Introduction to Software Testing or Software QA (Udemy.com)
Learn what software testing or software qa is, how to get started and where to learn. A start of a new career.
Created by: Admas Kinfu
Last updated August 2025
Our take
Based on the ratings of 8,995 students, a sample of their written reviews and the syllabus, as the course stood in August 2025. No course pays to be reviewed.
This is a free, 100-minute orientation to software testing rather than a training course. Twelve lectures in a single section cover what a QA engineer does, manual versus automation testing, how to write a test case, where QA fits in Agile and Waterfall teams, and short introductions to Postman and SQL. Over 100,000 people have enrolled and it holds a 4.5 rating from nearly 9,000 reviews. It suits someone deciding whether testing is the right career move, or a new hire who wants the vocabulary before day one. It was last updated in August 2025.
Reviewers like Admas Kinfu's teaching. The word that comes up again and again is clear: he is concise, gets to the point, and doesn't overwhelm beginners. One student about to start a testing job says the course left them feeling more confident. The complaints are consistent too. The three-star review calls it too general, with nothing practical, and the two-star reviewer says it covered things they already knew. One reviewer expected hands-on manual and automation examples and got an overview instead. Two wish the videos were longer. There is no certificate, no quiz, and only one assignment, so there is little to show for finishing it.
For a free course, that trade is fair. It costs nothing and takes an evening, which is exactly what a career explorer needs. Compared with the paid options beside it, the ISTQB prep and the full testing bootcamp, this is a taster, not a substitute. Watch it first, then decide whether the longer, paid courses are worth the money.
Pros
- Free and only 100 minutes, so it's a cheap way to find out if a QA career appeals
- Live demos of a manual test case, a Python Selenium run, Postman and a SQL query
- Reviewers repeatedly call the teaching clear, concise and easy for absolute beginners
- Refreshed in August 2025 and rated 4.5 by nearly 9,000 students
Cons
- Mostly theory; reviewers wanted a real project to work through, not just demos
- No certificate, no quizzes and just one assignment across 12 lectures
- Too basic for anyone who has already worked in testing, per a two-star review
This course is simple, clear, and straight to the point. As someone new to QA, it helped me understand the fundamentals without feeling overwhelmed.
Listed as all levels, but the requirements say no testing or coding experience is needed; it is really for absolute beginners.
What you will learn
- Understand the roles and responsibilities of a QA Engineer in the tech industry.
- Learn the key differences between manual and automation testing through live demos.
- Write professional, effective test cases and use management tools like Qase.
- Understand the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) and how QA fits into Agile teams.
- Get a beginner-friendly introduction to API testing using the Postman tool.
- Learn the basics of SQL and how testers use it to validate application data.
Course content
1 section · 12 lectures · 1.7 hours of video 1 assignments, 2 articles
- 1Introduction To Software Testing or Software QA 1 free preview12 lectures · 1 quiz · 1.7 hours
Who it is for
The instructor says it suits
- Complete Beginners looking for a clear, no-nonsense starting point for a career in tech.
- Manual Testers who feel stuck and want to understand the bigger picture of software quality.
- Anyone curious about a career in software testing and wants to understand the fundamentals.
- Individuals in non-technical roles who want to transition into a tech career.
- Developers who want to gain a better understanding of the quality assurance process.
What you need before you start
- No prior experience in software testing or coding is required. This course is designed for absolute beginners.
- A basic familiarity with using websites and mobile applications.
- A motivation to learn and an interest in starting a career in the tech industry.
- The course is taught in English.
Quality Score
No CourseDuck member has rated this course yet. Taken it? Give each part a thumbs up or down.
Overall Score : 90 / 100
Course Description
Looking for the most direct path to a high-demand career in the tech industry? This is it.
Software is everywhere, and every single piece of it needs to be tested. This simple fact has created a massive, global demand for skilled Software Quality Assurance (QA) Engineers. If you're looking for one of the most accessible and rewarding entry points into the world of technology, a career in software testing is your answer.
This course is your complete introduction to the fundamentals, taught by a senior-level QA Automation Engineer with over a decade of real-world experience.
