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Test lead
Senior test lead, lead test analyst, test manager, digital test lead
Test leads check new computer systems and applications that are being created or upgraded.
Average salary (a year)
£34000
Starter
£60000
Experienced
Typical hours (a week)
35.0 to 40.0 hours
a week
Work Hours
between 8am and 6pm
How to become
Explore the different ways to get into this role
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
You'll usually need:
  • 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
  • a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study
More Information
equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
student finance for fees and living costs|https://www.gov.uk/student-finance
university courses and entry requirements|https://www.ucas.com/
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
You'll usually need:
  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship
More Information
equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
guide to apprenticeships|https://www.gov.uk/apprenticeships-guide
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.
Direct Application
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
More Information
Career Tips
You'll find it useful to understand different types of project management, such as agile delivery.
Further Information
You can find out more about careers in computing from The Chartered Institute for IT and techskills.
What it takes
Find out what skills you’ll use in this role
Skills and knowledge
You'll need:
    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
Digital Skills Level
to have a thorough understanding of computer systems and applications
What you will do
Discover the day-to-day tasks you’ll do in this role
Day to day tasks
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
Working environment
You could work in an office, at a client's business or from home.
Career Path & Progression
Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities
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
Job profile data provided by The National Careers Service.
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