How Long Does It Take To Learn Automated Testing?

Automated testing is the process of using an automation framework to control the execution of tests and compare the results to the expected outcomes. It is a fairly new approach to product testing that may require the acquisition of new skills and practices by product development teams – as well as familiarity with test automation platforms and software solutions.

So, How Long Does It Take For An Engineer To Learn Automation Testing?

The answer to this question largely depends on the individual’s prior knowledge and familiarity with automated testing, and the approach taken.

In Many Cases, The Benefits Of Automation Outweigh How Long It May Take To Learn Automation Testing

These benefits include the reduction or elimination of human error, increased throughput and productivity compared to manual testing, and so on.

However, the amount of time it takes to learn automation testing will depend on several factors, including:

• The prior knowledge and experience of the individual engineer

• The specific automated testing tool or framework being used – some automation platforms are more intuitive than others, and are easier to integrate with current systems and processes.

• The complexity of the product and functionality being tested.

• Whether the engineer has access to training materials or has to learn ‘on the job’.

Mastering The Basics

Many of the basic concepts of test automation can be mastered within a few days, or even hours – such as test sequence recording and playback. An intuitive test automation platform will be a significant benefit in this regard. For example, the ‘touch press macro’ feature of Nextgen’s ATAM Connect automation platform uses machine learning to record interactions and build test sequences automatically, reducing the knowledge burden on the automation engineer and enabling faster adoption of the platform.

Gaining Proficiency

To become proficient in automation testing, it is usually necessary to obtain a good understanding of the underlying product testing concepts, programming processes, and automation languages, as well as the specific automation tools and frameworks being used.

• New users: Those new to automated testing and programming, may need 4 to 6 months of consistent practice and hands-on experience to become proficient in automation testing.

• Previous experience: Those with some prior experience in programming and automated testing may be able to reach a good level of competence in as little as 2 to 3 months of hands-on experience.

Shortening The Learning Curve

This learning curve may be shortened considerably by undertaking formal accredited training, and by taking advantage of any online support and learning resources provided by the product vendor, especially for those automation platforms in which an engineer must learn complex scripting and programming languages in order to build automated test sequences.

Some automation platforms, such as Nextgen’s ATAM Connect, also help reduce the learning curve significantly by providing codeless test creation tools, in which tests are constructed visually without the need for extensive code knowledge or programming.

Using this method, engineers can gain hands-on competency on such codeless platforms in weeks rather than months, saving product development businesses significant time and money.

An Ongoing Learning Journey

The technologies and processes underpinning automation testing are evolving and developing all the time, so it’s important to view learning automated testing is an ongoing journey. As new automation tools, features, and frameworks are developed by vendors and new platforms are introduced, engineers need to plan to continue updating their skills to stay current in the field, and to maximise efficiency and productivity.

Equipping Engineers With The Right Tools

Knowledge only goes so far in helping engineers become proficient in automated testing. It is also vital to have the right tools and platforms on hand to assist with the process, as well as access to the right training approach either migrating skills from manual to automated disciplines, or by deploying external resources to provide test automation training.

Accelerate Your Automated Testing Skills With Nextgen ATAM Connect

Nextgen’s automation testing expertise helps engineers get up to speed with automated testing in a shorter time frame, with an intuitive automated codeless test platform that doesn’t require prior scripting or programming knowledge. This can reduce the time needed to master automated testing and start enjoying the benefits in accelerated product development cycles.

To find out more, please call one of our experts today on +44 3331 120 000.