Fast-track into the Industry
Transitioning careers can be daunting, but our course streamlines the journey, offering a new path in just 6-10 months!
Full toolkit course
Our QA course package includes all the elements you need to start your QA career, giving you the confidence to demonstrate your value during the hiring process.
Attainable excellence
Confidence meets capability in our QA analyst training – a realistic and achievable path designed for almost everyone, regardless of their previous experience.
Learn from tech experts
Learn from NYC & Silicon Valley Tech Pros: Our QA course provides hands-on training, aligning your skills with global tech industry standards.
Job Outlook
Quality Assurance Analysts / Software Testers​
Median Pay
May 2022
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$99,620
Projected Growth
2023-2032
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25%
Number of Jobs
May 2022
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196,420
U.S. BUREAU OF LABOR STATISTICS, 2024
Why pursue a career in Software Testing?
One of the easiest ways to start a career in the IT industry
Starting a new career as a QA Analyst is much easier than, for instance, a Software Developer. It requires less time to learn the necessary skills, making the job more attainable as a result.
No education in Computer Science is required
While having relevant education is always a plus, for hiring companies, it is more important to demonstrate practical QA knowledge and skills.
Opportunity to switch careers within the industry
While QA Analysts are responsible for finding errors, others are involved in creating the software or managing the process. Some of them are more technical, like software developers, while others are less technical, such as business analysts, project managers, or scrum masters. Each role can potentially be an alternative career.
Why Us?
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We conduct IT training in New York City since 1993
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Our training is approved by the New York State Education Department
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We offer hands-on training to acquire practical, in-demand skills
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We design up-to-date curriculum to meet job market requirements
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Course Objectives
This comprehensive course equips students with the essential skills and knowledge required to excel as a Quality Assurance Analyst. Covering a wide range of topics including:​
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Master manual testing methodologies and techniques
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Understand Agile principles and Scrum framework
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Gain proficiency in using JIRA for issue tracking
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Learn the fundamentals of Java programming
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Automate tests using Selenium and Java
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Conduct API testing
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Perform mobile testing using Appium
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Acquire introductory knowledge of SQL databases
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Familiarize with UNIX basics
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Receive guidance on resume writing and job interview preparation
Course Topics
Testing Core:
Manual Testing
This module teaches methods and terminology, as well as how to perform manual testing, helping students form systematic QA knowledge.
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In the Manual Testing module of our Software Quality Assurance Analyst course, students will delve into various aspects of testing methodologies and techniques. They will explore the Software Development Life Cycle, testing concepts, and the tester's role in projects. Additionally, students will gain insights into test documentation, the test management process, and industry-standard tools.
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The module covers a wide array of testing types and methods, including Functional Testing, Positive and Negative Testing, GUI Testing, Black Box and White Box Testing, Usability Testing, and Regression Testing. Students will also learn about test techniques and definitions aligned with industry standards, applicable across all test levels, such as Unit, Integration, System, and User Acceptance Testing.
Through practical training exercises, students will master the creation of essential QA artifacts, including Test Plans, Test Scenarios, Test Cases, Test Data, and Defects, along with understanding the full Defect life cycle.
Agile & Scrum
Students will grasp Agile principles, team structures, and user story fundamentals, while learning estimation techniques, coding practices, and Scrum certification preparation.
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Students will gain a comprehensive understanding of Agile project management principles and practices. They will learn to establish Agile projects, recognize the structure of Agile teams, and understand the roles of programmers, managers, and customers within the Agile framework.
The module focuses on developing a foundation with user stories, including eliciting application requirements, capturing user stories, and recognizing characteristics of good user stories. Students will also delve into techniques such as estimating and the "Planning Game," prioritizing and selecting user stories with customers, defining estimation units, and projecting team velocity for releases and iterations.
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Furthermore, students will explore the Agile coding process, including prioritizing tasks for cohesive design, implementing the "write test, write code, refactor" approach, and allocating time for spikes. They will also learn about managing to the Agile Manifesto, delivering the first iteration, planning subsequent iterations, and adapting Agile methodologies to fit specific development contexts. This module includes preparation for Scrum certification exams.
