ISTQB Certified Tester Foundation Level
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School of Technology

Software Tester

Learn the technical skills to assist with application development and quality assurance for individuals and larger teams.

Program Delivery

On-Campus

Online

Program Overview

The Software Tester program will prepare you for a fast-paced, exciting career in the tech field. While you’re a student and during your industry practicum, you’ll learn a variety of programming languages, testing techniques, and agile principles so you can evaluate software effectiveness and properly report your findings. As a Software Tester, you’ll have the opportunity to work on a variety of applications, from financial products, video games, medical research programs, and more.

Instructor Testimonial:

“As an Instructor and Subject Matter Expert for the Software Tester program at Robertson College, I am honoured to witness and contribute to the development of a curriculum that stands at the forefront of industry standards. My dual role involves not only teaching the courses but also continuously enhancing the program to ensure it aligns with the dynamic demands of the software testing industry.” — Anjali Raj Katuri, Robertson Instructor

This program is licensed under Alberta’s Private Vocational Training Act (PVTA) and Manitoba’s Private Vocational Institutions Act (PVIA).

This program is well-suited for high school graduates with an interest in the tech field and junior or self-taught tech professionals who want to sharpen their skills. It is also a great program for professionals wanting to pivot their careers and get certification in a new field that draws from their existing critical thinking and analytical skills.

This program has a mandatory 120-hour practicum before graduation. When it’s your time to shine, we’ll help you find a placement that matches your skills and meets your goals. Your practicum is an excellent way to apply your skills with industry professionals in a real work environment, something many employers look for when hiring. When you look for that first job, you’ll already have valuable experience in your back pocket.

Program Delivery

Online Learning
Online Learning

Study on your own schedule with the option to attend live lectures throughout the week to connect with your instructor

On-Campus Learning
On-Campus Learning

Study and collaborate with your peers on campus, with instructor support along the way

Program Details

Quick Facts

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Format:

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Practicum:

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Admission Requirements

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Career Opportunities

Software testers are in demand and are an important part of the software development process. Graduates can find employment in a variety of organizations and settings. Employment opportunities include: 

  • Software Developer in Test
  • Manual Tester
  • Junior Product Analyst
  • QA Developer
  • Game QA Tester
  • Quality Tester
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Navigate Your Career with Workforce

At Workforce, we commit to your success from enrolment to graduation and beyond. Our dedicated team of experts will provide you free lifetime career services — whether you need help securing a practicum placement, building a compelling resume, preparing for interviews and everything in between. No matter where your career journey takes you, we’ll be here, supporting you every step of the way.

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Next Start Dates

To view enrolment dates for a specific location please select a Robertson College campus.

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Topics of Study

Professional Skills for Software Testers - 40 Hours

In this course, students will learn how to comply with the moral, legal, professional, and ethical obligations of software testers, and learn leadership theory and understand how to strategize, mobilize and guide the process of transformation and change effectively when working with a team.

Advanced Software Testing Techniques - 60 Hours

This course equips students with advanced methodologies across security, database, and mobile application domains. Through practical exercises and projects, students develop skills in vulnerability analysis, database integrity testing, and mobile usability evaluation. Students will emerge with the capability to implement sophisticated testing strategies across various levels of software development, empowering them to excel in today’s demanding tech industry.

End-User Analysis - 80 Hours

This course trains students to integrate business analysis and end-user research to develop comprehensive software requirements. Participants will learn to apply test and behavior-driven design techniques to create user-centric software solutions. The program emphasizes translating business and user needs into detailed development plans, including use cases and user stories, and teaches techniques to verify and validate software functionality to ensure alignment with these requirements.

Agile Principles - 60 Hours

This course will build the foundational concepts of Agile Methodology which will allow learners to rapidly integrate in the agile team. Learners will learn the foundational concepts of Agile including the Agile Principles, Agile Manifesto and Agile Software Development Approaches. They will also explore the role of the tester and of the test.

Agile Testing - 60 Hours

In this course, learners will learn how to perform agile testing using different methods, approaches and techniques. Learners will explore how to follow and apply testing according to changing requirements and needs when working individually and as part of an agile team.

Business Analysis - 40 Hours

This course will teach the learners how to gather all the requirements from the user and define the functions to be carried out by the software. Learners will learn how to ensure that the developed system aligns with the business needs.

Business Communication - 60 Hours

Communication remains an essential skill sought by employers, regardless of discipline or field of study. Using a practical approach, learners develop strong oral, written, body language and presentation skills to become effective business communicators. Learners will continue to strengthen professional writing, speaking, reading, listening skills, as well as using technology to communicate professionally in a business context. In addition, learners will use communication technology tools to support operations in the workplace.

