Question 1

What exactly is the 5-Month Career Switcher Program?

Accepted Answer

A structured mentoring program for people with **no prior Software Testing experience** who want to transition into Quality Assurance roles.

**Structure:**
- **Month 1:** Software Testing fundamentals and manual testing
- **Month 2:** Tools, techniques, and methodologies - API testing, Agile/Scrum
- **Month 3:** Introduction to test automation - Selenium/Playwright
- **Month 4:** Advanced automation and ISTQB certification prep
- **Month 5:** Dedicated job search coaching

**Includes:**
- 11 weekly 1:1 mentoring sessions (60 minutes each)
- Self-paced learning materials
- Code reviews and assignment feedback
- Mock interviews (technical + behavioral)
- CV and LinkedIn profile optimization
- ISTQB Foundation Level exam guidance

Question 2

How much does the 5-month program cost?

Accepted Answer

**€350 total** for the entire 5-month experience

**Payment options:**
- Pay in full (€350 upfront)
- Payment plan (€117 upfront + €117 at Month 2 + €117 at Month 4, no interest)

**Compare to bootcamps:** €7,000-€15,000 for similar content

Question 3

Do I need prior tech experience for the career switcher program?

Accepted Answer

**No.** The program assumes you're starting from scratch:

- **No CS degree required** (70% of our mentees don't have one)
- **No prior programming experience needed**
- Basic computer literacy is sufficient (using browsers, installing software)

We've successfully mentored teachers, retail managers, healthcare workers, and administrative professionals.

Question 4

How many hours per week does the program require?

Accepted Answer

Plan for **10-15 hours per week:**

- **1 hour:** Weekly 1:1 mentoring session
- **6-10 hours:** Self-paced learning (videos, reading, practice)
- **3-4 hours:** Assignments and projects

Some weeks require more (automation chapters), others less (early foundational topics).

Question 5

Can I do the program while working full-time?

Accepted Answer

**Yes.** The program is designed for working professionals:

- **Self-paced learning** (complete materials on your schedule)
- **1:1 sessions scheduled around your availability**
- **No live lectures** to attend at specific times
- **Asynchronous support** via Slack

Most mentees work full-time and dedicate evenings/weekends to study.

Question 6

What if I don't get a job after the program?

Accepted Answer

We **don't guarantee jobs** (no one can ethically do that), but we provide:

- Industry-relevant skills employers seek
- Job search strategy and application coaching
- Realistic expectations about timelines (3-6 months is normal)

**Based on Cohort 0 results:**
- 60% of graduates received interview invitations within 3 months
- 40% accepted job offers within 6 months

After program completion, you retain access to materials and alumni support (though weekly mentoring sessions end).

Question 7

What's the refund policy for the career switcher program?

Accepted Answer

**30-day money-back guarantee:**

- Complete your first 2 mentoring sessions
- If you decide the program isn't for you, request a full refund within 30 days of your start date
- **No questions asked**

After 30 days, no refunds (mentors' time is reserved for you and cannot be recovered).

Question 8

What is TestTactix?

Accepted Answer

TestTactix is an online platform dedicated to helping **Software Testing (Quality Assurance)** professionals and aspiring engineers advance their careers in software testing and automation.

We provide:
- **Free learning resources** (courses, blog posts, and career guidance)
- **Career mentoring programs** (including our flagship 5-month career switcher program)
- **Corporate services** (Software Testing process improvement, automation strategy, team training, and technical consultancy for companies)

Since 2024, we've helped career changers break into Software Testing and supported companies in building stronger testing practices.

Question 9

What services does TestTactix offer?

Accepted Answer

TestTactix provides three main service categories:

**1. Free Learning Resources**
- Up-to-date courses on Software Testing fundamentals and test automation
- Blog posts about career guidance, interview tips, and industry trends
- Free downloadable guides and templates

**2. Career Mentoring**
- 5-month career switcher program (for people transitioning into Software Testing)
- Individual coaching sessions (for current Software Testing professionals seeking advancement)
- ISTQB certification preparation support

**3. Corporate Services**
- Software Testing process assessment and improvement
- Test automation strategy and implementation
- Team training and upskilling
- Technical consultancy for testing challenges

Question 10

Who is TestTactix for?

