Unit 13: Software Testing Level: 3 Unit type: Internal Guided learning hours: 60 Unit in brief Learners explore a range of testing methodologies used in commercial software
development projects and carry out appropriate tests on a piece of code.
Unit introduction Ensuring the quality of software programs is an essential part of any software
development project and testing is the process used to quality assure software.
Software can be categorised into products that are deliverable computer programs,
such as an application or website, and services that are background applications, which
communicate with a database or a third party, for example an application programming
interface. Products are typically tested with automated tools, and scripts and services are
typically tested with a functional testing tool, such as SoapUI or unit tests written by
software developers.
In this unit, you will learn about the different software testing methodologies that are
used as part of commercial software development projects, and the effects of different
software development methodologies. You will analyse the user requirements for a
software product or service to produce suitable test plans, based on specifications and
development tasks, and select and apply different test methodologies to the software
post development. You will evaluate and present the results of your testing to inform
development team members of their progress and success.
Ideally, this unit should be delivered alongside, or after,
Unit 4: Programming and
Unit 9: IT Project Management .
The analytical and problem-solving skills and knowledge that you develop in this unit will
prepare you for entry to higher education to study a range of degrees. This unit will also
help you to progress to an IT apprenticeship or to employment, for example as a junior
software tester.
