Test lead

Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through:

• a university course
• an apprenticeship
• working towards this role
• applying directly

University

You could do a degree or postgraduate course in:

• computer science
• business information technology
• software development
• software engineering
• maths

You may have an advantage when you look for work if your degree includes a work placement, internship or a year in industry.

Entry requirements:

• 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
• a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study

Entry requirements:

Apprenticeship

You could do a software tester higher apprenticeship or a digital technology solutions degree apprenticeship.

Then you'll need to get more experience as a software tester or similar job to become a test lead.

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

Work

You could join a company as a software tester, for example through a graduate training scheme.

Once you have built up enough experience, you could apply for jobs as a test lead.

DirectApplication

You could apply directly for jobs if you have 3 to 5 years' experience in software testing and quality assurance.

You may also find it helpful to have:

• experience in software development or systems engineering
• managed a project
• a professional certificate from an organisation like The Chartered Institute for IT

Required Skills:

Digital skills : to have a thorough understanding of computer systems and applications

Skills:

• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• knowledge of computer operating systems, hardware and software
• analytical thinking skills
• to be flexible and open to change
• persistence and determination
• the ability to monitor your own performance and that of your colleagues
• maths knowledge
• excellent verbal communication skills
• the ability to use your initiative
• thinking and reasoning skills
• the ability to read English
• the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
• knowledge of English language
• active listening skills
• excellent written communication skills
• knowledge of engineering science and technology
• concentration skills
• customer service skills
• knowledge of teaching and the ability to design courses
• a good memory

What you'll do:

Test leads check new computer systems and applications that are being created or upgraded.

On a typical day, you may:

• learn about the products being developed
• create tests for each stage of a product's development
• plan time and resources needed to complete the testing
• manage what the testing team is doing
• carry out manual and automated tests within deadlines
• identify and record faults or 'bugs' so they can be fixed
• review completed tests and analyse the results
• check that new systems and upgrades are working correctly
• write reports for the project management team

Location : You could work in an office, at a client's business or from home.

Salary:

Starter : £34,000
Experienced : £60,000

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

35 - 40 hours a week

Working Pattern is between 8am and 6pm

Career Path:

You can be a test lead in any industry or sector.

With experience, you can:

• specialise in a particular area, such as finance or telecommunications
• move into IT project management
• become a manager
• work as a freelance contractor for IT and business services