Accepted Answer

TestTactix serves two primary audiences:

**Individuals:**
- Career changers wanting to transition into Software Testing roles
- Current Software Testing professionals seeking to advance their careers
- Manual testers wanting to learn automation
- Students exploring Software Testing as a career path

**Companies:**
- Startups building their first Software Testing processes
- Mid-size companies scaling their testing teams
- Organizations implementing test automation
- Teams needing Software Testing training or consultancy

Question 11

What makes TestTactix different from other QA training platforms?

Accepted Answer

Personalized approach: 1:1 mentoring, not just group lectures. 
Practitioner-led: Our mentors are working QA professionals, not full-time instructors. 

Affordable: €350 for our 5-month program vs. €7,000+ for bootcamps. 
Free resources: Extensive library accessible to everyone, not locked behind paywalls. 
Career-focused: Month 5 dedicated to job search coaching, not just technical skills. 
Corporate bridge: We understand both the candidate and employer sides of QA hiring.

Question 12

Is TestTactix accredited or certified?

Accepted Answer

TestTactix is a professional mentoring and training platform, not an accredited educational institution. However: We provide certificates of completion for our programs, we guide students through industry-recognized ISTQB certification, our corporate training can count toward professional development hours, and our mentors are experienced QA professionals with industry credentials. Employers care more about demonstrable skills and industry certifications (like ISTQB) than platform accreditation for QA roles.

Question 13

How do I get started with TestTactix?

Accepted Answer

**For Free Resources:**
Visit testtactix.com and start browsing immediately

**For Mentoring Programs:**
1. Fill out the inquiry form (5 minutes)
2. Schedule a free 30-minute discovery call
3. We'll discuss your goals and recommend the right program
4. If accepted, receive enrollment instructions
5. Pay and get matched with a mentor
6. Start learning!

Process takes **1-2 weeks** from inquiry to first session.

Question 14

Is there an application deadline for the career switcher program?

Accepted Answer

Cohort 1 is limited to 8-10 mentees and accepts applications on a rolling basis (first-come, first-served). Once at capacity, applications close until the next cohort (check our website for dates).

Question 15

What happens in the discovery call?

Accepted Answer

This **30-minute call** is a mutual fit assessment:

- We learn about your background and goals
- You ask questions about the program
- We explain expectations
- We assess if Software Testing is the right career path for you

**It's not a high-pressure sales pitch.** If we don't think the program is right for you, we'll tell you honestly.

Question 16

Can I start the program immediately?

Accepted Answer

For the 5-month program: You can typically start within 1-2 weeks of enrollment (time needed to match you with a mentor and schedule first session). 
For individual coaching: Often within a few days of booking.

Question 17

What mentoring programs does TestTactix offer?

Accepted Answer

**1. 5-Month Career Switcher Program (€350)**
- For people transitioning into Software Testing from other careers
- Covers manual testing, automation, and job search
- 11 weekly 1:1 mentoring sessions
- Month 5 dedicated to landing your first Software Testing role

**2. Individual Coaching Sessions (pricing varies)**
- For current Software Testing professionals seeking career advancement
- Topics include automation skills, leadership, interview prep, salary negotiation
- Flexible scheduling, pay-per-session or packages

**3. ISTQB Certification Prep (pricing varies)**
- Focused preparation for Foundation or Advanced Level exams
- 4-6 sessions covering exam topics
- Practice exams and study plans

Contact us to discuss which option fits your needs.

Question 18

How do I choose between programs?

Accepted Answer

Ask yourself:

**Complete beginner wanting to switch careers?** → 5-Month Career Switcher Program

**Already in Software Testing, need specific skills or advice?** → Individual Coaching Sessions

**Preparing for ISTQB exam?** → ISTQB Certification Prep (or full program includes this)

Book a free discovery call if you're unsure—we'll help you decide.

Question 19

Can I take multiple programs?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Some people start with individual coaching, then enroll in the full 5-month program. Or complete the career switcher program, then return for advanced coaching later. We'll customize based on your journey.

