Table of Contents
Software Tester L4
This apprenticeship has a duration of 24 months
The primary role of a Software Tester is to ensure that software operates as intended. Testers typically design and prepare test plans and conduct software testing as appropriate to ensure that software is fit for purpose. They document and report the results of testing activities. They have a good understanding of the software lifecycle and software development practices.
Typical job roles are:
- Software Tester
- Software Test Analyst
Benefits to business
- Develop the skills your business needs
- Get qualified and motivated staff
- Future proof your business
- Professional qualifications for your staff
Benefits for apprentices
- Gaining industry recognised professional qualifications
- Developing skills that will increase your career potential
- Industry Support from industry experienced staff working with the British Computing Society
- Working with the British Computing Society
- Becoming a BCS member (students only)
Entry Requirements
Individual employers will set the selection criteria, but this might include five GCSEs; A levels; a Level 3 Apprenticeship; other relevant qualifications and experience; or an aptitude test, with a focus on functional maths. Level 2 English and Maths will need to be achieved, if not already, prior to taking the end point assessment. Apprentices will need to be proficient (not experts) in programming in at least one language, showing competency and understanding of core programming principles (i.e. iteration, selection, classes and objects, etc.).
The apprenticeship will cover the following core areas
- Software testing procedures
- Reviewing software requirements
- Designing simple test strategies
- Analysing test requirements and designing test plans
- Developing represented and realistic test data
- Software testing types
- Recording test activities with records and reports
- Assessing test results against expected results
Occupational Duties Checklist
College Block Release Dates
Cohort 7 (24 month program) NEW STANDARD !
| Year | Start | End | Topic | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 24th October | 24th October | Induction (1 day ) | D101 |
| 2023 | 16th Jan | 18th Jan | Web 1 | D101 |
| 27th Feb | 1st March | Web 2, Database SQL, No SQL,PHP HTML & CSS | D101 | |
| 11th April | 13th April | Programming | D101 | |
| 5th June | 7th June | ISTQB - Testing Fundamentals, Testing Activities | D101 | |
| 4th Sept | 6th Sept | Test Levels & Test Types | D101 | |
| 2nd Oct | 6th Oct | Static Testing, Test Techniques, Test Management Tools & New Std & ISTQB Exam - 5 DAYS | D101 | |
| TBC | TBC | Automated Testing & New Topics | D101 | |
| 2024 | Portfolio Check & Gateway | |||
| Test & Interview preparation and exam |
Cohort 8 (24 month program) NEW STANDARD !
| Year | Start | End | Topic | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 9th October | 11th October | Induction & Web, Database SQL, No SQL,PHP HTML & CSS | D101 |
| 6th November | 8th Novemeber | Programming | D101 | |
| 2024 | 22nd Jan | 24th Jan | Methodology | D101 |
| 26th Feb | 1st March | Testing Fundamentals | D101 | |
| 29th April | 1st May | Testing Activities & Test Levels | D101 | |
| 3rd June | 5th June | Test Types & Static Testing, Test Techniques & Test Management Tools | D101 | |
| 4th November | 6th November | Advanced Programming & Automation | D101 | |
| 2025 | 3rd March | 5th March | Non Functional Testing - Cheltenham Campus | G126 |
| Portfolio Check & Gateway | ||||
| Scenario Test & Interview preparation and exam |
Cohort 9 (24 month program) NEW STANDARD !
| Year | Start | End | Topic | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 16th Sept | 18th Sept | Induction & Web, Database SQL, No SQL,PHP HTML & CSS | D101 |
| 14th October | 16th October | Programming | D101 | |
| 4th November | 6th November | Advanced Programming | D101 | |
| 2025 | 20th January | 22nd January | Methodology | D101 |
| 3rd March | 5th March | Non Functional Testing - Cheltenham Campus | G126 | |
| 6th May | 8th May | Testing Fundamentals, Testing Activities | D101 | |
| 9th June | 11th June | Test Levels,Test Types & Static Testing, Test Techniques & Test Management Tools | D101 | |
| 7th July | 9th July | Test Techniques & Test Management Tools | D101 | |
| TBC | Portfolio Check & Gateway | |||
| TBC | Scenario Test & Interview preparation and exam |