Level 4
Software Tester Apprenticeship
At-a-glance
Reliable software is non-negotiable in the modern workplace. The Level 4 Software Tester Apprenticeship builds the skills needed to master essential testing techniques – ensuring systems perform when it matters most.
Duration
15 months (12 months practical study and 3 months for end-point assessment)Study mode
Intensive (block release) – highly-focused and intensive training delivered online live or face-to-faceFunding
£18,000 levy funded, free for learners.
Non-levy employers pay 5% towards the overall cost of the programme directly, with the remaining 95% funded by the government.Apprenticeship standard
Software Tester
Apprenticeship overview
Firebrand’s Level 4 Software Tester Apprenticeship builds capability to carry out testing across the full software development lifecycle – ensuring systems meet functional, security, performance and usability requirements.
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Learners develop a strong understanding of testing levels, types and techniques, along with the tools and terminology used across the industry. They gain hands-on experience reviewing requirements, preparing test plans, developing realistic data, executing tests and analysing results to ensure software performs as expected.
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Apprentices build programming skills to conduct white-box testing, test automation and data processing, while developing their ability to apply logical thinking when identifying, analysing and solving problems.
This apprenticeship is for learners who want to launch or advance a career in software testing – people who thrive on detail, enjoy solving problems and want to understand how quality is built into every step of the software lifecycle.
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Typical job roles include:
● Software Tester
● QA Tester
● Software Test Analyst
● Quality Engineer
● Test Engineer
● QA Engineer
The apprenticeship is delivered by specialist instructors with real-world experience, through live online classrooms or face-to-face at one of our residential centres – based on our time-tested Lecture-Lab-Review model.
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Apprentices will receive support from subject matter experts as well as access to an e-learning platform and over 5,000 courses on other relevant business topics.
To apply for this apprenticeship, the learner must:
● Have a minimum of 5 GCSEs or A-levels, a Level 3 qualification (apprenticeship or BTEC in a related subject), or relevant experience and/or pass an aptitude test
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Qualifications in STEM subjects would also be beneficial to their application.
Months 1-4
● Core module: Introduction to Testing and Software
● Core module: Test Techniques and Types
● Core module: Managing Test and Risk
● Core module with Digital Badge: Communication and Presentation
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Months 5-8
● Core module with Digital Badge: Practical Challenge and Application (Hackathon)
● Vendor certification: ISTQB – Certified Tester Foundation Level
● Core module with Digital Badge: Practical Specialism – Accessibility
● Core module: Specialism – Security
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Months 9-12
● Vendor certification: Brightest – AiU Certified GenAI-Assisted Test Engineer (GenAiA-TE)
● Core module: Introduction to Automation
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Months 13-15
● End-point assessment (EPA)
Assessment
All Firebrand apprenticeships conclude with an end-point assessment (EPA), completed by the End-Point Assessment Organisation (EPAO), to evaluate the work produced during the programme.
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For the Level 4 Software Tester Apprenticeship, the EPA consists of:
● A scenario-based test
● A professional discussion, underpinned by a portfolio of evidence
Industry certifications (optional)
On successful completion of the programme, learners have the opportunity to achieve the following industry-recognised qualifications:
● ISTQB Certified Tester Foundation Level (CTFL)
● Brightest – AiU Certified GenAI-Assisted Test Engineer (GenAiA-TE)
To do so, learners will be required to sit an exam. Certification exams are optional and not required to pass the apprenticeship. One exam attempt per certification is included at no extra cost.
Why Firebrand?
Get professionally recognised
Apprentices have the option to achieve industry-recognised ISTQB or Brightest certification on completion.
Expertise you can trust
Backed by government and trusted by leading organisations, our programmes are delivered by experienced professionals who’ve worked in the industry – not just taught it.
Study with the best
We’ve trained over 135,000 professionals and have been recognised as one of the Top 20 IT and Technical Training Companies in the World for over a decade.
Start building software confidence today
Speak to an expert
Firebrand develops the capability and confidence that professionals, teams, and organisations need to perform when it matters most.
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