How to become
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
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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
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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
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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.