Question 20

What corporate services does TestTactix provide?

Accepted Answer

We help companies build and improve their Software Testing capabilities:

**1. Software Testing Process Improvement**
- Assess current testing practices
- Identify gaps and inefficiencies
- Design tailored Software Testing workflows
- Implementation support

**2. Automation Strategy**
- Evaluate automation opportunities
- Tool selection (Selenium, Playwright, Cypress, etc.)
- Framework architecture design
- Pilot project implementation

**3. Team Training**
- Onboard new Software Testing hires
- Upskill manual testers to automation
- Custom workshops on specific tools/technologies
- ISTQB certification preparation for teams

**4. Technical Consultancy**
- Solve specific testing challenges
- Code reviews for automation frameworks
- Performance testing guidance
- CI/CD pipeline integration

Question 21

How much do corporate services cost?

Accepted Answer

Pricing varies based on:
- Scope of engagement (one-time assessment vs. ongoing partnership)
- Team size
- Complexity of your tech stack
- Duration of engagement

**Contact us for a custom quote.**

Typical engagements range from **$2,500** (short consulting project) to **$25,000+** (comprehensive training and implementation).

Question 22

What size companies do you work with?

Accepted Answer

We serve: Startups (5-50 employees) building first QA processes, mid-size companies (50-500 employees) scaling testing teams, and enterprises (500+ employees) for specific initiatives or team training. Our flexible approach works for any company size.

Question 23

How long do corporate engagements typically last?

Accepted Answer

QA Assessment: 2-4 weeks. Automation Strategy: 4-8 weeks. Team Training: 1 day workshop to 12-week program (depending on depth). Ongoing Consultancy: Month-to-month retainer arrangements. We tailor timelines to your needs and budget.

Question 24

Can TestTactix provide on-site training?

Accepted Answer

We primarily deliver services remotely, but can arrange on-site training for: Teams of 10+ people, locations within the US or Europe, and multi-day intensive workshops. On-site engagements include travel expenses and typically require higher minimums. Contact us to discuss.

Question 25

Do you offer training for specific tools (e.g., Selenium, Playwright)?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We provide training for: Automation tools (Selenium, Playwright, Cypress, Appium), API testing (Postman, REST Assured, SoapUI), performance testing (JMeter, Gatling), CI/CD (Jenkins, GitHub Actions, GitLab CI), and test management (Jira, TestRail, Zephyr). 
Tell us your tech stack and learning goals—we'll design a custom curriculum.

Question 26

What free resources does TestTactix offer?

Accepted Answer

All visitors can access:

- **Software Testing Fundamentals Course** (introduction to software testing concepts)
- **Career Guides** (how to break into Software Testing, resume tips, interview preparation)
- **Blog Articles** (weekly posts on Software Testing trends, tools, and career advice)
- **Templates** (test case templates, bug report formats, automation frameworks)

**No credit card required.** Create a free account to track your progress.

Question 27

Do I need to pay to access the blog or free courses?

Accepted Answer

No. All blog content and designated free courses are available to everyone. 
Simply visit testtactix.com or check LinkedIn page.

Question 28

How often is free content updated?

Accepted Answer

**Blog:** New articles published weekly

**Free courses:** Updated quarterly to reflect industry changes

**Templates:** Refreshed as new tools and best practices emerge

Subscribe to our newsletter to get notified of new content.

Question 29

Can I use TestTactix free resources to prepare for the ISTQB exam?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Our free resources cover many ISTQB Foundation Level topics. 
However, for comprehensive exam preparation, we recommend: Our paid mentoring program (includes dedicated ISTQB prep in Month 4), official ISTQB study materials, and practice exams (links provided in our free ISTQB guide).

Question 30

Are there free community features?

Accepted Answer

We're building community features for future release: Discussion forums, study groups, and alumni network. Follow our updates for announcements.

Question 31

Who are TestTactix mentors?

Accepted Answer

All mentors are: Currently employed as QA professionals (10+ years experience), working at leading global tech companies, experienced in both manual and automation testing, skilled in mentoring or teaching, and background-checked and vetted for communication skills. 
Mentors work with TestTactix because they're passionate about helping career changers, not as their primary income source.

