How can you have experience in software testing if you’ve never had a job in software testing?

The good news is that sometimes ISTQB certifications can substitute for job experience.

To be the best possible candidate, you can also gain experience without a job. How? By volunteering to test the software in open-source software projects.

You will still need ISTQB software testing certifications and AT*SQA software testing micro-credentials through ASTQB and AT*SQA because you need to prove your knowledge of software testing principles and terminology. Testers tell us that ISTQB certifications and AT*SQA micro-credentials are beneficial in getting your resume through the job screening process.

But by combining your software testing certifications and micro-credentials with testing on open-source software projects, you can show employers you have both knowledge and experience. And you will have helped the software development community with some pretty interesting projects.

So here is how to become a better candidate for software testing jobs:

To get you started, below are several open-source projects that appear to need software testers. We have listed a brief description of each project and how to learn more about contributing. (Note: We don’t have any affiliation with these projects, so use your best judgment as to whether you find them valuable.)

Most of the contribution information may be directed at developers, but don’t let that stop you. There are typically labels that include the word “test” or “testing” that will help you identify issues on which you can contribute.

Open-Source Software Projects that Need Software Testers

Are you aware of an open-source software project that needs software testing? Please enter the information in Open-Source Software Projects That Need Software Testers. We will then add it to our searchable database that is under development.

TEAMMATES

  • Description: TEAMMATES is a free online tool for managing peer evaluations and other feedback paths for students.
  • Learn More: Visit the TEAMMATES GitHub repository. Scroll down to “Interested to join TEAMMATES developer team?”

JabRef

  • Description: JabRef is a desktop application for managing literature references, focusing on code quality and constructive feedback.
  • Learn More: Visit the JabRef GitHub repository. Scroll down to the “Contributing” section.

Zerocode

  • Description: Zerocode is an API automation tool that enables easy JSON response assertions, testing REST, SOAP, Kafka, and Java/DB APIs.
  • Learn More: Visit the Zerocode GitHub repository. Scroll down to the “CONTRIBUTING.md” item.

Mattermost

  • Description: Mattermost is an open-source Slack alternative, built with Golang and React.
  • Learn More: Visit the Mattermost GitHub repository. Scroll down to the “Contributing” section.

OpenRefine

  • Description: OpenRefine is a powerful tool for working with messy data, offering functionalities for cleaning, transforming, and extending data.
  • Learn More: Visit the OpenRefine GitHub repository. Scroll down to the “Contributing to the project” section.

OpenMRS

  • Description: OpenMRS is an open-source platform for managing medical records, widely used in developing countries.
  • Learn More: Visit the OpenMRS GitHub repository. Scroll down to the “Contributing to the project” section.

Mautic

  • Description: Mautic is an open-source marketing automation platform.
  • Learn More: Visit the Mautic GitHub repository. Scroll down to “Get Involved”.

Oppia

  • Description: Oppia is an open-source platform for creating interactive learning experiences.
  • Learn More: Visit the Oppia GitHub repository. Scroll down to “Contributing”.

Fossa

  • Description: Fossa is an open-source dependency analysis tool.
  • Learn More: Visit the Fossa GitHub repository. Scroll down to “Contributing”.

We will continue to add other open-source projects as we receive their information.

If you don’t already have your ISTQB certifications and AT*SQA micro-credentials, get started on those right now, too. You will need those for your resume/CV and interviews, and you will be applying principles from the certifications and micro-credentials in your open-source project testing.