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Computer games tester

Alternative titles for this job include Games tester, quality assurance tester, video games tester

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

Average salary (a year)

£24,000 Starter

to

£50,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

37 to 39 a week

You could work

evenings / weekends / bank holidays as customers demand

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become a computer games tester

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:

  • computing
  • games design
  • programming

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 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

More Information

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

You may need:

  • 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

More Information

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

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

Direct Application

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.

More Information

Career tips

Some game companies release test versions of games for the public to try.

You could also go to gaming events to:

  • hear about opportunities
  • make contacts in the industry
  • find work

Further information

You can find more advice about working in gaming from ScreenSkills and Into Games.

You can also find out more about working in creative careers from Discover Creative Careers.

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • maths knowledge for understanding programming
  • 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'
  • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

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

Working environment

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

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

With experience or further training, you could:

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

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

Software Tester Apprentice

  • Wage: £13,650.00 Annually
  • Location: Peel Street, Failsworth

Test Apprentice

  • Wage: £14,000.00 Annually
  • Location: Fleets Industrial Estate, Poole, Dorset
Find apprenticeships near you

Courses In England

BTEC Games design & Development

  • Provider: MALBANK SCHOOL AND SIXTH FORM COLLEGE
  • Start date: 01 September 2024
  • Location: Nantwich

Digital Games Design and Development

  • Provider: NOTRE DAME CATHOLIC SIXTH FORM COLLEGE
  • Start date: 01 September 2024
  • Location: Leeds
Find courses near you

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