Characteristics Of Software Testing - 80 Hours

In this course, learners will learn different test models, levels, and types.

Ethics And Integrity - 20 Hours

In this course, learners will learn how to comply with the moral, legal, professional, and ethical obligations of software testers. 

Foundations Of Programming Language - 80 Hours

This course is an introduction to the fundamentals of computer programming including how to write, compile and execute programs. Learners will learn basic concepts of programming languages and explore Python or Javascript. This course will provide learners with foundational knowledge and skills needed for programming in any language.

Leadership And Strategy Execution - 40 Hours

In this course, learners will learn leadership theory and understand how to strategize, mobilize and guide the process of transformation and change effectively when working with a team. 

Programming Logic - 80 Hours

In this course, learners will gain understanding of modern computer programming. Learners will acquire introductory skills in problem analysis, solution design, and program construction. Through practical programming activities, learners will gain an appreciation of the nature and history of computer programming.

Review Process In Testing - 40 Hours

In this course, learners will learn how to review documents, usually any written work product that a human can understand for static testing.

Software Testing Foundations - 100 Hours

In this course, learners will gain basic software testing concepts and skills.

Test Management - 40 Hours

In this course, learners will learn the process of managing tests to ensure fewer design or coding faults. learners will also learn roles and responsibilities for improving the quality of a software product.

Test Process - 40 Hours

To conduct proper testing, a software tester must use a sound process various. In this course, learners will learn how to decide and perform the test activities to achieve established testing objectives.

Testing Documentation - 20 Hours

In this course, learners will learn the objectives and outline of a defect report. They will practice documenting test findings and learn how to properly prepare and present findings to a target audience.

Testing Techniques - 60 Hours

In this course, learners will learn about testing techniques and how to use them to achieve highest quality testing.

Tools For Testing - 60 Hours

Many different types of test tools are used in the testing process. In this course, learners will learn the purpose of using test tools, they will learn the classification of different types of test tools and about test automation risks and benefits.

Career Preparation - 40 Hours

This course introduces learners to career preparation strategies.  Learners will be introduced to job search strategies, interviews and other career management strategies.

Tuition & Fees

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Estimated Total CA$14,995

Total amount is inclusive of all program registration fees, training completion fund, ebooks and courseware. The tuition amount for Manitoba enrolment contracts also encompasses a Training Completion Fund (TCF) fee.

Financial Assistance & Funding

Robertson offers a variety of financial aid opportunities to ease students’ stress and allow them to focus on their studies. If you need extra support, we have flexible funding to accommodate all our students, no matter their financial situation. Our dedicated Financial Aid Officers will help you every step of the way.

Questions about tuition & financial assistance?

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Work Experience Practicum

Practicum is a chance to gain real-world experience in your field of study, and it brings you one step closer to your career!

Apply Your Knowledge
Turn what you’ve learned into real-world action by embracing challenges and exploring business opportunities.

Gain Hands-on Experience
Impress your employer to boost your hiring chances. Our Workforce Team will guide you in securing a practicum that provides valuable experience.

Build Industry Connections
Make a strong impression during your practicum. Even if not hired, your host can be a key reference in your job search.

Tailored for Success
The Workforce Team will match your practicum to your strengths and career goals, setting you up for a successful start.

Industry Certification

Upon completion of this program, students will have the opportunity to challenge the Certified Tester Foundation Level (CTFL) exam at no cost.

Our curriculum is designed to align with the skills in demand by industry; graduates of this program will be prepared to write the Certified Tester Foundation Level (CTFL). Throughout the program, learners will also be acquainted with a variety of industry relevant software, including Visual Studio Community, Jira, Postman, and Selenium.

 

Why study at Robertson?

The Software Tester is an in-demand and fulfilling role that’s invaluable to any company creating and producing technology products. Robertson graduates will enter the industry with a competitive edge as they enter the tech field with a diverse skillset. The program is also a great opportunity for those currently working in the tech sector to shift to a more specialized role, allowing them to leverage their previous knowledge and experience.

Let's Get Started

Simply fill out the form below and one of our Student Advisors will provide any extra information you need and get your account activated as early as today.

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1-431-668-2680
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Program Availability

This program is offered at multiple Robertson College campus locations. Select a campus below to view campus specific information, like schedule information and enrolment dates.

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Calgary
Edmonton
Winnipeg