QA Engineer CV Template
QA Engineers ensure software quality through testing strategies, automation frameworks, and quality processes. UK employers seek QA professionals who can balance automated and manual testing while integrating quality practices throughout the development lifecycle. Your CV should demonstrate technical testing skills alongside a strategic understanding of quality assurance.
What recruiters look for in a QA Engineer CV
- Test automation experience with modern frameworks (Cypress and Playwright are gaining over Selenium)
- Strategic testing approach — not just execution but test planning and coverage analysis
- CI/CD integration experience — tests running in pipelines, not just locally
- Performance and security testing capability alongside functional testing
- Programming skills in at least one language (JavaScript, Python, Java)
- ISTQB certification — still valued in UK market, especially for senior/lead roles
Key skills for a QA Engineer CV
Example experience bullets for a QA Engineer
Use these as inspiration — always tailor bullets to your own experience and achievements.
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Tailor my CV nowFrequently asked questions
Is ISTQB certification still relevant for QA Engineers in the UK?
ISTQB Foundation Level remains widely recognised and is often listed in UK job requirements, particularly for QA Lead and Manager roles. Advanced Level certifications (Test Analyst, Technical Test Analyst) add further credibility. While practical skills matter most, ISTQB demonstrates formal testing knowledge and is frequently used as an ATS screening criterion.
Should I present myself as a QA Engineer or Software Developer in Test (SDET)?
Use the title that matches the role you're applying for. SDET positions emphasise programming and framework development, while QA Engineer roles balance automation with strategy and manual testing. If you're technically strong, present yourself as an SDET to access higher-paying roles. Tailor your CV to emphasise coding skills for SDET and testing strategy for QA roles.
How do I show the impact of QA on my CV?
Quantify quality improvements: defect reduction rates, test coverage increases, automation time savings, and escaped defect rates. Business impact metrics are powerful: 'Reduced production incidents by 60%, saving an estimated 200 hours of engineering time per quarter.' Show how your testing prevented issues rather than just finding them — prevention is more valuable than detection.