The Many Hats of QA

The role of QA has evolved significantly over the years. It’s no longer just about "checking what the developer built." Today, QA professionals wear many hats throughout the testing process, often taking on roles that extend far beyond traditional testing. Here’s a look at some of the key roles that overlap or are shared with QA, and how we contribute to the success of the project.


We Are Project Managers

In smaller companies, especially those without a dedicated project management team, QA often steps up to take the lead. With our deep understanding of the company’s ecosystem and a keen awareness of potential setbacks, we’re well-positioned to ensure that the project stays on track. We understand the critical timelines and the importance of getting the product delivered on time, so we help prevent delays from creeping (which inevitably delays and shortens the testing phase!)

We Are Product Owners

QA’s in-depth knowledge of the product and the development lifecycle often positions us as de facto product owners when no one else is filling the role. With a thorough grasp of the backlog and an eye on upcoming work, we’re the go-to team members for insights on what’s next. And, of course, all those defect tickets we’ve created? They give us a detailed view of what needs attention, helping us prioritize what should be worked on first.

We Are Business Analysts

A significant part of QA is ensuring that business requirements are clearly defined, well-understood, and ultimately testable. As business analysts, we ask the tough questions, spot potential pitfalls, and work with stakeholders to ensure that all requirements are fully fleshed out. Our job goes beyond testing—it’s about shaping the final product to meet the needs of the business while ensuring it’s deliverable within the project scope.

We Are Scrum Masters

QA professionals are natural process champions. We thrive in environments where efficiency is key, and we excel at maintaining smooth workflows. As scrum masters, we help keep the development process moving forward by removing obstacles and shielding the team from unnecessary disruptions. We're often the central point of contact for internal reports, test results, and coordinating requests between teams to ensure everything runs seamlessly.

We Are Developers

As QA professionals, we work closely with developers, and in doing so, we often gain a deep understanding of the code. Many QAs pick up valuable development skills along the way and can even help debug code or identify potential issues. Additionally, many of us take on the responsibility of writing and maintaining our own test scripts—sometimes even building out full automated test suites to increase test coverage and reduce manual effort.

We Are DevOps

Automation is a key part of modern QA processes, and CI/CD pipelines are a big part of that. As QA professionals, we’re often responsible for ensuring that these pipelines run smoothly. This requires a solid understanding of the build and deployment processes, as well as the ability to troubleshoot issues when they arise. We collaborate with developers to make sure that tests are integrated into the pipeline, running in the right order, and providing actionable feedback.

We Are End Users

At the heart of it all, QA professionals are end users too. We put ourselves in the shoes of the user to ensure that the features we test are intuitive, functional, and meet the real-world needs of those using the product. Whether it's a simple login form or a complex feature, we ensure that the product delivers a seamless experience for its intended audience.

We Are Many. We Are QA.

A QA’s job is never as straightforward as "just testing"! Even in organizations with dedicated teams for each of the roles listed above, there is still significant overlap between the responsibilities of QA and other teams. Whether it’s managing projects, defining business requirements, ensuring smooth CI/CD pipelines, or even writing code, we play a multifaceted role that contributes to every stage of the product lifecycle.

In the end, we are more than just testers. We are facilitators, problem solvers, and advocates for quality. We are the glue that keeps the team together and ensures that the final product is reliable, functional, and ready for end users.

How many of these roles do you take on in your day-to-day work as a QA professional? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below—let’s celebrate the versatility and value that QA brings to the table!

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