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

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

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.

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

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
• to have a thorough understanding of computer systems and applications

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

You could work in an office, at a client's business or from home.