JIRA
JIRA is crucial for QA analysts, enabling efficient issue management and tracking throughout the software development lifecycle.
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Understanding JIRA is essential for QA analysts as it facilitates efficient issue management and tracking throughout the software development lifecycle, fostering collaboration between teams and ensuring timely resolution of software defects.
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Students will gain knowledge of JIRA's basic concepts and functionalities. They will learn how to navigate the JIRA workspace, manage user profiles, and perform essential tasks such as creating, editing, and scheduling issues. The module covers working with issues in detail, including setting security, attaching screenshots, logging work, creating sub-tasks, and interacting with issues through comments, votes, and links. Students will also explore advanced features such as searching, filtering, and generating reports to effectively manage and track project progress. Additionally, students will learn to customize their dashboard, add portlets and pages, and tailor JIRA to meet specific project requirements.
Resume & Interview Prep
This workshop offers guidance on job-search strategies, resume tips, and interview questions.
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Students will receive training on effective job search strategies and interview techniques tailored specifically for aspiring QA Analysts. The workshop covers essential topics such as valuable job search tips, reviewing frequently asked QA interview questions, and conducting mock interviews to practice responses.
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Students will learn strategies for crafting a competitive resume, whether they have IT experience or not, by identifying and highlighting their unique skills and experiences. The module also emphasizes important do's and don'ts in the job search process, making a memorable first impression, and effectively communicating with interviewers.
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Additionally, students will gain insights into the current market landscape and learn how to navigate interactions with recruitment agencies. By the end of the workshop, students will be well-prepared to showcase their capabilities and secure positions as QA Analysts in the competitive job market.
Automation Testing:
Java Programming
Before diving into automation, we introduce the basics of Java programming to enable you to run scripts in Selenium.
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This is an introduction to Java programming, essential for creating scripts for Automated Testing with Selenium. This course covers a wide range of topics including data types, string manipulation, variables, operators, logical and binary systems, as well as conditional statements, arrays, loops, and control statements. Students will learn about class declaration, fields, methods, and the use of constructors, as well as passing arguments to methods, instance and static members, and working with objects. The module also covers key concepts such as collections, and exception handling.
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Designed for individuals with minimal or no programming experience, this module provides a solid foundation in programming basics, including problem-solving approaches, and phases of algorithmic problem-solving. By the end of the module, students will be proficient in reading, writing, and modifying scripts for Selenium using Java programming, paving the way for successful automation testing in their QA Analyst career.
Automated Testing with Selenium & Java
Once you've mastered Java programming, let's put that knowledge into practice with Selenium automation. This skill is highly valuable for QA Analysts.
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In this module, students will gain an understanding of Selenium's features and components, including Selenium IDE, Selenium WebDriver, and Selenium Grid, along with an exploration of automation testing concepts and comparisons with other tools. This module will focus on leveraging Selenium WebDriver for QA Automation, covering essential topics such as configuring Eclipse IDE, utilizing Firefox Driver API, and interacting with various web elements programmatically. Students will learn how to handle text boxes, checkboxes, radio buttons, buttons, links, dropdown lists, and table elements, as well as managing keyboard and mouse events, drag and drop operations, and window scrolling.
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Additionally, the module addresses advanced topics including handling Windows alerts/pop-ups, using AutoIT, managing frames and multiple tabbed windows, and working with XML, XPATH, and CSS. Students will gain proficiency in configuring other browsers like IE and Chrome, running scripts across different browsers, and understanding the differences between Selenium RC and WebDriver. Upon completion, students will possess the skills to conduct automated testing using Selenium with Java programming, empowering them to excel in their QA Analyst role.
API Testing
This module will teach how to utilize Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) in software testing.
