Computer games tester
Computer, Technology and Digital

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 course in:

• computing
• games design
• programming

University (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

College

You could take a college course, which may 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

College (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

Apprenticeship

You could complete a software tester higher apprenticeship.

Apprenticeship (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

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 info

Career tips Some games companies release test versions of games for the public to try. Going to games events and joining industry forums are good ways to hear about these and other opportunities. They're also useful for making contacts with people working in the industry, who may help you to find work. Further information You'll find more advice about working in gaming from ScreenSkills. You can also find out more about working in creative careers from Discover Creative Careers.

What it takes

Skills & 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

Day to day

In this role you could be:

• testing different levels and versions of a game
• finding the cause of faults and recommending improvements
• entering each 'bug report' on a quality management system
• comparing the game against other games on the market
• checking for spelling mistakes in the game and in instruction manuals and packaging
• reporting copyright issues like the use of logos
• checking a game's accessibility options
• working under pressure and to deadlines

Working environment

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

Career path and progression

Career path & progression

With experience, you could become a quality assurance manager or move into games marketing. With further training, you could become a games designer, animator or developer.