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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
Industry Certifications
The apprentice will have obtained the ISTQB Foundation Qualification
Knowledge Modules and Vendor Certifications offered
| Knowledge Module | Vendor Certification |
|---|---|
| ISTQB Foundation | |
| Testing Tools | |
| Testing Concepts |
Erroneously showed “Level 3 Certificate in Software Development Context & Methodologies” but this is for Software developer
Gloscol VLE
Gloucester College apprentices have access to the college VLE which can be found here.
Course handbook
EPA Documents
Competency Checklist
College Block Release Dates
Cohort 4
| Year | Start | End | Topic | Room |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 16 November | 16 November | 1 Day Induction | |
| 23 November | 27 November | Programming - Theory I | ||
| 2021 | 25 January | 29 January | Programming - Theory II | |
| 15 March | 19 March | Web,Databases, PHP and MySQL | ||
| 5th July | 9th July | Agile Software Methodologies | ||
| 20 September | 24 September | Testing Fundamentals,Testing Activities, Agile Software Methodologies | D101 | |
| November TBC | November TBC | 3 Day Virtual Course And ISTQB Examination. | ||
| 2022 | April TBC | April TBC | Competency Check | |
| June TBC | June TBC | Interview preparation and synoptic project |
Cohort 5 (18 month program)
| Year | Start | End | Topic | Room |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 22 March | 22 March | 1 Day Induction | D101 |
| 7 June | 11 June | Programming and Web development | D101 | |
| 12 July | 16 July | Web, Databases, PHP and MySQL | D101 | |
| 20 Sept | 24 Sept | Testing Fundamentals,Testing Activities, Agile Software Methodologies | D101 | |
| 15 Nov | 19 Nov | Test Levels & Test Types | D101 | |
| 2022 | 31 Jan | 4 Feb | Static Testing & Test Techniques | D101 |
| 14 March | 19 March | Test Management & Testing Tools | D101 | |
| TBC April | TBC April | ISTQB Examination | ||
| 2022 | May TBC | May TBC | Competency Check | |
| June TBC | June TBC | Interview preparation and synoptic project |
Cohort 6 (24 month program)
| Year | Start | End | Topic | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 24 Jan | 28 Jan | Induction & Programming 1 | D101 |
| 21st Feb | 25th Feb | Programming 2 | D101 | |
| 21 March | 25 March | Web & Javascript ,Databases, PHP and MySQL | D101 | |
| 19 April | 22 April | Testing Fundamentals,Testing Activities, Agile Software Methodologies | D101 | |
| 11 July | 15 July | Test Levels & Test Types | D101 | |
| TBC | Static Testing, Test Techniques, Test Management Tools | |||
| TBC | ISTQB Examination | |||
| 2023 | TBC | Competency Check | ||
| TBC | Interview preparation and synoptic project |
Cohort 7 (24 month program) NEW STANDARD !
| Year | Start | End | Topic | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 23rd Jan | 25th Jan | Induction & Communication Methods | D101 |
| 27th Feb | 1st March | Agile Software Methodologies | D101 | |
| 10th April | 12th April | Testing Fundamentals,Testing Activities | D101 | |
| 5th June | 7th June | Test Levels & Test Types | D101 | |
| 4th Sept | 6th Sept | Static Testing, Test Techniques, Test Management Tools | D101 | |
| TBC | TBC | Revision & ISTQB Examination | D101 | |
| TBC | TBC | Programming | D101 | |
| TBC | TBC | Web Dev & Databases | D101 | |
| TBC | TBC | AT | D101 | |
| 2024 | Competency Check & Gateway | |||
| Interview preparation and exam |
Addition Study/Reading
Resources / Revision