This module equips QA analysts with the knowledge and skills necessary to ensure the functionality, reliability, and security of software's underlying logic and data flow. Covering a range of topics, including understanding APIs, types of APIs (such as REST, SOAP, GraphQL), and how APIs work (requests, responses, endpoints, HTTP methods), this module provides a comprehensive overview of API testing. Students will also gain practical experience with popular tools like Postman and SoapUI, learning to perform API requests and responses, understand HTTP methods and status codes, and work with JSON and XML formats. Advanced techniques, such as API authentication mechanisms and automated API testing, are also covered. Additionally, students will delve into Python API testing using PyTest, learn about advanced test suite management in Python, and explore integration with Jenkins and GitHub. With this module, QA analysts will be equipped to deliver high-quality software that meets user expectations and business requirements through thorough API testing practices.
Mobile Testing with Appium
This module introduces students to mobile testing with Appium, emphasizing the importance of testing on mobile platforms.
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The module provides students with comprehensive training in mobile app testing, covering essential topics such as Maven for project management, JUnit for functional testing, and Appium architecture. Students learn to create Android emulators, automate gestures, and test mobile web apps using tools like ChroPath and Ranorex Selocity. Through hands-on practice, students develop the skills needed to create and execute Appium scripts for interacting with mobile app interfaces, ensuring thorough testing and high-quality mobile applications. By mastering these techniques, students are equipped to tackle the challenges of mobile testing and contribute effectively to software quality assurance processes in diverse mobile development environments. Proficiency in mobile testing with Appium enhances the skill set of QA analysts, making them more valuable assets in today's mobile-driven market.
Additional Tools:
SQL Databases
This module teaches how to write SQL statements and extract data. Database knowledge will help verify test data and contribute to a comprehensive skill set.
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Students engage in hands-on activities to master data selection and manipulation using industry-standard SQL syntax compatible with various database vendors. Key topics covered include understanding relational database management systems (RDBMS and DBMS), grasping relational schema concepts, gaining proficiency in Structured Query Language (SQL), exploring SQL Server Data Types, mastering essential SQL commands, understanding the SQL Select Statement, delving into SQL Operators and Syntax, learning various SQL Join Types, exploring the SQL UNION Operator, and comprehending SQL PRIMARY/FOREIGN KEY principles. SQL skills enable QA Analysts to efficiently retrieve and manipulate data during software testing processes, ensuring the robustness and reliability of the tested applications.
UNIX
The UNIX module provides hands-on experience and essential skills for navigating the UNIX environment fostering effective testing process.
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This module familiarizes students with the UNIX environment, providing hands-on experience with this powerful operating system (OS). Students will learn to customize their user environment, manipulate files, manage file permissions, and utilize the vi-Editor. Additionally, they will gain proficiency in basic and intermediate UNIX commands, equipping them with essential skills for effective collaboration with development teams, troubleshooting issues, and ensuring software quality and stability across diverse platforms.
Duration: 13 weeks
The actual number of weeks depends on holidays and the schedule
Course Schedule:
Tuesday (7PM-9:30PM)
Wednesday (7PM-9:30PM)
Thursday (7PM-9:30PM)
Sunday (10AM-3:30PM)
Eastern Standard Time (New York Time)
Training Type: Remote
This is a remote synchronous instructor-led training
Tuition
$2,750
Payment plan
We offer three installments payment plan. First payment of $1,000 (registration), second payment of $1,000 (30 days after the start), and $750 (60 days after the start).
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​Flexible refund policy
The course didn't work out for you? No problem. Ask for eligible refund: 1st week 100%, 2nd week 75%, 3rd week 50%, 4th week 25%. Except non-refundable $50 registration fee.
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​No full tuition commitment
Unlike other schools, we have no "full tuition commitment" policy when a student withdraw from the course. Stop when you drop. Contact for details.
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​We offer free retake
Completed the course, but need to retake some of the modules or a whole course again? We can do it. Let us know in advance. Limited seats. 12 months eligibility.​
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Customize Your Training
FULL
COURSE
Best to effectively start QA career
Testing Core:
Manual Testing
Agile & Scrum
JIRA
Resume & Job Interview Prep
Automated Testing:
Java Programming
Automated Testing with Selenium
API Testing
Mobile Testing with Appium
Additional Tools:
SQL Databases
UNIX
12.5 hours/week
Best Value
$2,750
13 weeks
Tuition Assistance
You may be eligible for a training grant. Please visit our Tuition Assistance page for more information or contact us.
