Switch from Manual to Automation Tester in 8 Weeks

Step-by-step roadmap to become an automation tester with clear tasks, examples, and a real project.

Weekly Hours: 10
Estimated Weeks: 8

Phases

Foundation: Refresh Testing Basics & Intro to Automation

This phase helps you review testing basics and introduces automation concepts. You'll learn why automation is important and set up basic tools for your journey.

2 weeks

Recall software testing methods
Understand difference between manual and automated testing
Install key automation tools and editors
Write and run your first simple automated test

Describe test case concepts (finding a login bug)
Install and use text editors (VS Code)
Run a sample script (Selenium example)

Software Testing Basics resource
Intro to Automation Testing guide
Tool Setup Instructions

Create a written summary of automation testing benefits
Run your first Selenium test on a demo website

Core: Learn Automation Tools & Scripting

Dive into major automation tools. Practice writing test scripts. Build confidence by automating simple web tasks with clear steps.

3 weeks

Learn Selenium for web testing
Write scripts in chosen programming language (Python or Java)
Practice finding elements and actions in browser
Automate simple test cases on real sites

Use Selenium WebDriver (automate Google search)
Write scripts (Python: check a title on web page)
Debug script errors (fix 'element not found')

Selenium WebDriver Docs
Python/Java Beginner Scripting Tutorial
Element Locators Cheatsheet

Submit 3 scripts that check webpage text and links
Write documentation explaining each script

Project: Build and Test a Mini Application

Work on a mini project—a simple task manager web app. Automate core user flows such as login, add, and delete tasks. Add basic reporting and error checks.

2 weeks

Set up and run a demo web app
Automate user actions: login, add, edit, delete tasks
Report test results
Handle simple failed tests and fix them

Deploy demo app locally (task manager app)
Write automation for form filling (add new task)
Log and analyze test results (report pass/fail)

Task Manager Demo Project
Intro to Test Reporting
Error Handling Guide

Demo test suite: login/add task/delete task with report output
Screenshot documentation of tests running

Advance: Improve, Review, and Share Your Work

Add polish to your project. Learn about best practices and how to share your work. Learn basic continuous integration (CI) to run tests automatically.

1 weeks

Refactor scripts for clarity and reuse
Document your project steps and results
Set up CI to run tests automatically
Prepare and share a demo with others

Use GitHub for sharing code and documentation
Configure simple CI workflow (GitHub Actions)
Write clear README guide

GitHub Beginner Guide
CI with GitHub Actions
Test Project Documentation Template

Published project on GitHub with README and test instructions
CI badge visible on project page

Weekly Plan

Week	Focus	Why	Tasks	Deliverables
1	Testing Basics & Tool Setup	Good basics make learning automation easier.	Read about manual vs automation testing (Software Testing Basics resource), List main testing phases (concept review), Install VS Code editor, Install Python or Java, Install Selenium	Write a one-page summary of automation benefits, Complete initial tool checklist
2	First Automated Test	Hands-on practice helps you remember key steps.	Write and run a simple Selenium test (open a demo page), Try changing test (check different text on page), Write notes on what you changed, Practice finding webpage elements	Working Selenium script (demo site test), Short change log
3	Learn Scripting Basics	Automation relies on simple scripts you control.	Review basic Python or Java (variables, loops, functions), Write a script to check web page title, Debug errors in script (print error if title missing), Explain code line by line	Title check script, Code explanation document
4	Practice Automation on Real Site	Testing real web pages builds confidence.	Pick a demo website (e.g., TodoMVC or example task manager), Write script to fill login form automatically, Script add/delete item on list, Record test results	Two scripts: login and add/delete task, Test run results log
5	Core Project Setup	Building a project shows your true ability.	Download and run the mini task manager app, Create test plan: what will you automate?, Set up project folders and version control (GitHub), Document setup steps	Project folder with GitHub link, Test plan document
6	Automate User Flows in Project	Automating real flows prepares you for real jobs.	Write script for login flow (task manager app), Write script for adding a task, Write script for deleting a task, Test scripts and fix errors	Scripts: login, add task, delete task, List of issues found and fixes
7	Reporting & Error Handling	Clear results show your work is reliable.	Add logging to your scripts (console or simple report), Take screenshots of pass/fail cases, Write summary of test coverage, Review and update project documentation	Report file for tests, Screenshots folder
8	Review & Share with CI	Sharing polished work shows professionalism.	Create full README explaining setup and usage, Set up GitHub Actions to run tests on push, Confirm CI badge is shown in README, Share project link with peers for feedback	Published GitHub repo with README and CI badge, Shared project link

Daily Plan

Monday

Review learning goals for the week
Read resource or watch a guide video

Tuesday

Install or set up tools/software
Write or update notes about steps

Wednesday

Write automation scripts for this week’s focus
Run scripts and fix errors

Thursday

Test scripts on different web pages or flows
Document bugs or issues found

Friday

Review work completed this week
Read or write project documentation