QAsjekker

QAsjekker is a term used in some Scandinavian IT circles to describe practitioners of quality assurance who focus on systematic checks and verification throughout software development. It conveys a persona of meticulous, process-oriented QA work and is often encountered in informal discussions about testing practices.

Etymology-wise, the word combines QA, the standard abbreviation for quality assurance, with the Norwegian word sjekker, meaning "checkers" or "to check." This creates a label that signals both function and approach, usually in a light, informal way rather than as an official title.

Origins of the term are informal and locally dispersed, arising in Norwegian-speaking software teams and communities in the late 20th or early 21st century. It is used both humorously and descriptively to differentiate testers who emphasize thorough verification from other roles within quality assurance or development.

The typical activities associated with QAsjekker include designing and executing test cases, performing manual and automated testing, conducting regression checks, documenting tests and defects, and verifying bug fixes. They often prioritize reproducibility, traceability, and the use of quality metrics to guide testing efforts and risk-based decision making.

Culturally, the label can signal pride in careful QA work and a culture of diligence, but it can also carry stereotypes or humorous baggage about being rigid or overly meticulous. It is not a formal job title or certification, but rather a colloquial identifier within teams or communities.

Related terms in the field include quality assurance, software testing, and SDET (software development engineer in test). The concept of the QAsjekker highlights the emphasis some teams place on disciplined, systematic quality verification.