Computer games tester

Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through:

• a university course
• a college course
• an apprenticeship
• applying directly

University

You could do a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in:

• games design
• computing
• programming

Entry requirements:

• 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma
• 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

College

You could take a college course to help you to get a job as a junior tester.

Courses include:

• A level in Computing
• Level 3 Diploma in Creative Media
• T Level in Digital Production, Design and Development

Entry requirements:

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and a creative subject
• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level

Apprenticeship

You could complete a Software Tester Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship.

This usually takes around 2 years to complete as a mix of learning on the job and study.

Entry requirements:

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

DirectApplication

You could contact games companies about part time or short term work experience opportunities.

You'll need good technical skills and an in-depth understanding of different game platforms and quality assurance processes.

Required Skills:

Digital skills : to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

Skills:

• to be thorough and pay attention to detail for finding faults and 'bugs'
• analytical thinking skills for software testing
• the ability to use your initiative
• the ability to come up with new ways of doing things
• excellent verbal communication skills
• a good memory
• complex problem-solving skills for fixing 'bugs'
• knowledge of English language
• maths knowledge for understanding programming
• knowledge of engineering science and technology
• concentration skills
• thinking and reasoning skills
• to be flexible and open to change
• the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
• knowledge of computer operating systems, hardware and software
• broadcasting and telecommunications knowledge
• the ability to read English
• design skills and knowledge
• active listening skills
• the ability to use your judgement and make decisions

What you'll do:

Computer games testers play computer games to check they work and find problems or ‘bugs’.

As a computer games tester you could:

• test different levels and versions of a game
• enter 'bugs' on a computer system, find the cause of faults and recommend improvements
• compare the game against other games on the market
• report copyright issues and check for spelling mistakes in the game, manuals and packaging
• check a game's accessibility options
• work under pressure and to deadlines

Location : You could work in a creative studio or in an office.

Salary:

Starter : £24,000
Experienced : £33,000

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

37 - 39 hours a week

Working Pattern is evenings / weekends / bank holidays as customers demand

Career Path:

With experience or further training, you could:

• become a quality assurance manager
• move into marketing games
• become a games designer, animator or developer

If you're fluent in another language, you could check different language versions of games as a localisation tester .