Course Advantages
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Only 13 weeks to learn a new profession: No additional years in college
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Weekday evening and weekend classes: Attend your other life commitments
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Remote course: Study from anywhere
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Real-time instructor-led classes: No more uncompleted self-paced online courses
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Affordable training costs: No unnecessary financial burdens
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Free retake opportunity: Refresh the skills that you have learned for free
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Payment plan: Finance your education with confidence
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Flexible refund policy: Less financial risks and peace in mind
Let's get you hired
Where Our Students Work
Success Stories
"I came to SAM in October of 2018 and had no idea what Quality Assurance was. After 5 months in the Quality Assurance program I landed a job offer. Everyone at SAM was amazing, all of my teachers had extensive industry knowledge. They even offer labs and extra tutoring on any subject you need extra help with. If you want to pursue a career in IT I highly recommend checking out SAM Career Center."
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​Victor, QA Analyst
"I took the "Quality Assurance Comprehensive Course" in SAM Career Center. During the course I got a really good understanding of manual and automated software testing concepts and how to test software in a proper way. Unix and SQL classes were part of the course. These knowledge were very helpful during the interview and work itself. It has been a few years now since I finished this course. Now I am working as a QA Automation Lead in a software company. I want to thank everyone in SAM Career Center for making my career change."
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Igor, QA Lead
"I can highly recommend this school in general and BA/QA courses in particular. The instructors are extremely knowledgeable and have lots of hands-on experience. The courses are very comprehensive and prepare the students for the professional future in the most excellent way."
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Regina, Sr. QA Analyst
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the application and enrollment process?
There are two steps. First, an informal admission interview over the phone, where we have the opportunity to answer questions about the course and discuss the applicant’s background (education, experience) to ensure their training needs align with the course objectives. The goal is to help the applicant make an informed decision. Second, once approved by our admissions team, we send our standard enrollment paperwork to sign and an invoice for the first payment, concluding the enrollment process.
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What are the course prerequisites?
A high school diploma, good computer user skills. Any related work experience and education is welcome, but not required. Upper-intermediate English for non-native speakers.
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What placement assistance services do you offer to your students?
We provide free assistance with resume editing and optimization for the target job, behavioral interview questions, technical interview questions, and job search resources and strategies. These services are available to students upon request. Additionally, we offer career coaching services as an optional add-on for an additional fee.
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Do you guarantee jobs after completing the course?
As a school, we strive to create a productive learning environment that enables students to unlock their potential for a successful new career; however, we cannot promise employment to all our students.
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Is your training hands-on?
Yes, while we do have a theoretical component, the majority of hours are dedicated to hands-on practical training to develop skills essential for the job.
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How can I maximize the training for better job prospects?
Actively engaging in classes is crucial, offering valuable feedback for instructors to tailor their focus. Attend all sessions, as new topics build on previous lectures. Ensure completion of homework and utilize recommended supplemental materials. Additionally, concentrate on optimizing your resume and LinkedIn profile while honing your skills in answering interview questions.
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What are the advantages of your training compared to any self-paced online course?
Since 1993, our training has offered a system that has helped hundreds of students start new careers. It helps maintain self-discipline, provides feedback and guidance from industry professionals with years of experience, and offers carefully designed comprehensive hands-on training optimized for employment. While we do recommend some self-paced online courses as supplemental materials, online courses may not be the best option for everyone as a main training source, especially for individuals making a transition into a new career.
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What are the advantages of your training compared to boot camps?
The price of our courses is significantly lower than the average boot camp price, which may vary from $8,000 to $18,000. We offer a comparable number of actual instructor-led hours. We have a flexible refund policy and no "full tuition" commitment for students who decide to withdraw from the training. Our evening and weekend schedule allows students to attend to other life commitments. We have over 30 years of experience in conducting IT training in New York City.
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Am I eligible for a training grant?
To determine your eligibility for a training grant, please visit our Tuition Assistance page or give us a call at 718-648-3997.