How to Become a Beta Tester: 2024 Career Guide

Beta testing is a critical part of the software development life cycle (SDLC). It is sometimes referred to as user acceptance testing (UAT) or end-user testing because the beta testing process is typically the first time external users will experiment with the product. Beta tests help developers and designers collect valuable insights that help them iterate on the product to enhance the user experience (UX). Use the following article to learn more about beta testing and how to become a beta tester.

What is a beta tester?

A beta tester, normally a target user, will provide feedback and identify product errors in a controlled environment. Beta testers may be professionals paid for their services, such as game testers, or they may assist with the beta testing process to gain access to early versions and features of a game or digital product.

Read more: What is a Game Tester and How Do You Become One?

What is beta testing?

Typically performed near the end of software testing and before a product release, beta testing unlocks critical insights about a software application’s usability and performance. It is the second phase of testing in the software development life cycle, hence the name Beta, which is the second letter of the Greek alphabet.

Alpha vs. beta testing

Alpha testing is the first phase of testing in the development cycle, named for the first letter of the Greek alphabet. Unlike beta testing, it focuses on system and unit testing, responsibilities often carried out by professional QA testers.

Beta testing jobs

• Game tester. A game tester is a software testing professional who specializes in working with video games. Video game testers typically have technical expertise in game design and development. This role enables you to perform tests on pre-release games to spot glitches and offer suggestions on how to improve gameplay. The job of a game tester is an exciting one to land if you're an avid gamer.

• Quality assurance (QA) tester. A QA tester runs manual and automated tests during the development process to identify bugs or issues with the program before it's released to the public. It is also within their purview to generate reports that aid development. QA testers are well-versed in a variety of QA testing methods, such as regression testing, system testing, and unit testing.

• Open beta testing program participant. Sometimes, companies conduct open beta testing programs, in which a beta version of the product is released to the general public to collect feedback before the official release. While this is not a full career, it can help you build experience or unlock pre-release rewards. For example, Google’s Chrome Beta page lets you download and preview upcoming browser features. If you’re part of the Google Play services public beta program, you can get early access to the newest versions of Play services.

Open vs. closed beta testing

Closed beta testing refers to beta testing phases that only a selected participant group is invited to. It typically focuses on identifying bugs and opportunities to refine gameplay.

Beta tester tasks and responsibilities

Sustained user engagement is the hallmark of a well-designed software application. Here’s a list of duties beta testers fulfill to ensure programs live up to that standard:

• Identify bugs that slipped past the development team in the alpha testing phase

• Run cross-browser tests to compare applications’ performance in different browser environments

• Monitor and assess applications' responsiveness and reliability

• Offer advice on improving app design, security, and functionality

• Create timely beta test reports for analysis by the firm’s internal testing teams

Keep in mind. Numerous tests on several versions of software may follow before a product becomes eligible for general release. As private beta testers work with unreleased software, it’s often customary to sign a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) to safeguard enterprises’ trade secrets. 

How to become a beta tester

Becoming a professional beta tester can unlock several career paths in software testing and development. According to Zippia, 64 percent of beta testers hold a bachelor's degree, 18 percent have an associate degree, 14 percent have a master's degree, and five percent have a high school diploma [1]. If earning a degree is not in your plans, you might consider taking online classes or earning a certificate to bolster your skills and resume.

Beta tester skills

Software has many aspects, functions, and purposes to it. Honing your web and programming skills is a great place to learn more about software to help you become a knowledgeable beta tester. Consider using webinars, end-to-end guides, and video tutorials for interactive learning. You can also explore free Guided Projects on Coursera to gain valuable hands-on experience. Here are a few areas to focus your study:

• Operating systems (Linux, Windows, macOS)

• Programming languages (Python, JavaScript, C++)

• Web technologies (HTML and CSS)

• Database systems

Additionally, mastery over beta testing tools such as TestFlight and Centercode can greatly advance your career path.

Beta testing experience

Joining a community helps you become proficient and updated with organizations' ways and methodologies. Crowdtesting platforms such as Test IO and Beta Testing offer incentives to test websites, games, mobile applications, and more. Invitations to beta trials are sent through email per your interest and fit.

At times, when you hit a roadblock, forums can point you in the right direction through expert or peer advice and assistance.

Beta tester salary and job outlook

According to Glassdoor, the estimated salary for a beta tester in the US is $73,000 per year as of October 2024 [2]. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a 17 percent increase in overall employment for software engineers, quality assurance analysts, and testers between 2023 and 2033 [3].

Remember: Base pay is subject to change as per an individual’s education, years of experience, location, and employer.

Prepare for a role as a beta tester with Coursera

If you're a developer, consider training with the experts at IBM with the Introduction to Test and Behavior Driven Development course on Coursera. This intermediate-level course covers the nuances of unit testing through virtual labs and provides a certificate to include in your resume, CV, or LinkedIn profile.

If you're new to software development or interested in beta testing in your free time, a beginner-friendly course like the Foundations of Software Testing and Validation offered by the University of Leeds can be an excellent place to start: