Introduction to Test Automation

Overview Learning objectives What you'll learn Key facts FAQs Course syllabus What our customers say Get in touch

Course overview

The Introduction to Test Automation course covers the tools and techniques involved in automating software tests. Designed for testers looking to build automation knowledge, it examines when automation is appropriate, how to select suitable tools and the role automation plays across different testing activities. The course develops your understanding of automation approaches, as well as how they can improve the consistency of regression activities and reduce manual effort across repeated test cycles.

Essential automation techniques for modern testers

Develop the practical judgement needed to decide when and how to introduce automation. On this one-day course, you’ll learn to evaluate where automation adds value and understand the factors that influence return on investment in testing projects of this nature. Designed for testers at varying stages of their career, this training not only strengthens your ability to apply automation in your current role but opens the door to managing more advanced technical responsibilities.

Learning objectives

Define the principles of test automation and when to apply them
Identify which test scenarios are suitable candidates for automation
Compare automation tools and frameworks against common project requirements
Calculate and communicate the ROI of automation investment to stakeholders
Integrate automated tests into existing workflows
Select appropriate automation tools based on defined selection criteria
Apply automation practices within continuous integration environments

What you'll learn

Explore the key concepts behind test automation and the factors that influence its success within testing teams. You will examine where automation is most effective, how tools support different testing activities, and the considerations involved in implementing automated tests within real software development environments. Through hands-on exercises and with guidance from our expert trainers, you’ll build confidence in selecting appropriate tools and understanding the effort required to develop and maintain automated tests.

When and where to use automation

Knowing when and where to apply automation is essential to delivering measurable value. You will explore the scenarios where automation is most effective, and where manual testing remains the better approach, across activities such as system testing, regression testing and user acceptance testing. You’ll do this by evaluating factors such as repeatability, value, feasibility and long-term maintenance. This will helps focus your efforts on areas that support reliable regression coverage and deliver sustainable results over time.

Understanding automation tools and approaches

The course introduces several commonly used automation tools. You will explore record-and-replay tools such as Katalon Recorder and Selenium IDE, as well as scripted browser testing using Selenium WebDriver. Understand how these tools differ in terms of capability, flexibility and implementation effort, so you can recognise which approach is appropriate for different testing contexts.

Assessing return on investment

Selecting tools is only one part of delivering value from automation. You will examine the factors that determine whether automation delivers real value within a testing context, including the effort required to design, build and maintain automated tests, alongside the skills needed to support them over time. Consideration is also given to how frequently tests are executed and how this impacts overall efficiency and long-term sustainability. By understanding these trade-offs, you’ll be better equipped to assess where automation is justified and how to prioritise it within your testing activities.

What's included

Introduction to Test Automation training
Guidance from our experienced trainers

Key facts

Certification

This is a skills and knowledge-based course and does not provide a formal certification or accreditation.

Who it’s for

This course is aimed at test practitioners who want to develop a better understanding of automation tools and testing techniques.

Prerequisites

At least one year of system testing experience and a basic understanding of programming using Java or C++ would be beneficial.

Exam information

There is no exam associated with this course.

Optional extras

There are no optional extras available for this course.

Pre-course

There is no pre-course work required before attending this training.

FAQs

Test automation helps teams improve consistency and reduce effort across repeated test activities. This training introduces the key concepts behind automation, explores when it is appropriate, and highlights commonly used tools. It also explains the factors that influence automation success within modern testing environments to ensure maximum return on investment.

How does automation fit into the software testing lifecycle?

Automated approaches fit into the software testing lifecycle at points where activities need to be repeated consistently and at scale. They are commonly applied within system-level activities and regression cycles, where previously executed checks must be rerun as the system evolves. This allows teams to validate changes reliably across iterations without reintroducing significant manual effort. By embedding these practices, teams can identify issues earlier, maintain stability as new functionality is introduced, and support a more controlled and repeatable approach to quality throughout delivery.

What skills are useful when learning test automation?

An understanding of software testing practices is important when developing automation capability. Experience with system testing helps you recognise which scenarios are suitable for automation. Some knowledge of programming languages such as Java or C++ is also useful to support the creation, execution and maintenance of automated tests.

What courses can I study following this?

This course provides an introduction to automation tools and techniques for test practitioners who want to expand their technical capability. After completing the course, learners may choose to continue developing their skills in areas such as software testing, automation practices, or related technical disciplines depending on their role and professional development goals.

Which automation tools are demonstrated during the course?

The course introduces several automation tools used within testing environments. Demonstrations include record-and-replay tools such as Katalon Recorder and Selenium IDE, as well as scripted browser testing using Selenium WebDriver.

Course syllabus

Introduction to test automation

When automation is appropriate and when it’s not
- Test driven development and continuous integration
- System testing
- Automated regression testing and selecting tests for automation
- User acceptance testing
- Creating test data
- Selecting the tests that are best suited to automation

Factors that influence the return on investment when automating
- Cost of tools versus ease of use
- Skills required to use the tools
- Cost of developing automated tests
- Cost of maintaining the tests
- How often the tests will be executed

Selecting the most appropriate tool for a project

Overview of automation tools
- Katalon Recorder and Selenium IDE
- Selenium WebDriver

Practical demonstrations
- Record and replay tools
- Scripted browser tests
- Hands-on practical session using Katalon Recorder

What our customers say

Found the course informative and built on knowledge of test automation, maybe a break-out session or 2 might have been good to bounce ideas of others or learn about different approaches