Why Are Most E2E Test Automation Training Not Effective? Part 6: Advice

Practical tips to help you choose quality training and avoid getting misled.

In this series:

• Part 1: Unqualified Instructor, often not even a Dedicated One

• Part 2: Wrong Content: Overloaded with Theory, Lacking Practical Hands-On

• Part 3: Expensive

• Part 4: Extended Duration: Exceeding 1 Day (Consecutively) *

• Part 5: Wrong Expectations of Attendants

• Part 6: Advice

• Part 7: FAQ

End-to-end (E2E) test automation is a critical aspect of modern software development, yet it's often overlooked. Most professionals agree that training is the most efficient and cost-effective way to begin implementing E2E automation. For software professionals committed to Agile/DevOps, and for motivated individuals looking to build side hustles, I offer the following advice.

Advice

1. Opt for instructor-led training.
   
   Instructor-led training remains the most effective and efficient way to learn a new skill—especially end-to-end (E2E) test automation, which is highly practical by nature. While taking online courses as preparation can be helpful, nothing compares to having direct, hands-on guidance from an experienced expert. E2E test automation is conceptually straightforward, and results can be seen quickly. That’s why access to a skilled mentor or coach can make a significant difference in accelerating your learning and success.
   

2. Avoid training programs that don’t have a dedicated instructor.
   
   This means the training might be delivered by whoever is available, with little regard for their suitability or expertise. Sadly, this is rather common. (a total waste of time and money).
   

3. Better learning with a group.
   
   "Group Learning is Better Than Doing it Alone”. When more team members are involved, there’s a higher chance of successfully driving E2E test automation forward after the training. Plus, group training is usually more cost-effective, thanks to available discounts.
   

4. Verify, i.e. test, your instructor.
   
   It is common sense, really. Unlike software design, assessing someone's E2E test automation skills is relatively straightforward: simply ask them to write one or two basic scripts for your application on the spot.
   

5. Verify the content.
   
   Be sure to review the training content beforehand. In Part 2, I shared an example to illustrate this point. Many no-good training programs offer similar material—often too generic and ultimately ineffective.

   This is even more apparent in the age of AI. Tools like ChatGPT can now generate better theoretical content than many of these so-called "agile consultants"—and at no cost. Some AI tools can even turn written content into narrated videos.

   
   That’s why you should avoid E2E test automation training that relies heavily on slide presentations. Instead, choose a program that is hands-on and highly interactive—just as effective training should be.
   

6. The training must place a strong emphasis on hands-on practice.
   
   There are two key reasons for emphasizing hands-on practice. First, E2E test automation is fundamentally skill-based and best learned through direct experience. Second, the true advantage of instructor-led training is having an expert actively demonstrate techniques and help resolve real-world issues on the spot.
   

   If the training only involves passive watching and listening, you might as well opt for a well-rated $50 online course instead.
   

7. Ask for some exclusive content, e.g., showcase automation for your app.
   
   Suppose you’ve engaged (and paid for) a training program. During the session, the instructor (if chosen wisely, an expert) should tailor the session to your specific needs, not just deliver generic material. Ask him/her to apply concepts, such as Maintainable Test Design and Functional Test Refactoring, to real examples from your app.
   
   When your team witnesses a true expert efficiently automate a real, relevant business scenario using one of your apps, they’ll be both impressed and significantly more motivated to learn.
   

8. Expensive training doesn’t always equate to quality.
   
   When a company offers training, the cost typically includes administrative fees and profit margins. However, genuine E2E test automation expertise is rare and found in only a few exceptional individuals. With the advent of new technologies, it’s often more cost-effective to access these experts directly.

9. Be aware of training providers selling you commercial test automation products.
   
   Experienced software professionals are aware that many consulting and training companies have business relationships with specific vendors—some even publicly advertise themselves as “X’s representative in…” Be cautious of this, particularly when it comes to vendor-specific tools.

   The fact is, many well-known proprietary test automation products have been discontinued, such as HP QTP, IBM RFT, ThoughtWorks' Twist, Microsoft’s Coded UI Test, and others (the list goes on).
   
   The E2E test automation trend is clearly shifting toward free and open-source frameworks, particularly for web test automation: (👍👍👍 Selenium WebDriver) and (Playwright). Avoid Cypress.
   

10. Conduct the training in stages, limiting each level to a single day.
    
    There’s no value in learning something only to forget it later. Attendees should gain a lot from a good E2E test automation training session. During the session, with the instructor's guidance and support, they can develop several high-quality, working automated test scripts. However, as we all know, things can be different when working solo on the job.
    
    This solo working time is necessary for effective learning, but many training providers often don't want you to know this. It’s easier for them to make more money through long, uninterrupted training sessions.
    
    In follow-up training or mentoring sessions, attendees can ask questions and present non-working scripts, which will really help them deepen their understanding and truly master the concepts.
    

11. Opt for an instructor who offers mentoring services.

    
    We all know the value of mentoring: “Successful people have mentors.”
    
    After training, no matter how good it is, your staff will encounter technical challenges (many at first) when they begin real test automation.
    Yes, they’ll need help, but short, as-needed support is more economical.
    
    This highlights the importance of having a dedicated instructor for the training, as only then is it feasible to arrange something like a 4-hour weekly mentoring session.
    

12. With video conferencing platforms like Zoom, you can connect with top trainers from anywhere in the world.
    
    Finding a real E2E test automation engineer in your city (or country) can be challenging, but you don’t have to limit yourself—go global.
    
    With Zoom, it’s not just about watching and listening; the trainer can take control (via screen sharing) to demonstrate directly on your machine.

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The Resources Zhimin Created to Help Achieve Real End-to-End Test Automation & Continuous Testing.