Manual testing to automatic testing A formal training programme for testers at Bands 3 to 7

Capstone brief: Band 5 quality assurance

Evidence 16 for Module 16. Hours 230.5–268. Assessed at Gate 4.

Field Value
Track Band 5 quality assurance
Band 5
UK GDaD PCF role Quality assurance test analyst
Module 16 depth Apply independently
Automation target Working, with support
Presentation 20 minutes, aimed at a non-technical audience

The capstone, from the spec

Automation candidate analysis for the area, and 10 cases automated at browser and API layers, with traceability, with some support.

Scope

Your own area of the product.

Agree the exact scope with the product owner and mentor at hour 230.5, using the scope agreement, your Evidence 7 analysis, and your Evidence 15 estimate.

Deliverables

  • An updated automation candidate analysis (Evidence 7) for the whole area.
  • 10 automated tests across browser and API layers, chosen by risk from the analysis.
  • A spec/index.md that agrees with the code.
  • The tests running in CI.
  • Synthetic data, including rare or edge cases.
  • A traceability matrix agreed with the clinical safety officer.
  • A README: how to run and extend the tests.

Acceptance

The product owner and the Gate 4 panel will look for:

  • The analysis covers every manual regression case in the area.
  • All 10 tests pass in CI and fail when behaviour is wrong.
  • The layer for each test is justified.
  • Spec and code agree.
  • The product owner accepts the capstone.
  • Synthetic data only, and no secrets in source control.
  • You can explain every line you submitted.

Support

Some support: a mentor review every 7.5 hours of learning, and help on request.

Presentation

20 minutes, plus questions, following the presentation outline. Include a live run: it is the Gate 4 Part D practical.

Panel

Chair: a lead test engineer or test manager at least one band above you, not your mentor. A developer from another team. The training lead. The clinical safety officer reviews traceability evidence in writing.

Gate 4 thresholds

At least 90% in each of Parts A, B, and C of the capability self-assessment; Part D Meets; no skill more than one level below expected; test engineering at your automation target; capstone accepted by the product owner. See the spec for the full rules.

View this document on GitHub materials/modules/module-16-capstone/brief-band-5-quality-assurance.md