uTest, the global community for software testers, today announced the launch of its professional network geared exclusively for individuals in the QA and QE space. This new hub creates a place for novice and veteran testers alike to receive free training, create and consume tailored content, find paid testing projects, and connect with peers. The uTest community is already the world’s largest, with more than 200,000 testers from 200+ countries and territories around the world, and aims to include millions of testers worldwide.
uTest first launched in 2008, with the parent company changing its name to Applause in mid-2014. At that point in time, the uTest brand was re-focused to best serve the large community of testers the company had built up since launch, and whose professional needs were going largely unmet. Today’s re-launch of uTest takes that mission much further, creating the world’s first professional network for anyone in the broader software quality space — including automation engineers, security specialists, usability experts and QA professionals. With the launch, uTest community members will continue to be eligible to be invited to paid testing cycles for Applause, with top testers earning tens of thousands of dollars each year.
“For too long, individuals in testing & QA departments have been woefully underserved — always the last in line, and often underappreciated,” said Matt Johnston, Chief Strategy Officer for Applause and uTest. “With today’s announcement, we’re raising the bar for those companies that claim they care about testers and the QA profession. uTest is the hub for testers to get what they need to ace their current job, prepare for and find their next job and build their professional network.”
Features of the new uTest include:
- Paid Projects: A listing of paid opportunities from Applause, to which uTest community members can apply. Projects include testing for amazing brands like Google, Netflix, Amazon, BMW and RunKeeper.
- Professional reputation: Community members earn “uPoints” and badges through paid work and by creating or consuming content like articles, courses and reviews of testing tools.
- Courses: uTest University provides free educational and coaching resources for testers, with courses about modern topics like testing Android apps, responsive web design, IoT, and test automation.
- Discussion forums: Real-time discussions with peers on topics including career advice, “how-to” advice, tech trends, as well as lighter subjects, such as contests, polls and giveaways.
- Tool reviews: Ratings and reviews of software testing tools to help individuals select the right QA- or QE-related products. This is also a great way for test tool vendors to connect directly with their audience.
- Industry events: A great way for tools and events companies to promote their events, meetups and webinars. Community members can submit their own, find events of interest, and even keep track of upcoming events by adding them to their calendar.
The revamped uTest site is another example of the company’s continued investment in the broader QA and QE profession. It also represents an evolution in the professional networking space. Adds Johnston, “Increasingly, people want to engage in more tailored, meaningful ways with others who do the same type of work. This new professional network enables testers to expand and share their knowledge with peers in a way that is both good for their career and good for the testing craft.”
About uTest
uTest provides testing and QA professionals with the opportunities, resources and connections they need to accelerate their career. Our mission is to enable software testers and QA professionals to excel at their current job — and to find their next professional adventure. Over 200,000 testers have joined the uTest community to get free training, network with peers around the globe, and learn about the latest tech industry news and upcoming events. Community members also have the opportunity to find short term — and long term — paid testing projects with amazing brands like Google, Netflix, Amazon, BMW and Runkeeper.
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