Questions from Listeners (1): Handling Inexperienced Testers

On April 19, 2010, I was interviewed by Gil Broza. In preparation for that interview, we solicited questions from the listeners, and I promised to answer them either in the interview or in my blog. Here’s the first one.

How to deal with un-experienced testers? is there a test approach that suits better for them?

Here’s what I’d do: I’d train them. I’d pair them up with more experienced testers (typically test leads or coaches). I’d start them with things that are relatively easy to test, gradually increasing the difficulty of the assignments and the responsibilities of the tester.