How Do I Become a Performance Tester?

To become a performance tester, you must first complete a secondary education. In some instances, additional educational requirements may be necessary, as well as advanced certification. You may become a performance tester in a variety of fields, so researching the qualifications for the precise type of testing you want to perform is necessary. In some fields, you may become a performance tester by on-the-job training, while others may only hire individuals with extensive training and experience in a particular area of testing, such as software testing or evaluating complex machinery.

Basic skills needed to become a performance tester regardless of the industry you intend to work in include strong computational skills, a keen eye for detail and the ability to work in noisy or busy environments. Many performance tester duties require workers to stand or sit for long periods of time, as well as lift heavy objects. Prior to becoming a performance tester, you must also have effective verbal and written communication skills and be willing to work odd shifts, particularly at the beginning of your career.

For performance tester careers working with software or complex machinery and equipment, additional training and education may be required. Even beyond basic training in these areas, you must also be willing and able to participate in in-house performance tester training. In order to become a performance tester in certain industries, strong competition for such positions may exist and, though most employers also offer on-the-job training, many prefer candidates with the most education and experience in a given field.

Depending on where you live and intend to work, special certification may be needed for you to become a performance tester. You may find information about performance tester requirements by contacting the appropriate governing agency for the testing field you intend to work in. As well, trade schools and trade organizations may be able to help you determine the level of training and certification needed for you to become a tester in your chosen field.

Once you have determined that you possess the required skills and training, you may become a performance tester by responding to employment ads in your local classifieds or you may find job listings in specialized trade publications as well as Internet job sites. Many companies promote testers from a pool of existing employees working in other areas, such as manufacturing and assembly. If you are not immediately hired as a tester with a company, you may be able to become a performance tester by working in and learning a related job until you are able to develop and prove your skills as a tester for future positions.