TechnologyO*NET: 15-1253.00
Will AI Replace Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers?
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.
58out of 100
Medium Risk
AI Risk Score
58/100
Risk Level
Medium
Job Zone
4/5
Advanced
Total Tasks Analyzed
27
🤖 What AI Can Do
- â–¸Identify, analyze, and document problems with program function, output, online screen, or content.
- â–¸Document software defects, using a bug tracking system, and report defects to software developers.
- â–¸Develop testing programs that address areas such as database impacts, software scenarios, regression testing, negative testing, error or bug retests, or usability.
- â–¸Document test procedures to ensure replicability and compliance with standards.
- â–¸Provide feedback and recommendations to developers on software usability and functionality.
- â–¸Create or maintain databases of known test defects.
👤 What Requires Humans
- â–¸Design test plans, scenarios, scripts, or procedures.
- â–¸Install and configure recreations of software production environments to allow testing of software performance.
- â–¸Collaborate with field staff or customers to evaluate or diagnose problems and recommend possible solutions.
Task Breakdown
🤖AI Can Automate (14)
- Identify, analyze, and document problems with program function, output, online screen, or content.
- Document software defects, using a bug tracking system, and report defects to software developers.
- Develop testing programs that address areas such as database impacts, software scenarios, regression testing, negative testing, error or bug retests, or usability.
- Document test procedures to ensure replicability and compliance with standards.
- Provide feedback and recommendations to developers on software usability and functionality.
- Create or maintain databases of known test defects.
- Monitor bug resolution efforts and track successes.
- Update automated test scripts to ensure currency.
- Participate in product design reviews to provide input on functional requirements, product designs, schedules, or potential problems.
- Plan test schedules or strategies in accordance with project scope or delivery dates.
- Conduct software compatibility tests with programs, hardware, operating systems, or network environments.
- Review software documentation to ensure technical accuracy, compliance, or completeness, or to mitigate risks.
- Perform initial debugging procedures by reviewing configuration files, logs, or code pieces to determine breakdown source.
- Evaluate or recommend software for testing or bug tracking.
👤Requires Humans (3)
- Design test plans, scenarios, scripts, or procedures.
- Install and configure recreations of software production environments to allow testing of software performance.
- Collaborate with field staff or customers to evaluate or diagnose problems and recommend possible solutions.
âš¡AI-Assisted (10)
- Install, maintain, or use software testing programs.
- Test system modifications to prepare for implementation.
- Develop or specify standards, methods, or procedures to determine product quality or release readiness.
- Monitor program performance to ensure efficient and problem-free operations.
- Investigate customer problems referred by technical support.
- Identify program deviance from standards, and suggest modifications to ensure compliance.
- Design or develop automated testing tools.
- Coordinate user or third-party testing.
Key Skills Analysis
Reading ComprehensionAI-Vulnerable
Importance: 4.00/5.00
Active Listening
Importance: 3.88/5.00
Speaking
Importance: 3.88/5.00
Critical ThinkingAI-Resistant
Importance: 3.88/5.00
WritingAI-Vulnerable
Importance: 3.75/5.00
Monitoring
Importance: 3.62/5.00
ProgrammingAI-Vulnerable
Importance: 3.62/5.00
Complex Problem SolvingAI-Resistant
Importance: 3.38/5.00
Quality Control AnalysisAI-Vulnerable
Importance: 3.38/5.00
Systems Evaluation
Importance: 3.25/5.00
Active LearningAI-Resistant
Importance: 3.12/5.00
Operations AnalysisAI-Vulnerable
Importance: 3.12/5.00
Judgment and Decision MakingAI-Resistant
Importance: 3.12/5.00
Systems AnalysisAI-Vulnerable
Importance: 3.12/5.00
CoordinationAI-Resistant
Importance: 3.00/5.00
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Frequently Asked Questions
Based on our analysis, Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers have a medium risk of AI replacement with a score of 58/100. While some tasks can be assisted by AI, the core responsibilities require human judgment and skills.
Last updated: 2026-03-28· Data from O*NET 30.2 & Frey/Osborne automation research