VOOZH about

URL: https://www.coursera.org/learn/introduction-to-software-quality-assurance

⇱ Introduction to Software Quality Assurance | Coursera

Introduction to Software Quality Assurance

Keep adding new skills with 10,000+ programs for $239 (usually $399). Save now.

Introduction to Software Quality Assurance

5,356 already enrolled

Included with

Ask Coursera

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
4.1

28 reviews

Beginner level

Recommended experience

1 week to complete
at 10 hours a week
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace
Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
4.1

28 reviews

Beginner level

Recommended experience

1 week to complete
at 10 hours a week
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace

What you'll learn

  • Apply software quality assurance concepts to ensure software meets business goals, user needs, and industry standards in real-world scenarios.

  • Execute every phase of the software testing life cycle, from planning and execution to closure, across Agile and Waterfall environments.

  • Identify, classify, and apply multiple types and levels of testing to detect defects and validate functionality, performance, and security.

Details to know

Shareable certificate

Add to your LinkedIn profile

Assessments

12 assignments

Taught in English

Build your subject-matter expertise

This course is part of the Software Quality Assurance and Testing Specialization
When you enroll in this course, you'll also be enrolled in this Specialization.
  • Learn new concepts from industry experts
  • Gain a foundational understanding of a subject or tool
  • Develop job-relevant skills with hands-on projects
  • Earn a shareable career certificate

There are 3 modules in this course

"Begin your professional journey into software design, testing, and quality assurance with this structured, beginner-friendly course. Designed for learners with no prior experience, it builds a strong foundation in the principles, processes, and best practices of delivering high-quality software in real-world projects.

Through a balanced mix of theory, real-life examples, and guided practice, you will learn to evaluate software quality, follow structured testing processes, identify and document defects effectively, and contribute to ensuring products meet user expectations and business goals. You will gain hands-on exposure to the complete software testing life cycle, understand how testing is applied in both Agile and Waterfall models, and develop professional documentation skills such as writing test cases and preparing detailed defect reports. By the end of the course, you will have the knowledge and practical skills to confidently take on entry-level quality assurance roles or enhance your effectiveness in related software development positions. By the end of the course, you will be able to: - Apply software quality assurance principles to real projects. - Execute the complete software testing life cycle with confidence. - Implement various testing types and levels effectively. - Prepare structured, professional test and defect documentation. This course is ideal for aspiring QA professionals, junior testers, software development students, and anyone seeking a practical understanding of quality assurance in modern software projects. "e.g. This is primarily aimed at first- and second-year undergraduates interested in engineering or science, along with high school students and professionals with an interest in programming. Disclaimer: This is an independent educational resource created by Board Infinity for informational and educational purposes only. This course is not affiliated with, endorsed by, sponsored by, or officially associated with any company, organization, or certification body unless explicitly stated. The content provided is based on industry knowledge and best practices but does not constitute official training material for any specific employer or certification program. All company names, trademarks, service marks, and logos referenced are the property of their respective owners and are used solely for educational identification and comparison purposes.

Understanding Software Quality introduces learners to the foundational concepts of software quality and the critical role that quality assurance plays in development. This module covers key quality dimensions, stakeholder perspectives, and the importance of embracing quality from the outset. Learners explore definitions of “quality,” why it matters, and how different stakeholders perceive it—setting the stage for deeper exploration of QA roles and processes.

What's included

14 videos4 readings4 assignments2 discussion prompts1 plugin

14 videos•Total 64 minutes
  • Course Introduction•2 minutes
  • What is Quality in Software?•7 minutes
  • Real-World Examples of Good/Bad Quality•5 minutes
  • Case Study on SOftware Quality Failure•5 minutes
  • Dimensions of Software Quality•7 minutes
  • Stakeholder Perspectives on Quality•5 minutes
  • The Role of QA in Development•6 minutes
  • Cost of Poor Quality•5 minutes
  • QA in Industry Case Studies•5 minutes
  • Benefits of QA for Teams and Users•3 minutes
  • When QA is Ignored•4 minutes
  • QA Roles in Software Teams•3 minutes
  • Skillsets Needed in QA•4 minutes
  • Day in the Life of a QA Analyst•4 minutes
4 readings•Total 55 minutes
  • Course Syllabus•10 minutes
  • Read More About: What is Software Quality? •15 minutes
  • Read More About: Why Do We Need Quality Assurance?•15 minutes
  • Read More About: People in Quality Assurance•15 minutes
4 assignments•Total 105 minutes
  • Graded Quiz - Understanding Software Quality•60 minutes
  • Practice Quiz - What is Software Quality?•15 minutes
  • Practice Quiz - Why Do We Need Quality Assurance?•15 minutes
  • Practice Quiz - People in Quality Assurance•15 minutes
2 discussion prompts•Total 20 minutes
  • Meet & Greet•10 minutes
  • Your First Step into Software Quality Assurance•10 minutes
1 plugin•Total 5 minutes
  • Quick Course Check-In•5 minutes

The Software Testing Process introduces learners to the systematic steps and life cycle of software testing within the larger development context. This module explores the phases of the Software Testing Life Cycle (STLC)—from requirement analysis and test planning through design, execution, and closure—and illustrates how these steps align with different development methodologies like Waterfall and Agile. In doing so, students gain a structured understanding of how testing activities drive quality assurance across the entire software development process.

