Software tester

As a software tester, you will plan and carry out tests on computer programs to see if they do exactly what they have been designed to do. You will identify the risk of errors, find any errors and report them. You will also assess the overall performance of the software and suggest ways to improve testing.

Also known as:

Computer software tester

Work activities

You day-to-day duties could include:

Planning the testing procedures to be carried out using automated testing tools or manual procedures.
Carry out testing identifying and investigating any software problems discovered.
Making sure that any problems are dealt with correctly.
Re-testing.
Working as part of a project team, featuring developers, project managers, graphic designers and marketing and sales teams.

You must carefully follow the designs and plans for the software and its intended purpose. These plans include:

Business design specifications – what role will the software play within the business as a whole?
A technical brief – the actual technical plans for the completed software, including charts and diagrams.
A website wireframe – a visual plan of a website.

You must make sure that the software:

Meets the requirements of its design and development.
Works within an acceptable time (it’s not too slow).
Can be installed and runs correctly within its intended environment (where it will be used).

You could be working as part of a project team, featuring developers, project managers, graphic designers and marketing and sales teams.

Personal qualities and skills

As a software tester, you’ll need:

Strong IT skills.
The ability to work calmly under pressure.
To be well organised.
To think logically.
The ability to plan ahead.
To pay attention to detail.
To be able to write clear reports.
Verbal communication skills.

Technical skills are highly important in this industry. However, employers have also highlighted the future need for the following non-technical skills:

Teamworking.
Communication.
Business.

Pay and opportunities

Salaries for software testers vary depending on the range of their responsibilities, and the size and type of company they work for. According to Glassdoor, salaries can range from £27,000 to £45,000, with an average of £35,000 (based on 931 salaries).

Your final salary could include performance-related pay, profit share or company bonuses.

Software testers usually work a typical full-time week, Monday to Friday.

Employers include large computer-using organisations, software companies and computer manufacturers. Other employers are small businesses that develop software such as apps for phones, tablets and notebooks. Opportunities for software testers occur in towns and cities throughout the UK.

Self-employment opportunities occur for software developers to work on a freelance basis, usually on short-term contracts.

Where could I work?

Employers include:

Computer games companies.
Computer hardware manufacturers.
Consumer electronics companies.
Large computer-using organisations and firms producing educational, financial accounting and design software packages.

Opportunities for software testers occur in towns and cities throughout the UK.

Self-employment opportunities occur for experienced software testers to work on a self-employed, freelance basis – usually on short-term contracts.

Where are vacancies advertised?

Vacancies are advertised on specialist IT job boards and employers’ websites, in computing magazines and professional journals, in local/national newspapers, and on the Government’s Find a Job service. Short-term contract work is found through specialist IT recruitment agencies.

Entry routes and training

You may need higher-level qualifications before you become a software tester. Degrees in relevant subjects are available at many universities. In order to get onto a degree course, you will usually need at least two A-levels.

You may be able to get into this career through an level 4 (higher) apprenticeship, where you’ll train on the job.

As a software tester, you can progress to senior posts and to project management positions after further training and experience. Some experienced developers work on a freelance basis.

Qualifications

You’ll usually need two A-levels in relevant subjects plus GCSEs in English and maths to get onto a higher apprenticeship programme.

For entry to a degree/HND course in a computing subject, the usual requirements are:

Two to three A-levels
GCSEs at grades 9-4 in two to three other subjects
English and maths at GCSE.

Alternatives to A levels include:

Edexcel (BTEC) level 3 National qualifications
International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma.

However, course requirements vary so check prospectuses carefully.

Adult opportunities

Age limits: It is illegal for any organisation to set age limits for entry to employment, education or training, unless they can show there is a real need to have these limits.

If you are a graduate with a non-relevant degree, entry is still possible with some employers. However, taking a one-year information technology (IT) postgraduate conversion course will improve your chances.

If you don’t have the qualifications needed to enter your chosen degree or HND course, a college or university Access course, for example, Access to IT/ Computing, could be the way in. These courses are designed for people who have not followed the usual routes into higher education (HE). No formal qualifications are usually needed, but you should check this with individual colleges. Another option would be an HNC in computing on a part-time basis, either evening and/ or daytime, or a part-time foundation degree.

Alternatively, taking short intensive courses in specific computing languages with private accredited IT training providers can help you to develop the portfolio of technical skills needed by employers. Courses are available on a flexible, evening, weekend or day part-time basis. Many employers look for qualifications in software testing from BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT. A list of training providers, including some that offer online courses, is available on their website.

A number of educational institutions offer other qualifications on a distance/online learning basis, including degrees, foundation degrees and postgraduate qualifications in computing subjects.

Sponsorship for degree-level study of computing can be available through some of the larger IT companies.

Related careers

Computer games designer
Computer games developer
Software developer