Software Tester

On a software tester apprenticeship course, you’ll help conduct tests to ensure that computer software works as intended and is fit for purpose.

A software tester ensures that software functions correctly. As an apprentice, you will create and prepare test plans and conduct software testing to ensure that the programme fits its purpose.

This will involve implementing software testing procedures for desktop, internet, mobile, embedded, and mainframe software to ensure that agreed-upon errors and security issues are found, recorded, prioritised, and addressed before release.

You’ll keep track of and report on the results of your testing efforts as you go. You must be well-versed in the software lifecycle and software development processes and be able to effectively present and communicate results using appropriate communication styles and media.

To succeed in this apprenticeship, you must be a logical and creative thinker with analytical and problem-solving abilities.

What you’ll learn

On a software tester apprenticeship course, you’ll learn to:

• Implements software testing techniques for software programmes (including desktop, web, mobile, embedded, and mainframe) to ensure that agreed-upon errors and security issues are found, recorded, prioritised, and corrected before release.
• Examine software requirements and specifications for software functioning and security and define comprehensive tests and conditions.
• Create fundamental testing methods for small projects.
• Analyse test requirements and develop and execute a test strategy.
• Create test cases, scripts, and procedures with expected results.
• Create and collect relevant and realistic test data.
• Perform various types of software testing (including Unit Testing, Integration Testing, Functional and Non-Functional Testing, System Testing, Stress Testing, Performance Testing, Usability Testing, Acceptance Testing, Regression Testing, and Exploratory Testing), interpreting and executing sets of moderately complex test scripts following agreed-upon methods and standards.
• Maintain accurate test records and reports and correctly record the outcomes of test activities.
• Examine test results in connection to expected outcomes and acceptance criteria, as well as via traceability to requirements.
• Present and communicate results effectively using appropriate communication techniques and media.
• Adhere to standards and procedures while using the organisation’s software testing tools effectively.
• Provide others with testing techniques and process advice and support.
• Complete assigned tasks following the organisation’s reporting and quality processes.

Entry requirements

You’ll usually need:

• Five GCSEs, A-levels, a level 3 apprenticeship, other relevant qualifications and experience, or an aptitude test focused on functional maths.
• Apprentices without level 2 English and maths will need to achieve this before taking the end-point assessment.

Assessment methods

The End Point Assessment comprises three distinct assessment methods: 

• Portfolio
• Project
• Structured interview 

Duration, level, subjects and potential salary upon completion

Apprenticeship standard

More information about the Level 4 Software Tester Apprenticeship standard can be found here.

Apprenticeship end point assessment

For more information about the End Point Assessment Process, please read the Institute of Apprenticeships’ information page.