Accredited Software Tester Course (NQF 5) in South Africa
The Occupational Certificate: Software Tester trains learners to assess the functionality of an application against a client's specifications — planning tests, writing test cases, and executing functional and non-functional tests to produce a clear testing report. It's a focused, 70-credit part qualification drawn from Wheelset Academy's broader 240-credit Software Engineer curriculum, built for learners who want an accredited route into software testing without committing to the full qualification.
It's registered at NQF Level 5 with 70 credits under SAQA ID 119438. If you've been searching for a "software tester course in South Africa", "QA testing qualification South Africa" or an "accredited software testing course" that leads to a recognised qualification rather than a certificate of attendance, this is that qualification — delivered from Wheelset Academy's Pretoria and Kempton Park branches.
What the NQF 5 Software Tester course covers
The 70-credit part qualification is built from 3 knowledge modules (40 credits), 1 practical skill module (15 credits) and 1 work experience module (15 credits), drawn from curriculum code 251201-001-00-00.
Knowledge modules · 40 credits
- Software Engineering · 20 credits
- Fundamentals of Project Management in Relation to Software Engineering · 5 credits
- Digital Business Mathematics · 15 credits
Practical skill module · 15 credits
- Test or Debug Source Code to Ensure Client's Needs Are Met · 15 credits
Work experience module · 15 credits
- Software Testing · 15 credits
On completion, learners receive a Letter of Competence from Wheelset Academy and, once verified, a Certificate of Competence with a Statement of Results from the QCTO.
Planning, writing and running real software tests
The qualification pairs software engineering theory with hands-on testing practice, so learners can explain why a test matters as well as run it.
- Identify the functional and non-functional tests an application needs
- Plan a testing approach and write test cases
- Apply the correct tests and record results accurately
- Produce a clear, structured test report
- Read and apply systems analysis and design concepts to understand what's being tested
- Apply project-management fundamentals to plan and track testing work
Software Tester is one of four part qualifications inside the Software Engineer curriculum
Wheelset Academy's Software Engineer curriculum (NQF 6, 240 credits) is structured so learners can complete a smaller, focused part qualification first, without enrolling for the full qualification.
| Part qualification | Credits | Main focus |
|---|---|---|
| Software Tester | 70 | Assessing the functionality of an application against client specifications |
| Systems Designer | 170 | Defining system components, modules, interfaces and data to satisfy requirements |
| Database Designer | 195 | Defining detailed database design, including tables, indexes, views and constraints |
| Applications Programmer | 160 | Designing, developing, implementing, maintaining and testing business applications |
Confirm with admissions whether credits earned in a part qualification can later be credited toward the full Software Engineer qualification.
Verify this qualification yourself
SAQA ID 119438 · MICT SETA quality partner
The Media, Information and Communication Technologies Sector Education and Training Authority (MICT SETA) is named as the development quality partner in the curriculum document for this qualification. Confirm Wheelset Academy's current provider accreditation scope for this specific qualification directly with SAQA and the QCTO before relying on it.
View this qualification on the SAQA database · Check QCTO accreditation · Wheelset Academy accreditations page
Study Software Testing in Pretoria or Johannesburg
Pretoria / Hatfield
353 Festival Street, Hatfield, Pretoria, 0028
Kempton Park / Johannesburg
10 Margaret Avenue, Kempton Park, Johannesburg, 1620
Software Testing career opportunities
The curriculum document names no alternative industry titles for this specific qualification, so treat the roles below as general preparation rather than a sourced list — job titles vary by employer, experience and specialisation.
- Software Tester
- Quality Assurance (QA) Tester
- Test Analyst
- Junior Software Tester
- Manual Tester
A qualification supports career preparation but does not guarantee a particular job title, salary or appointment.
Software Tester course fees and study options
Course fees, registration charges, payment plans, intake schedules and delivery methods can change. Use Wheelset Academy's current fees information rather than relying on old search snippets or third-party course listings.
Before you register, confirm:
- Current intake dates and application deadlines
- Current tuition, registration and Portfolio of Evidence fees
- Full-time and part-time payment plan options
- Classroom, blended or other delivery arrangements
Software Tester course FAQs
What is the Software Tester course?
It's an Occupational Certificate registered at NQF Level 5 with 70 credits (SAQA ID 119438), preparing learners to assess the functionality of an application against a client's specifications through functional and non-functional testing.
What are the entry requirements?
The parent curriculum states an NQF Level 4 qualification, an Information Communication Technology related qualification, or at least three years' experience in Software Development.
Is this the same as the Software Engineer course?
No. Software Tester is one of four smaller part qualifications (alongside Systems Designer, Database Designer and Applications Programmer) drawn from Wheelset Academy's broader 240-credit Software Engineer qualification (NQF 6). It's a faster, more focused 70-credit route into software testing specifically.
What modules does the qualification include?
Three knowledge modules (40 credits) covering Software Engineering, project-management fundamentals and digital business mathematics; one practical skill module (15 credits) on testing and debugging source code; and one assessed work-experience module (15 credits) on software testing.
Who is the quality partner for this qualification?
The Media, Information and Communication Technologies Sector Education and Training Authority (MICT SETA) is named as the development quality partner in the qualification's curriculum document. Confirm Wheelset Academy's current accreditation scope directly with SAQA and the QCTO.
What does a Software Tester actually do, day to day?
Based on the curriculum's occupational task detail, a Software Tester's core responsibility is testing or debugging source code to ensure a client's needs are met — identifying which functional and non-functional tests an application needs, planning and writing test cases, executing them, and producing a testing report on the results. That's the same responsibility whether the role is titled Software Tester or QA (Quality Assurance) Tester.
What jobs can I get after completing this course?
The qualification supports preparation for software testing and quality-assurance roles such as Software Tester, QA Tester and Test Analyst, including junior and graduate-level testing positions. The curriculum document doesn't name specific alternative industry titles for this qualification.
Where can I check Software Tester salaries and job vacancies in South Africa?
Software Tester, QA Tester and junior/graduate testing vacancies and salary ranges are regularly advertised on South African job boards and recruitment sites. This qualification builds the underlying testing skills those roles require, but Wheelset Academy doesn't publish salary data itself, so check current job listings and salary surveys directly for up-to-date figures.
Can I study this course in Pretoria or Johannesburg?
Yes. Wheelset Academy delivers from a Pretoria/Hatfield branch and a Kempton Park/Johannesburg branch. Confirm current schedule and delivery method with admissions.
How do I apply?
Review the current fees and intake information, then submit your application through Wheelset Academy's online application page.
Ready to make sure software actually works?
Apply for the Software Tester course or speak to admissions about how it compares to the full Software Engineer qualification.