Roles · QA Engineer (Manual) · Mid-level
10 core skills, 46 in total. Expectations per skill, and what changes at the next level.
This page lists what a Mid-level } is expected to know and do, skill by skill. Core skills are the ones a manager and peers assess in a review cycle; the rest count only in self-assessment. Main areas: Testing & QA.
Grouped by area. The label on the right is the expected depth: Awareness, Working, Advanced or Expert.
Independently designs and executes manual accessibility test plans covering WCAG 2.1 success criteria across web applications. Tests complex interaction patterns with screen readers including dynamic content updates, modal focus trapping, and form error announcement. Performs cross-browser and cross-device accessibility testing, documenting findings with severity ratings and remediation guidance for development teams.
Independently designs comprehensive E2E test suites: risk-based test prioritization, cross-browser/cross-device test matrices, and data-driven scenario design. Creates E2E test strategies that balance coverage with execution time. Implements exploratory testing techniques alongside scripted E2E scenarios. Collaborates with automation engineers on E2E test automation priorities.
Independently designs comprehensive integration test plans covering multi-system workflows and data migration scenarios. Applies structured test design techniques for complex cross-module interactions. Documents integration test matrices and tracks coverage across system boundaries.
Independently develops comprehensive mobile test plans with structured device matrices and exploratory testing charters. Applies test design techniques for usability, gesture navigation, and responsive layout validation. Integrates manual test results and device coverage reports into CI/CD workflows.
Independently conducts manual security testing: exploratory security testing sessions, authentication/authorization bypass attempts, and input validation boundary testing. Creates comprehensive security test plans covering OWASP guidelines. Collaborates with pentest team on vulnerability verification. Implements security-focused test design techniques.
Independently writes comprehensive BDD scenarios: complex multi-step workflows with scenario outlines, data-driven scenarios for parameterized testing, and background sections for shared preconditions. Collaborates with developers to align BDD scenarios with implementation. Reviews BDD scenarios from team members for clarity and completeness.
Independently designs comprehensive test data sets covering edge cases and boundary conditions. Creates reusable data templates for regression testing. Manages test data repositories and coordinates data preparation across multiple testing environments.
Independently manages multiple test environments for different testing phases. Coordinates environment scheduling across QA team members to prevent conflicts. Maintains environment configuration documentation and handles environment refresh cycles between test iterations.
Independently evaluates test coverage across pyramid levels and identifies where manual testing adds the most value. Designs exploratory testing sessions targeting gaps that automation cannot effectively cover. Collaborates with developers to shift testing left and reduce reliance on expensive E2E tests.
Independently applies unit testing knowledge in QA work: interprets test coverage gaps to focus manual testing, reviews unit test results for regression detection, coordinates manual and automated test coverage. Integrates test result analysis into defect reporting workflow.
Not assessed by the team, but part of the self-assessment and the development plan.
46 skills get a higher expectation or become core when moving from Mid-level to Senior. The biggest jumps first.
} in the open competency matrix: 46 skills across 5 levels. The matrix is free for individuals and stays free.