Why This Course is Different
There's no fluff here—just practical, foundational knowledge you can apply directly to your career. Forget dense theory and outdated concepts. This course is built to give you a clear, honest look at the skills you'll actually use on the job, from understanding how software is built to testing it with the same tools professionals use every day.
What You'll Actually Learn:
Grasp the Big Picture of QA: Understand what Software Testing truly is, why it's a respected and crucial part of the tech industry, and what the day-to-day responsibilities of a QA professional look like.
Manual vs. Automation in Action: Learn the key differences between Manual and Automation Testing through live demos. You'll see a real manual test case executed and then watch the same test run automatically with a Python Selenium script.
Write Professional Test Cases: A test case is the single most important document a tester creates. You'll learn what it is, why it matters, and how to write one effectively. We'll also explore professional test case management tools like Qase.
Understand How Software is Built (SDLC): Learn what the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) is and see exactly how QA fits into both modern Agile and traditional Waterfall teams.
Get Hands-On with API & Backend Testing: Go behind the user interface to understand what backend testing means. You'll get a beginner-friendly introduction to APIs and use Postman—a critical tool for any tester—to verify that an application is working correctly.
Learn the SQL Basics for Testers: You don't need to be a database expert, but you need to know the basics. Learn what SQL is and see a live example of how testers use it to query a database and validate application data.
This course is designed for complete beginners looking for a clear starting point, manual testers who feel stuck, and anyone curious about a career in software testing. Whether you're transitioning from a non-technical role or a developer wanting to understand the QA process, these foundational concepts are for you.
This course is your first step. By the end, you'll have a clear understanding of the QA career path and the foundational knowledge you need to continue your journey toward becoming a skilled SDET.
Join the thousands of students who have started their software testing careers right here!
Instructor Details
- 4.5 Rating
8,995 Reviews
Admas Kinfu
With 14+ years of overall engineering experience, I have found my passion in software test automation. In the process Python has become my favorite tool to work with. I graduated with a MS degree in Mechanical Engineering from San Jose State University, and got into the IT field of software test automation. I have as much passion for teaching as I do for learning. I hope to help students grow fast and advance in the field of software testing and automation.
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Reviews
By Satyapriya Roy on 8/18/2026
The course was very short and i expected real project examples of manual and automation testing but this course is more like a theoretical part of it. Overall ok for beginners who are having interest to know the basic part of the Software Testing.
By Raagul P on 7/20/2026
Yeah the course was really great and I had got more knowledge about the software testing and its importance. The teaching was good and understandable. Thank you.
By Dora Munter on 4/29/2026
I'm starting a new role soon in software testing. I'm already feeling more confident and capable for what lies ahead! Thank you for creating this material!
By Javier Colon on 4/26/2026
This course is simple, clear, and straight to the point. As someone new to QA, it helped me understand the fundamentals without feeling overwhelmed. It’s a great first step before moving into more advanced topics like automation.
By Olivas Jennybabes on 4/17/2026
I think I did okay in this exercise. I understood the importance of software testing and how it can affect real-life situations. I realized that testing is not just about finding bugs, but also about making sure the system is safe and reliable. I can still improve by explaining my answers more clearly and adding better examples next time.
By Anuja Ghule on 4/10/2026
n this session, I learned that software testing and quality assurance are not just technical activities but essential processes that ensure reliability, efficiency, and user trust. Testing helps detect defects early, reduces costs, and improves overall product quality, while QA provides a structured framework of standards and practices to maintain consistency. The significance lies in connecting theory to practice—showing how systematic testing strategies, proper test management, and adherence to quality models directly impact the success of real-world software projects.
By Julia Villegas Arroyo on 4/7/2026
Very concise and to the point. Talks about lots of aspects related to QA manual and automation. I think it is a good guide to start.
By Kenneth Nwosu on 1/12/2026
It was an eye opener for me as a beginner; He explained every bit of the course explicitly. Hoping to learn more and becoming an Expert soon.
By Tharindya Liyanagedara on 1/8/2026
Yes. This help me a lot to improve my QA knowledge as well as new things and hope to do more researches to improve my knowledge. Thank you
By Naufal Fadhiil on 12/28/2025
It's great video course for start but also too short, anyway the teacher really good at material and motivate you to go further. Thanks for the course now i know what i must do to get the job qualifier









