Functional Tester Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the rapidly advancing digital world, the demand for proficient functional testers is at an all-time high.

As technology propels forward, the need for skilled individuals who can meticulously test, refine and ensure the quality of our digital infrastructure is escalating.

But what does a functional tester role truly entail?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker looking to understand the core responsibilities of this role,
• A hiring manager aiming to define the perfect candidate,
• Or simply curious about the complexities of functional testing,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a customizable functional tester job description template, crafted for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive straight in.

Functional Tester Duties and Responsibilities

Functional Testers play a crucial role in the software development process, ensuring that all aspects of a system or application function as intended before they are deployed to end-users.

Their primary responsibilities include:

• Developing and implementing functional test plans and strategies
• Executing functional tests and identifying any potential issues in the software
• Recording, tracking, and documenting outcomes of functional tests
• Analysing test results and liaising with the software development team to rectify any issues
• Creating and maintaining test databases
• Verifying fixes and performing regression testing
• Reporting findings to the development team and management
• Ensuring the final product meets the business requirements and is in line with the specified user requirements
• Staying up-to-date with new testing tools and strategies

 

Functional Tester Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a meticulous and experienced Functional Tester to join our team.

The Functional Tester will be responsible for conducting automated and manual tests to ensure the software created by developers fits its purpose.

The role includes analyzing software and systems, mitigating risk, and preventing software issues.

Our ideal candidates are knowledgeable in all stages of software development and will be able to create effective strategies and test plans to ensure high-quality software production.

 

Responsibilities

• Review and analyze system specifications
• Create detailed, comprehensive, and well-structured test plans and test cases
• Execute test cases and analyze results
• Evaluate product code according to specifications
• Report bugs and errors to development teams
• Help troubleshoot issues
• Conduct post-release/ post-implementation testing
• Work with cross-functional teams to ensure quality throughout the software development lifecycle

 

Qualifications

• Proven work experience as a Software Tester or similar role
• Experience in project management and QA methodology
• Familiarity with Agile frameworks and regression testing
• Ability to document and troubleshoot errors
• Experience with automated testing tools (e.g., Selenium, TestComplete, Appium)
• Working knowledge of test management software (e.g., qTest, Zephyr) and SQL
• Excellent communication skills
• Attention to detail
• Analytical mind and problem-solving aptitude
• BSc/BA in Computer Science, Engineering or a related field

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Functional Tester
• Work Environment: Office setting with options for remote work. Some travel may be required for team meetings or client consultations.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Lead Tester or Quality Assurance Manager.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $78,000 minimum to $130,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Functional Tester Do?

Functional Testers, also known as Quality Assurance (QA) Testers or Software Testers, typically work in the field of software development.

They can be employed across various industries that rely on software for their operations.

Their primary responsibility is to ensure that the functions of a software program are working as expected.

They usually do this by designing and implementing tests that verify if each function of the software meets the defined requirements and specifications.

They work closely with Software Developers and Engineers, Product Managers, and other stakeholders to understand the functionalities that need to be tested.

Once they have a clear understanding, they create detailed test plans and test cases.

Functional Testers execute these test cases and record the outcomes.

If they discover any defects or issues, they document them and communicate them back to the development team.

They are also responsible for re-testing the software once the issues have been fixed to ensure that the corrections were successful.

Functional Testers often use software testing tools to automate some aspects of their testing, especially for large-scale projects or for regression testing.

Their ultimate goal is to ensure that the software product is of the highest quality and functions as intended, providing a good user experience.

 

Functional Tester Qualifications and Skills

A functional tester must have a set of specialized skills and qualifications that meet the job requirements, these include:

• Strong knowledge in software testing methodologies and procedures to ensure that software functions as expected
• Proficient in preparing test plans, test cases, and test scripts based on the requirements and specifications of the project
• Exceptional problem-solving skills to effectively find bugs and issues within a software before it goes live
• Strong attention to detail to ensure all functions of software or system are tested thoroughly
• Excellent communication skills to liaise with developers, project managers, and other stakeholders, and clearly communicate testing results and software issues
• Understanding of various programming languages and databases to be able to create, execute and manage test scripts
• Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines while maintaining high-quality work
• Knowledge in using automated testing tools and software to increase efficiency in the testing process
• Experience in working within an Agile/Scrum development process can be an added advantage

 

Functional Tester Experience Requirements

For entry-level Functional Tester roles, candidates are typically required to have 1 to 2 years of experience, often acquired through internships or part-time roles in software testing or quality assurance.

