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Updated: 2 min read

How to Become a QA Engineer in 2026: Complete Career Path

How to become a QA Engineer? Required skills, certifications, career path, and salary in 2026.

Author: EITT

What is a QA Engineer

A QA Engineer is one of the most sought-after IT roles. Responsible for Selenium, Cypress, ISTQB. Demand grows year after year.

Required skills

  • Selenium
  • Cypress
  • ISTQB
  • Postman
  • JMeter
  • BDD

EITT training path guides you step by step.

Career progression

  1. Foundations (0-6 mo) — basics: Selenium, Cypress
  2. Junior (6-18 mo) — first projects
  3. Mid (2-3 yr) — independence
  4. Senior (4+ yr) — architecture, leadership

Full training path →

Salary

QA Engineer rates in Poland 2026:

$2,500-6,500/mo

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I start with manual testing or test automation?

Start with manual testing to build a strong foundation in testing principles, test case design, and understanding software quality. Once you are comfortable with manual approaches, transition to automation using tools like Selenium or Cypress. Most employers value testers who understand both approaches and can decide when automation adds value.

Is the ISTQB certification worth it in 2026?

Yes, ISTQB Foundation Level remains the most widely recognized QA certification globally. It provides a common vocabulary and structured understanding of testing processes that employers value. While it focuses on theory rather than tools, it demonstrates commitment to the profession and is often listed as a requirement in job postings.

What programming language should a QA engineer learn first?

Python or JavaScript are the best first choices. Python is popular for its readability and wide use with frameworks like pytest and Robot Framework. JavaScript is essential if you work with Cypress or Playwright for web testing. Choose based on your team’s tech stack, but either language will serve you well across most testing scenarios.

How is AI changing the QA profession?

AI is augmenting QA work rather than replacing it. Tools powered by AI help with test generation, visual regression testing, and identifying flaky tests. QA engineers who understand how to leverage AI-assisted testing tools will be more productive and valuable. The core skills of critical thinking, test strategy, and quality advocacy remain uniquely human.

Training investment pays back in 3-6 months.

Start with EITT

EITT offers a complete QA Engineer training path — from basics to senior level. 500+ experts, 2,500+ trainings, 4.8/5 rating.

Check the path →

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