Overview of the role

Carrying out tests to make sure computer software works as intended and is fit for purpose.

Details of standard

Occupation summary

A software tester is found in any organisation that develops and applies software. This ranges from large multi-national organisations with dedicated teams of software testers to small consulting firms that work on a contract basis to deliver software testing services to a varied client base. For example, within financial services a software tester could be integral to testing software for delivering bespoke payroll or HR services whereas in a large corporate they could be providing consultancy services for global multi-national clients across a range of software products. Software Testers are responsible for ensuring that the software developed meets the business's functional, security, performance, and usability requirements by participating in development activity at all stages of the software development life cycle..

The broad purpose of the occupation is to ensure that software operates as intended for Software development practices so that they understand the context in which they are operating. Software Testers are responsible for the quality of software development and deployment with a view to the commercial requirements of the client and their organisational parameters. Some of the duties include analysis of software and systems to mitigate the risk of software problems arising and making informed recommendations to internal and external clients. Software testers are involved particularly in the quality assurance stage of software development and deployment. They conduct manual and automated tests to ensure the software created by developers is fit for purpose and any bugs or issues are removed within a product before it gets deployed to everyday users. The Software Tester role is integral to the creation of software systems and technical products. A Software Tester might work on bespoke, individual projects creating enterprise solutions for email compliance and marketing. or multinational projects spanning the globe and costing billions of pounds. In a defence and security context they may interact with cyber security teams to ensure that software developed is secure from inception.

In their daily work, an employee in this occupation interacts with other members of software testing teams, other areas within the organisation's software development function and business areas commissioning software testing services, as well as external clients and other associated stakeholders. This is an office based or remote working role with some visits to client’s premises.

An employee in this occupation will be responsible for working collaboratively within a team and with stakeholders with a minimum of direct supervision within broad but generally well defined parameters, A Software Tester will be required to apply their knowledge and skills in a broad range of complex or technical work activities, performed in a variety of contexts. They will address problems which are both routine and non-routine while normally fairly well defined. They will take responsibility for courses of action, including, where relevant, responsibility for the work of others and allocation of resources. They will typically pair with other technical roles such as software developers, or work alone at times, and provide input to the planning of work and advise on risks and improvements within software products.

Typical job titles include:

Automation tester Integration tester Penetration tester Software qa tester Software test analyst. Software tester

Occupation duties

Duty KSBs

Duty 1 Analyse test objectives to design and prepare a test plan that aligns with the test strategy

K3 K7 K8 K9 K10 K11 K12 K14 K16 K18 K19 K20 K21 K23

S3 S4 S5 S7 S8 S9 S10 S11 S12

B3 B4 B5 B6 B7

Duty 2 Review requirements with relevant stakeholders to identify defects early and to define a comprehensive test scope coverage based on product risk with due consideration to accessibility and usability requirements.

K1 K2 K4 K5 K6 K11 K12 K13 K14 K15 K16 K19 K21 K22 K23

S1 S2 S3 S4 S5 S6 S7 S8 S9 S10 S13

B2 B3 B4 B5 B6 B7

Duty 3 Design and build test cases, test scripts/procedures, and defineexpected results to meet the test scope coverage criteria.

K3 K4 K6 K8 K9 K11 K12 K13 K18 K19 K21 K22

S1 S2 S3 S4 S5 S7 S8 S9 S10 S13

B2 B3 B4 B5 B6

Duty 4 Collect, interpret and develop representative and realistic test data.

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S1 S2 S4 S5 S8 S9 S10 S13

B1 B2 B3 B4 B5 B6

Duty 5 Specify test environment requirements.

K3 K4 K6 K9 K10 K14 K17 K18 K19 K23

S4 S5 S7 S8 S9 S10 S13

B1 B3 B4 B6

Duty 6 Conduct a range of different software test types within the broadcategories of functional, non-functional, white box/structural and change-related testing interpreting and executing test scripts usingorganisationally agreed methods and standards.

K1 K3 K4 K6 K8 K9 K10 K11 K12 K13 K14 K15 K17 K18 K19 K20 K22 K23

S1 S2 S3 S4 S5 S6 S7 S8 S9 S10 S11 S12 S13

B1 B2 B3 B4 B5 B6 B7

Duty 7 Conduct and support testing at different test levels (such as unittesting, component integration testing, system testing, system integrationtesting and user acceptance testing)

K1 K3 K4 K5 K6 K7 K8 K9 K10 K11 K12 K13 K14 K15 K17 K18 K19 K20 K22 K23

S1 S2 S3 S4 S5 S6 S7 S8 S9 S10 S11 S12 S13

B1 B2 B3 B4 B5 B6 B7

Duty 8 Conduct testing activities on software applications such asdesktop, web, mobile, embedded, mainframe, internet of things (IoT)and AI to detect defects and demonstrate the software is fit forpurpose.

