The QA Automation Engineer Roadmap
Your complete, step-by-step execution plan to go from beginner to a confident, job-ready SDET. This is the path to building real-world skills.
The 8-Step Execution Plan
Each step builds on the last, creating a solid foundation of practical, in-demand skills.
Programming
Testing Basics
Web Testing
SQL
API Testing
Docker
CI/CD
Up-Skilling
Learn a Programming Language
This is the non-negotiable foundation. Your ability to write clean, maintainable code is what separates a technician from an engineer. Python is my top recommendation for its simple syntax and vast ecosystem.
Key Technologies:
Learn Testing Basics
You need to speak the language of QA to be effective. This isn't a deep dive into theory, but a practical understanding of the concepts that guide all testing, both manual and automated.
Key Concepts:
Learn Web Testing Tools
This is where you apply your coding skills to automate a web browser. Selenium still dominates the job market, making it a crucial skill for your resume.
Key Technologies:
Learn SQL
Nearly every application has a database. The ability to query it directly to set up test data and verify outcomes is a tester's superpower.
Core Commands:
Learn API Testing
Testing the backend directly is faster, more stable, and often more important than UI testing. This skill is a massive advantage in the job market.
Key Technologies:
Learn Docker
Docker is not a QA toolโit's a modern engineering tool. Understanding how to create consistent, portable environments for your application and tests is a mark of a true professional.
Core Concepts:
Learn CI/CD Tools
This is where your automation provides its greatest value. Knowing how to integrate your tests into a CI/CD pipeline makes you a "full-stack" automation engineer.
Key Technologies:
Keep Up-Skilling
You are now qualified for jobs. The learning never stops. The most important thing you can do now is keep building real-world projects to deepen your expertise.
Potential Next Paths:
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