What is the difference between Functional Tester vs Manual Tester?

Career: Functional Tester

AspectFunctional TesterManual Tester
Primary FocusTesting software functions against requirementsExecuting test cases manually to identify bugs
CertificationsISTQB, ISTQB Agile, or similarISTQB, ISTQB Foundation, or similar
Work EnvironmentSoftware development teams, QA departmentsQA teams, software projects
Tools UsedTest automation tools, scripting languagesTest case management tools, spreadsheets

Functional Testers focus on verifying software features through automated or manual testing, ensuring they meet specified requirements. Manual Testers primarily execute test cases manually to find bugs without automation. While both roles require similar certifications and work in QA environments, Functional Testers often work with automation tools, whereas Manual Testers rely on manual execution. Understanding these differences helps organizations assign the right testing tasks to each role.