Web Performance Testing and Test Automation

Master industry standard tools for automated web testing, API testing, and performance testing

This hands-on course gives you a full introduction to automated web testing using Python, Selenium, and Apache JMeter—the tools used by today’s leading QA engineers and software testing teams.

You’ll learn how to build and run automated test suites for Web UI, web services, and load/performance testing, while gaining the skills to design scalable test automation frameworks used in modern CI/CD pipelines. The course also explores emerging trends such as AI based testing and next generation automation frameworks.

Whether you're starting your career in Software Quality Assurance or leveling up your automation skill set, this course prepares you to test modern, high performance web applications.

Why Take this course

You will learn how to design scalable automation frameworks, integrate testing into CI/CD pipelines, troubleshoot automation failures, and interpret test metrics used in engineering and leadership decision‑making. The course also explores emerging trends in AI‑based testing and modern frameworks such as Cypress and Playwright, preparing you for the next generation of automated testing.
 

Why UC San Diego Extended Studies?

• Taught by industry practitioners using real‑world automation workflows
• Fully online and designed for working professionals
• Hands‑on projects using tools actively used by QA and DevOps teams
• Ideal preparation for SQA positions and advanced study in software testing

What You Will Learn 

•  Install, configure, and maintain a complete test automation environment using Python and Selenium
•  Identify what and when to automate across UI, API, and performance test cases
•  Build and execute automated functional tests with Selenium
• Develop API and web services test automation
• Create and run load, stress, scalability, endurance, and stability tests using JMeter
• Analyze and interpret test results using metrics that support technical and business decisions
• Prepare and present test performance reports effectively for engineering and leadership stakeholders

Course Highlights

• Set up and configure a complete Python + Selenium automation environment
• Build automated Web UI, API, and web services tests using Selenium
• Explore modern automation tools including Cypress, Playwright, and AI‑based testing
• Design and execute load, stress, endurance, and scalability tests with JMeter
• Analyze and present automation metrics and performance results effectively

Course Format and Schedule

• Offered: Spring Quarter
• Format: Online
  • Delivered asynchronously with access to course materials anytime during the published course dates
  • Flexibility within structured timelines
  • Interactive learning environments using Canvas LMS
  • Instructor support and feedback
  • Access to all course materials online

Prerequisites

• Some prior programming experience (preferably Python)
• No previous automation testing experience required

Next steps

Upon completion of this class, consider enrolling in other required coursework in the Software Quality Assurance Certificate Program.

Questions?