K2 K3 K4 K5 K7 K8 K9 K10 K11 K12 K13 K14 K15 K16 K17 K18 K19 K20 K22 K23

S1 S2 S3 S4 S5 S6 S7 S8 S9 S10 S11 S12 S13

B1 B2 B3 B4 B5 B6 B7

Duty 9 Operate the organisation's software testing tools.

K1 K3 K6 K8 K11 K13 K14 K15 K16 K17 K18 K19 K20 K21 K22 K23

S1 S2 S3 S4 S5 S6 S7 S8 S9 S10 S11 S12 S13

B1 B3 B4 B5 B6 B7

Duty 10 Raise defects in line with organisational policy at any point in the testprocess and progress them through to successful completion.

K2 K4 K6 K9 K11 K12 K14 K15 K16 K18 K22

S1 S2 S3 S4 S5 S6 S7 S8 S9 S10 S12 S13

B3 B6 B7

Duty 11 Document and report test results against the acceptance criteria,record accurate data to support defect management and maintaininformation traceability between requirements, tests and defects.

K2 K3 K4 K6 K8 K13 K14 K15 K16 K18 K19 K22

S1 S2 S3 S4 S5 S6 S7 S8 S9 S10 S12 S13

B1 B2 B3 B4 B5 B6 B7

Duty 12 Communicate status and metrics against test activities, test resultsand defects using appropriate communication styles and media

K1 K2 K3 K4 K6 K8 K10 K12 K14 K15 K16 K18 K19 K20 K22

S1 S2 S3 S4 S5 S6 S7 S8 S9 S10 S12 S13

B2 B3 B4 B6 B7

Duty 13 Advise and support others on testing activities including providingfeedback, for example on challenges arising within testing or withinmulti-disciplinary teams.

K1 K2 K5 K6 K7 K8 K10 K11 K13 K14 K16 K17 K18 K19 K20 K22 K23

S1 S2 S3 S4 S5 S6 S7 S8 S9 S10 S11 S12 S13

B2 B3 B6 B7

Duty 14 Store, manage and share all test and related data securely in acompliant manner

K1 K3 K4 K12 K14 K15 K18 K19 K20 K22 K23

S4 S9 S10 S11 S12

B1

Duty 15 Practice continuous self-learning to keep up to date withtechnological developments to enhance relevant skills and takeresponsibility for own professional development

K5 K7 K8 K9 K11 K13 K18 K19 K20 K21 K22 K23

S1 S2 S3 S4 S5 S6 S7 S8 S9 S10 S11 S12 S13

B1 B2 B3 B4 B5 B6 B7


KSBs

Knowledge

K1: the relationship between testing and quality assurance and how testing contributes to higher quality Back to Duty

K2: the difference between error, defect, and failure including the distinction between the root cause of a defect and its effects Back to Duty

K3: the impact of context on the test process including the activities, tasks and work products that support the test process Back to Duty

K4: the need for traceability between the requirements/test basis and the test work products Back to Duty

K5: the principles underpinning the psychology of testing including how the required mindset differsfrom the development mindset, and how this can influence success of software testing activities. Back to Duty

K6: the importance of accuracy and clear documentation of software tests and defects. Back to Duty

K7: The relationship between test activities and software development activities in the SoftwareDevelopment Lifecycle Back to Duty

K8: the application of testing across different recognised software development methodologies (sequential and iterative) Back to Duty

K9: the range and features of software test types within the broad categories of Functional, Non-Functional, White Box/Structural and Change-related Testing Back to Duty

K10: the objectives and approaches for testing at different Test Levels (such as Unit Testing, Component Integration Testing, System Testing, System Integration Testing and User AcceptanceTesting). Back to Duty

K11: the role of static testing techniques and the review process in early defect detection Back to Duty

K12: the characteristics of Black Box, White Box and Experience-based Test Techniques Back to Duty

K13: the application of common Black Box Techniques to derive test conditions and test cases (Equivalence Partitioning, Boundary Value Analysis, Decision Table Testing and State TransitionTesting) Back to Duty

K14: the role of software testing within the context of project and product risk reduction in the systems development life cycle. Back to Duty

K15: the defect management process Back to Duty

K16: the typical metrics used to support the monitoring and control of testing Back to Duty

