This is an old revision of the document!
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 9 (24 month program) NEW STANDARD !
| Year | Start | End | Topic | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Year 1
2024 |
16th Sept |
18th Sept |
Induction |
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 | Teamwork & Legislation | D101 | |
| 9th June | 11th June | Functional & Automated Testing | D101 | |
| 7th July | 9th July | Functional & Automated Testing Continued | D101 | |
| Year 2 | 8th Sept | 10th Sept | Testing Fundamentals, Testing Activities | D101 |
| 6th October | 8th October | Test Levels,Test Types & Static Testing, Test Techniques & Test Management Tools | D101 | |
| 17th November | 19th November | Test Techniques & Test Management Tools | D101 | |
| TBC | Portfolio Session | |||
| TBC | Portfolio Check & Gateway | |||
| TBC | Scenario Test & Interview preparation and exam |
Cohort 10 (24 month program) NEW STANDARD !
| Year | Start | End | Topic | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Year 1 | \\ 8th Sept | \\ 10th Sept | | \\ Intro to Testing Fundamentals, Testing Activities | \\ D101 | | 6th October | 8th October | Test Levels,Test Types & Static Testing, Test Techniques & Test Management Tools | D101 | ||
| 17th November | 19th November | Test Techniques & Test Management Tools | D101 | |||
| Year 2 | TBC | Programming | ||||
| TBC | Methodology | |||||
| TBC | Teamwork & Legislation | |||||
| TBC | Functional & Automated Testing | |||||
| TBC | Functional & Automated Testing | |||||
| TBC | Portfolio Check & Gateway | |||||
| TBC | Scenario Test & Interview preparation and exam |