Route Core Element 11 - Testing

This resource list has been created to support the T Level Technical Qualification in Digital Support Services.

Testing digital systems is an important element of the T-Level digital support services pathway, all systems need testing to satisfy compliance with its specified requirements. This section of the specification covers the purpose of testing digital components, the process of applying root cause analysis to problems and testing methods and their application in the digital sector.

Practical experience can be gained through testing software, hardware, data, interfaces and test scripts. Skills gained in this element will prove beneficial when completing the employer set project and occupational specialism.

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Felix is an IT specialist at IBM, he discusses his role in this video. He is involved in designing, implementing, building or testing customers’ computer systems. He enjoyed the sciences, business and maths at school , studied at University in London and was able to work at IBM during his 3rd year placement. He is a Christian, plays music outside of work and sees himself staying at IBM for the longer term, progressing to a more senior role. This video provides context of testing in the workplace and is applicable to R11.3

Penetration, Black Box, White Box Testing are part of R11.3 and this video provides information relating to the applicability of each method. It provides real world context that helps the student with context setting during the testing phase.

This resource covers the physical testing tools that can be used to test computer systems e.g. cable testers and multimeters. It contains information relating R11.3 testing methods and their application in the digital sector.

Learn how to stress test a new PC and the software involved. This video guide provides step by step instructions for stress testing a PC system and the required tools to test the system. This resource will provide practical examples when covering R11.3.

This resource will require a member login to NCFE qualhub, this is a free login to all T-Level providers. This resource has material that covers elements of R11.2. As part of the free offer from NCFE, they have provided access to 2 complimentary session packs covering some of the key topic areas across this element. These include:

Session plan
Lesson activities
e-Learning module
Home study activities

A multi-chapter look at website usability testing, its benefits and methods, and how to get started with it. This is a very detailed resource that has links with R10.1 and R10.3. It provides videos, external links and FAQs.

Fault-finding and de-bugging are covered in R11.1 and this resources provides information when introducing this topic. The article describes the fault finding and debugging process. It is written by an industry insider that has many years of experience. It provides an historical introduction to debugging and proceeds to offer a process diagram of the steps and covers useful sources of resources and help.

PC Tech Guide has grown from a personal hobby site into a world respected resource for computer technology guides and explanations. This resource has a lot of content relating to computer hardware and systems. The guides and tutorials will be the most beneficial sections for this element. This resource has information relating to R11.1 and R11.3.

Virtual Box is an essential tool for lab work and simulations on the T-Level digital courses. This will provide a platform to configure virtual machines for use with stress testing and troubleshooting. Please note this resource is an .exe file.

Free virtual machines from Microsoft for lab work relating to the practical elements.The virtual machines are ideal for the learner to explore operating systems and their settings. Practical experience can be related to R11.1 digital components and R11.3 testing types.

Kali Linux is an open-source distribution. Kali comes with many pre-installed tools and is an important free resource for undertaking penetration testing in this element. Tools that will be useful for R11.3 include BurpSuite and Nikto. This distribution can be imported into Virtual Box and VMware.