Junior Software Tester
As a Junior Software Tester, you’ll review requirements and specifications to define test conditions, design and build test cases and interpret and execute moderately complex test scripts.
Below you'll find examples of the skills you need and the day to day activities you'll be involved in, as well as our recommendations for what to do next.
0-2
Years' experience
£27,750*
Average salary
1-3**
SFIAplus
What your role could look like
BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT is here to support individuals to achieve their professional goals. As a Junior Software Tester, you are at the start of your journey and BCS and your organisation can support your growth and continued professional development across four key areas:
- On the job training is a big part of your learning. We can support you through our certifications and membership to help you quickly gain and develop your knowledge in the workplace.
- Reviews requirements and specifications, and defines test conditions.
- Analyses test requirements, designs and builds test cases and test scripts under own direction, mapping back to pre-determined criteria. Prioritises sets of tests in order to carry out those most important within a limited timebox.
- Interprets and executes sets of moderately complex test scripts using agreed methods and standards, recording and reporting outcomes.
- Analyses test activities and results.
- Reports test activities and results in a clear and concise manner.
- Uses normal operating facilities, test scripts, diagnostic tools, technical manuals and systems documentation to identify, diagnose and report on basic system errors.
- Identifies and reports issues and risks associated with own work.
- Records explicit details of failing test cases, such that project or service teams can understand and reproduce issues found.
Software Testing
You’ll be proficient in testing techniques used to plan and execute software tests of all application components (functional and non-functional) to verify that the software satisfies specified requirements and to detect errors. Examples, but not limited to: dynamic testing techniques and test automation techniques.
Test Management Techniques
You’ll be aware of principles, methods, techniques and tools for the effective management of the testing process and the execution of tests throughout the lifecycle of development or integration projects. Examples, but not limited to: test efficiency and effectiveness measurement.
Software Testing Tools
You’ll be familiar with software tools which automate or assist any part of the testing process across all or part of the testing lifecycle. Examples, but not limited to: debugging tools and load test tools.
Development Approach
You’ll have an understanding and application of different development approaches e.g. iterative/ incremental methodologies (Agile, XP, TDD, SCRUM) or traditional sequential methodologies (Waterfall or V-Model) and their energy and resource footprints. Irrespective of development methodology a DevOps approach may also be taken where development and operational staff work collaboratively.
Operational / Service Architecture
You’ll have knowledge of the IT/IS infrastructure (examples, but not limited to: databases and LANs) and the IT applications and service processes used within own organisation, including those associated with sustainability and efficiency (examples, but not limited to: virtualisation and on demand services).
Soft skills are a key component of your continued professional development and success as a software tester. BCS offers a comprehensive suite of materials to members to support professionals in the development of their soft skills.
Written expression and emails
You will be effective at communicating with stakeholders in writing, such as through report writing and via email.
Attention to detail
An eye for detail is important for a junior software tester, as you will be tasked with applying specific quality standards to tasks undertaken to ensure that deliverables are accurate and complete.
Teamwork
You will need to work collaboratively with others to achieve a common goal.
Persistence
You will be tasked with meeting targets, acting and/or fulfilling agreements even when adverse circumstances prevail.
ITQSB – BCS Certified Tester Foundation Level
Take your first step in our global software testing programme to understand, apply and analyse the concepts of software testing.
RITTech
Demonstrate to employers your professional competence by joining the UK register of IT Technicians.
BCS Membership MBCS
As a Professional member of BCS, you’ll become part of a large professional community in the UK and beyond. You’ll get access to career support tools, latest industry news and exclusive BCS research.
Pathway to professionalism
Attain a leading software testing certification and demonstrate that you’ve met the high standards set by BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT. Over 100,000 professionals worldwide are certified with BCS.
