How to Get More App Testing Opportunities
The testers who earn the most don't just have more devices: they have higher ratings, specialist skills, and know how the platform ranking system works. Here is how to get there.
Improve your report quality rating
Your report quality rating is the single most important factor in how many tests you receive. Testers with ratings above 4.5/5 get priority access to new tests before they open to the general pool. A tester with two devices but excellent reports will consistently out-earn a tester with five devices and mediocre reports.
Include exact reproduction steps: every step, numbered
Always attach a screenshot minimum. Attach a screen recording for crashes
Write the actual result in specific terms: not 'it crashed' but what exactly happened
Include device model, OS version, app version in every report
Expand your device portfolio strategically
The devices in highest demand are not the newest flagships: they're the devices most users actually have. Developers already test on their own iPhone 15 Pro. They need coverage on Samsung Galaxy A-series, older iOS devices, tablets, and devices running older OS versions.
Add a mid-range Android if you only have a flagship
Keep an older iOS device (iPhone 11 or earlier): fewer testers have them
A 7–10 inch tablet opens a completely separate category of tests
Consider a device running Android 11 or 12: older OS tests are consistently available
Develop a specialist skill
General testing is competitive. Specialist testing is undersupplied. Accessibility testing, fintech app testing, and gaming QA all pay significantly above average rates and have far fewer qualified testers competing for each slot.
Learn WCAG 2.2 accessibility guidelines: 2–3 hours of reading
Learn to test with VoiceOver (iOS) and TalkBack (Android): testable in an afternoon
Read Apple Human Interface Guidelines and Google Material Design principles
Study common payment flow bugs for fintech specialisation
Maximise your availability windows
Tests are often released with a completion window of 24–72 hours. Testers who respond and complete within the first few hours get better reviews and are prioritised for future tests. Setting up push notifications and checking the platform daily significantly increases your test volume.
Enable push notifications for new test alerts
Complete tests within the first half of the available window when possible
Don't accept a test you can't complete: an incomplete submission harms your reliability score more than not accepting
Build your reliability score
Beyond report quality, platforms track reliability: did you complete tests you accepted? Did you submit on time? Testers with high reliability scores are invited to exclusive tests before they open to the pool. Testers with low reliability scores receive fewer test invitations.
Only accept tests you can complete in the window
If you accept and can no longer complete: notify the platform immediately
Never submit an empty or placeholder report to 'claim' a test
The income progression timeline
Month 1–3: Focus entirely on report quality. Accept every test you qualify for. Take more time than required. Build your rating above 4.5 before worrying about volume.
Month 4–9: With a solid rating, start acquiring a second device. Apply to specialist test types. Your income should grow from $50–$150 to $200–$400 monthly.
Month 10+: With 2+ devices, specialist skills, and a high reliability score, you qualify for premium and invitation-only tests. $500–$800+ monthly becomes achievable for active testers.
Start building your rating on AppTester.co
Every test you complete builds your rating. Higher rating means more tests. More tests means more income.