Question 32

Can I choose my mentor?

Accepted Answer

For the 5-month program, we match you with a mentor based on: Your timezone and scheduling needs, your background and learning goals, and mentor's expertise (e.g., Selenium vs. Playwright). 
You'll have the same mentor for the entire program (unless exceptional circumstances require a change). 
For individual coaching, you can browse mentor profiles and select who you'd like to work with.

Question 33

What if I need to change mentors?

Accepted Answer

If there's a personality clash or communication issue: Discuss with your mentor first (most concerns resolve through conversation), contact TestTactix admin if a change is needed, and we'll match you with a new mentor within 1-2 weeks. 
Your learning experience is our priority.

Question 34

Can I become a TestTactix mentor?

Accepted Answer

We're always looking for experienced QA professionals to join our mentor team. Requirements: 5+ years of QA experience (manual and automation), currently employed in a QA role, strong communication and teaching skills, passion for helping career changers, and available for 3-4 hours per week (1-2 mentees). Apply at testtactix.com/become-a-mentor. We review applications quarterly.

Question 35

How does TestTactix use my data?

Accepted Answer

We collect only necessary information:

- Contact details (name, email, phone)
- Background information (for mentoring matching)
- Payment information (processed securely via Stripe/PayPal)
- Progress data (to track learning and provide support)

**We never sell your data.** See our Privacy Policy for full details.

Question 36

Can I share TestTactix learning materials?

Accepted Answer

**Free resources:** Feel free to share links with friends/colleagues

**Paid program materials:** These are for your personal use only. Sharing violates our terms and undermines our ability to provide affordable programs.

Question 37

What's your refund policy?

Accepted Answer

**5-Month Program:** 30-day money-back guarantee (see program-specific question above)

**Individual Coaching:** Refund if session is canceled by mentor with <24 hours notice

**Corporate Services:** Custom agreements specify refund terms

Question 38

Still have questions?

Accepted Answer

Can't find your question here?

**Email us:** hello@testtactix.com

**Book a free discovery call:** testtactix.com/book

**Check our blog** for detailed guides on specific topics

We typically respond within **24 hours** (weekdays).

Question 39

How can I contact TestTactix?

Accepted Answer

**Email:** hello@testtactix.com (24-hour response time, weekdays)

**Discovery Call:** Book at testtactix.com/book

**LinkedIn:** Follow us for updates and tips

**Blog Comments:** Ask questions on blog posts

Question 40

Do you offer phone support?

Accepted Answer

We primarily communicate via email and scheduled video calls. 
Phone support is not available, but we respond quickly to emails.

Question 41

What timezone is TestTactix based in?

Accepted Answer

Our team and mentors span multiple timezones (US, Europe, some Asia). We accommodate most timezones for mentoring sessions.

Question 42

What equipment do I need for the mentoring program?

Accepted Answer

**Computer:** Laptop or desktop (Windows, Mac, or Linux)
- **Minimum:** 8GB RAM, Intel i5 or equivalent processor
- **Recommended:** 16GB RAM for smoother automation testing

**Internet:** Stable connection for video calls and downloading tools

**Webcam & microphone:** For 1:1 mentoring sessions

**Note:** Tablets and Chromebooks are insufficient for installing testing tools.

Question 43

What software will I need?

Accepted Answer

All required software is **free and open-source:**

- Visual Studio Code (code editor)
- Python or JavaScript (programming languages)
- Selenium or Playwright (automation frameworks)
- Postman (API testing)
- Git/GitHub (version control)

Your mentor will guide you through installation in your first session.

Question 44

Do I need to pay for any tools or certifications?

Accepted Answer

**No required costs** beyond the program fee.

**Optional:**
- ISTQB exam (~€200-250, industry certification, not required but recommended)
- Cloud services (some advanced topics use free tiers of AWS/Azure, optional)

Frequently Asked Questions

5-Month Career Switcher Program

About TestTactix

Application & Getting Started

Career Mentoring Programs

Corporate Services

Free Resources

Mentors & Instructors

Privacy & Policies

Still Have Questions

Support & Contact

Technical Requirements

Still Have Questions?