K17: the classification of tools to support testing Back to Duty

K18: the role of test automation in the context of the software development lifecycle Back to Duty

K19: the need for conformance to specific industry standards where appropriate (such as GDPR, health informatics, safety critical, etc.) related to software testing Back to Duty

K20: where Software Testers fit within the wider team and the roles and responsibilities that others play Back to Duty

K21: the characteristics of software architecture that impact on software testing in the development lifecycle Back to Duty

K22: the core testing behaviours, skills and tools that are common to developers, testers, and multi-skilled roles in development lifecycles Back to Duty

K23: the typical security vulnerabilities that should be addressed by testing in general and specifically by penetration testing Back to Duty

Skills

S1: apply static test techniques Back to Duty

S2: apply Black Box test techniques such as Equivalence Partitioning, Boundary Value Analysis, Decision Table Testing and State Transition Testing Back to Duty

S3: analyse test objectives and requirements/test basis to define test scope and coverage criteria Back to Duty

S4: use tools to automate, manage or support any test activity Back to Duty

S5: Apply a regression strategy including selection of tests, maintenance of regression suites and identifying tests suitable for automation Back to Duty

S6: use defect tracking tools Back to Duty

S7: adapt and apply testing activities according to industry standard development methodologies (sequential and iterative) Back to Duty

S8: apply the range of different software test types within the broad categories of Functional, Non-Functional (Security, Performance & Usability), and White Box/Structural Testing Back to Duty

S9: apply and support testing at different Test Levels appropriate to the Software Development Lifecycle (such as Unit Testing, Component Integration Testing, System Testing, System Integration Testing and User Acceptance Testing), taking into account the fundamentals of testing Back to Duty

S10: conform to specific industry standards where appropriate (such as GDPR, health informatics, safety critical, etc.) related to software testing Back to Duty

S11: maintain up to date knowledge of technological developments in the field of Software Testing Back to Duty

S12: record and interpret test progress and results, communicating test status to the relevant stakeholders Back to Duty

S13: Design and follow tests to achieve coverage criteria Back to Duty

Behaviours

B1: maintains a productive, professional, and secure working environment Back to Duty

B2: Works independently and takes responsibility. For example, disciplined and responsible approach to risk, works diligently regardless of how much they are being supervised,accepts responsibility for managing their own time and workload and stays motivated and committed when facing challenges Back to Duty

B3: A problem solving mindset within their own remit, being inquisitive and resourceful when faced with a problem to solve. Applies appropriate solutions. ensuring the true root cause of anyproblem is found and a solution is identified which prevents recurrence Back to Duty

B4: Applies logical thinking, for example, uses clear and valid reasoning when making decisions related to undertaking the work instructions Back to Duty

B5: analytical - uses informal and formal techniques to deconstruct a scenario or test basis to identify tests that will demonstrate software and systems are fit for purpose Back to Duty

B6: Works collaboratively with a wide range of people in different roles, internally and externally, with a positive attitude to inclusion & diversity Back to Duty

B7: Communicates effectively in a wide variety of situations; for example, contributing effectively to meetings and presenting complex information to technical and non-technical audience. Back to Duty


Qualifications

English and Maths

Apprentices without level 2 English and maths will need to achieve this level prior to taking the End-Point Assessment. For those with an education, health and care plan or a legacy statement, the apprenticeship’s English and maths minimum requirement is Entry Level 3. A British Sign Language (BSL) qualification is an alternative to the English qualification for those whose primary language is BSL.


Additional details

Occupational Level:

4

Duration (months):

24

Review

this apprenticeship will be reviewed in accordance with our change request policy.

Status: Approved for delivery (available for starts)
Level: 4
Reference: ST0129
Version: 1.1
Date updated: 28/07/2022
Approved for delivery: 21 April 2016
Route: Digital
Typical duration to gateway: 24 months (this does not include EPA period)
Maximum funding: £18000
LARS Code: 91
EQA Provider: Ofqual
Employers involved in creating the standard: IBM, Capgemini, Microsoft, Cisco, BT, HP, The Royal Signals, Lowe and Partners, Qinetiq, Weboo, 4Ps Marketing, Fujitsu, Accenture, Atos, CGI, Visa, Contentive, Thales, Ticket Master, NCA, Virgin Media

Version log

Version Change detail Earliest start date Latest start date
1.1 Standard, end-point assessment plan and funding revised. 16/05/2022 Not set
1.0 Approved for delivery 21/04/2016 15/05/2022

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