They are expected to be familiar with testing methods and tools, as well as understand the software development lifecycle.

Candidates with 2 to 3 years of experience are usually expected to have honed their skills in software testing or a similar role, and may be proficient in creating test cases, identifying bugs, and documenting results.

They should also have a good understanding of both functional and non-functional aspects of software testing.

Functional Testers with more than 4 years of experience often have a strong background in software testing, with an in-depth understanding of functional testing tools and methodologies.

These professionals may also have experience in automating tests, and could be ready to take on more complex tasks such as test strategy development or team lead roles.

Those with more than 6 years of experience in functional testing typically have robust experience in the entire software testing life cycle, including planning, test execution, defect tracking, and reporting.

They might have leadership experience and could be suitable for senior or managerial positions within a testing team.

 

Functional Tester Education and Training Requirements

Functional Testers typically hold a bachelor’s degree in computer science, information technology, software engineering, or a related field.

They need a sound understanding of software testing methodologies and techniques, as well as proficiency in various testing tools.

Familiarity with databases and programming languages such as SQL, Java, C++, Python, or others can be beneficial.

In addition to a degree, many employers prefer candidates with a certification in software testing, such as the Certified Software Tester (CSTE), Certified Tester Foundation Level (CTFL), or the Certified Tester Advanced Level (CTAL) from the International Software Testing Qualifications Board (ISTQB).

Certain roles may demand Functional Testers with specialized knowledge in specific domains or industries, such as banking, insurance, or healthcare.

For these roles, additional training, coursework, or experience in the specific domain may be required.

Continuous learning and staying updated with the latest testing methodologies, tools, and technologies is critical in this field.

Hence, many Functional Testers opt for advanced courses and certifications to enhance their skills and job prospects.

Work experience, internships, or project involvement in software development or testing can be beneficial for practical exposure to real-world scenarios and problem-solving.

 

Functional Tester Salary Expectations

A Functional Tester typically earns an average salary of $67,507 (USD) per year.

This salary can fluctuate based on factors such as the tester’s years of experience, the complexity of the projects they handle, and the location in which they are based.

 

Functional Tester Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Functional Tester need?

Functional Testers should possess strong analytical and problem-solving skills, as they are required to identify, document and rectify testing issues.

They need to have a thorough understanding of software systems and applications.

Communication and documentation skills are also crucial for reporting issues and conveying complex technical information to non-technical team members.

Knowledge of different testing tools and methodologies is also important.

 

Do Functional Testers need a degree?

Most Functional Testers hold a degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering or a related field.

However, the degree requirements may vary depending on the complexity of the project or the software being tested.

Some employers may also accept relevant work experience in lieu of a formal education.

Moreover, certification from recognized testing bodies like ISTQB can be beneficial.

 

What should you look for in a Functional Tester resume?

A Functional Tester’s resume should highlight their experience with different testing methodologies and tools.

They should demonstrate their ability to analyze software systems, identify issues, and document their findings.

Any experience with coding or scripting languages would be a significant advantage.

Also, look for their participation in different stages of the software development lifecycle and their ability to work in a team-oriented environment.

 

What qualities make a good Functional Tester?

A good Functional Tester is detail-oriented, enabling them to identify even the smallest of issues that could impact software functionality.

They should have the patience and perseverance to meticulously go through various testing stages.

They should also be adaptable, as they often need to learn new tools and technologies.

Excellent communication skills are also a must, as they are often required to explain complex technical issues to non-technical stakeholders.

 

Is it difficult to hire Functional Testers?

The difficulty in hiring Functional Testers can depend on various factors such as the complexity of the software being tested, the specific skills required and the current market conditions.

However, since functional testing is a crucial part of any software development process, there is a consistent demand for skilled Functional Testers.

It may be challenging to find Functional Testers with a specific skill set or extensive experience in a particular industry.

 

Conclusion

And there we have it.

Today, we’ve unraveled the real essence of being a functional tester.

Guess what?

It’s not just about finding bugs.

It’s about ensuring the highest quality, one test case at a time.

With our trusty functional tester job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to make your mark.

But why limit yourself?

Delve deeper with our job description generator. It’s your ultimate tool to create detailed job listings or to refine your resume to precision.

Remember:

Each test case contributes to the overall quality.

Let’s assure that quality. Together.

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