Where a software tester can go next
5 destinations recorded, ranked by how much of the target role a software tester already meets. The closer to the top of Table 1, the less there is to learn.
Software testers perform software tests. They may also plan and design them. They may also debug and repair software although this mainly corresponds to designers and developers. They ensure that applications function properly before delivering them to internal and external clients.
Also known as module tester, application tester, soft tester, application software tester, software testing specialist, unit tester, software testers, software application tester, tester.
Professionals 80 skills on file 5 career moves 4 above 60% overlap Closest: ICT integration tester, 78%
- 70% and above · short step
- 50 to 70% · real move
- Below 50% · substantial retraining
Table 1 · Within reach
Table 2 · What the job itself asks for
A software tester needs 10 required skills and areas of knowledge. They say the most about the work.
- perform software unit testing working with computers
- software metrics information and communication technologies (icts)
- replicate customer software issues working with computers
- provide software testing documentation communication, collaboration and creativity
- software architecture models information and communication technologies (icts)
- levels of software testing information and communication technologies (icts)
- software anomalies information and communication technologies (icts)
- execute software tests working with computers
- report test findings information skills
- address problems critically communication, collaboration and creativity
Table 3 · Jobs that lead here
The reverse view: occupations whose skills already cover much of what a software tester does. The figure is how much of this job each one brings.
- ICT system analyst 58% covered · difficulty 52
- software analyst 56% covered · difficulty 53.6
- database developer 54% covered · difficulty 56.8
- database designer 52% covered · difficulty 58.1
- ICT security technician 49% covered · difficulty 60.6
- chief information officer 47% covered · difficulty 62.8
- chief technology officer 46% covered · difficulty 63.6
- ICT system tester 44% covered · difficulty 65.6
- 3D modeller 43% covered · difficulty 66.1
- digital games designer 41% covered · difficulty 67.8
Look up another occupation
Software tester is filed under Professionals, ISCO major group 2. The full index lists all ten groups.
How these figures were compiled
Overlap is how much of the target role is already part of a software tester’s work. It is directional: the figure for the reverse move differs. Every entry above opens the full comparison for that move: what carries over, what is missing, and where to start. The full method.