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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 higher apprenticeship.

This typically takes around 24 months 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 can also go to gaming events to:

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

Further information

You'll 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

In this role you could:

  • test different levels and versions of a game
  • find the cause of faults and recommend improvements
  • enter 'bugs' on a computer system
  • compare the game against other games on the market
  • check for spelling mistakes in the game, manuals and packaging
  • report copyright issues like the use of logos
  • 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:

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

You could work as a localisation tester to check different language versions of the game if you're fluent in another language.

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

Apprentice Software Test Analyst

  • Wage: £16,000.00 Annually
  • Location: Metro Riverside Park, Gateshead

Software Apprentice (Sentinel Partners)

  • Wage: £18,000.00 Annually
  • Location: Worcester
Find apprenticeships near you

Courses In England

Digital Games Design and Development

  • Provider: NOTRE DAME CATHOLIC SIXTH FORM COLLEGE
  • Start date: 01 September 2023
  • Location: Leeds

Level 2 - Award in Games Design and Development (Adult P/T)

  • Provider: RNN GROUP
  • Start date: 02 January 2024
  • Location: Rotherham
Find courses near you

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