What's included

10 videos3 readings4 assignments

10 videos•Total 40 minutes
  • Software Testing Life Cycle•5 minutes
  • Planning and Test Design•4 minutes
  • Test Execution and Reporting•5 minutes
  • Post-Test Closure and Analysis•3 minutes
  • Waterfall vs. Agile Testing•4 minutes
  • Testing in Iterative Models•3 minutes
  • Comparing QA Practices in Models•4 minutes
  • What Makes a Clear Bug Report?•4 minutes
  • Types of Testing Reports•3 minutes
  • Real Report Samples and Templates•5 minutes
3 readings•Total 45 minutes
  • Read More About: Steps In Testing•15 minutes
  • Read More About: Testing in Different Methodologies•15 minutes
  • Read More About: Reporting Test Results•15 minutes
4 assignments•Total 105 minutes
  • Graded Quiz - The Software Testing Process•60 minutes
  • Practice Quiz -Steps in Testing•15 minutes
  • Practice Quiz - Testing in Different Methodologies•15 minutes
  • Practice Quiz - Reporting Test Results•15 minutes

Basics of Software Testing equips learners with a practical understanding of key testing types, levels, and documentation fundamentals. This module introduces distinctions like functional vs. non-functional testing, explores various testing levels from unit through acceptance, and guides students through structuring and writing their first test case—arming them with the essential skills for real-world QA tasks. References support clarity in concepts like levels of testing and the importance of well-written test cases.

What's included

10 videos3 readings4 assignments1 discussion prompt

10 videos•Total 41 minutes
  • Functional vs. Non-Functional•4 minutes
  • Regression and Exploratory Testing•5 minutes
  • User Acceptance Testing, Smoke Testing and Sanity Testing•5 minutes
  • Unit and Integration Testing•4 minutes
  • System and Acceptance Testing•6 minutes
  • Real Examples for Each Level•4 minutes
  • Test Case Structure•4 minutes
  • Writing a Simple Test Case•3 minutes
  • Review and Checklist•4 minutes
  • Course Closure!•2 minutes
3 readings•Total 45 minutes
  • Read More About: Types of Testing•15 minutes
  • Read More About: Levels of Testing•15 minutes
  • Read More About: Writing Your First Test Case•15 minutes
4 assignments•Total 105 minutes
  • Graded Quiz - Basics of Software Testing•60 minutes
  • Practice Quiz - Types of Testing•15 minutes
  • Practice Quiz - Levels of Testing•15 minutes
  • Practice Quiz - Writing Your First Test Case•15 minutes
1 discussion prompt•Total 10 minutes
  • Why Clear Test Cases Matter•10 minutes

Earn a career certificate

Add this credential to your LinkedIn profile, resume, or CV. Share it on social media and in your performance review.

Instructor

Instructor ratings
3.7 (9 ratings)
Board Infinity
261 Courses•428,749 learners

Explore more from Cloud Computing

Why people choose Coursera for their career

👁 Image

Felipe M.

Learner since 2018
"To be able to take courses at my own pace and rhythm has been an amazing experience. I can learn whenever it fits my schedule and mood."
👁 Image

Jennifer J.

Learner since 2020
"I directly applied the concepts and skills I learned from my courses to an exciting new project at work."
👁 Image

Larry W.

Learner since 2021
"When I need courses on topics that my university doesn't offer, Coursera is one of the best places to go."
👁 Image

Chaitanya A.

"Learning isn't just about being better at your job: it's so much more than that. Coursera allows me to learn without limits."

Learner reviews

  • 5 stars

    46.42%

  • 4 stars

    28.57%

  • 3 stars

    17.85%

  • 2 stars

    0%

  • 1 star

    7.14%

Showing 3 of 28

BJ
·

Reviewed on Apr 5, 2026

The material is good for beginner level. There were many editing errors and background noise that could have been improved.

Frequently asked questions

No programming knowledge is required. The course is designed for beginners and focuses on understanding quality assurance principles, processes, and documentation rather than coding.

Yes, you will practice writing test cases, preparing defect reports, and applying the software testing life cycle through guided exercises and real-world case studies.

Absolutely. The course is structured to build knowledge from the ground up, introducing you to concepts and gradually moving towards practical application in real-world projects.

It equips you with practical skills in quality assurance, making you job-ready for entry-level positions such as quality assurance analyst, tester, or test coordinator, and helps improve collaboration with technical teams.

Topics include software quality concepts, the importance of quality assurance, the software testing process, testing types and levels, defect reporting, and test documentation best practices.

Yes! You'll learn how to structure and write your first test case using examples and templates provided in the course.

Yes, the course can be completed at your own pace, allowing you to learn according to your schedule and revisit lessons as needed.

The course takes about 3 weeks, with a weekly commitment of 3–4 hours including video lectures, readings, and quizzes.

While the course is primarily self-paced, discussion forums and peer interactions may be available depending on the platform hosting the course.

You will learn how quality assurance adapts to both Agile and Waterfall models, including differences in planning, execution, and reporting.

Yes, you will be guided through the structure, content, and clarity needed to create defect reports that developers can easily act upon.

Yes, developers will benefit from understanding quality assurance processes, which can help reduce defects, improve collaboration, and enhance overall product quality.

To access the course materials, assignments and to earn a Certificate, you will need to purchase the Certificate experience when you enroll in a course. You can try a Free Trial instead, or apply for Financial Aid. The course may offer 'Full Course, No Certificate' instead. This option lets you see all course materials, submit required assessments, and get a final grade. This also means that you will not be able to purchase a Certificate experience.

When you enroll in the course, you get access to all of the courses in the Specialization, and you earn a certificate when you complete the work. Your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile.

Yes. In select learning programs, you can apply for financial aid or a scholarship if you can’t afford the enrollment fee. If fin aid or scholarship is available for your learning program selection, you’ll find a link to apply on the description page.

Financial aid available,