score. AI making some tasks faster usually means a job changes, not that it disappears.

32%

Share of everyday tasks today's AI can already help with (2023)

This estimate is from 2023 — already out of date, since AI moves fast. Treat it as a rough, aging starting point, not the current picture.

1.64%

Of Malaysian Claude conversations, about this kind of work

Measures how much people use Claude for this work, not how many Malaysians do this job — and more AI use can mean people relying on it, not that it's replacing them.

Growing role in the US

US Bureau of Labor Statistics data, not Malaysian. Shown because it's the only forward-looking demand estimate we have for this job.

Pay in Malaysia

We don't have a sourced Malaysian salary range for this job yet, and we'd rather show nothing than a number we can't stand behind.

Where to check:

  • JobStreet and Hiredly job ads for this title
  • DOSM Salaries & Wages Survey
  • SSPA scheme tables, if you're aiming for a government post
See pay for a related career: Cybersecurity Analyst

Check what you may qualify for

Enter your SPM grades and see which routes and programmes you may qualify for. An estimate to plan with, not an offer.

Check my eligibility Not sure yet? Take the quiz

How to get here

Post-SPM pathways with programmes in this career's fields. Tap one to see real programmes and entry requirements.

Asasi / Foundation

One-year runway into a specific university: public via UPU or private direct entry.

12 months

Diploma

Skill-first qualification. Work after, or enter degree Year 2. Polytechnics keep it affordable.

2.5–3 years

Related careers

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About this information

This describes what the job involves. Pay, demand and entry routes differ in Malaysia, so check the Pathways and Programmes pages for local requirements.

O*NET occupation: Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers

Job responsibilities, knowledge areas and work context from O*NET 30.3, US Department of Labor, used under CC BY 4.0. onetcenter.org

Programmes that lead here

Programmes from the official UPU (KPT) and MQA catalogues whose field of study typically leads to this career. Matched by field, not a job guarantee.

Public universities (UPU)

Private institutions (MQA-accredited)

Search the programme catalogue