Software Testing and Debugging Training
Build skills that matter in real development environments. Our six-month program covers the testing fundamentals that keep software running smoothly.
Next cohort begins September 2025. We're keeping class sizes small—around 16 people—because debugging is something you learn by doing, not by watching.
Learning Path: Foundation to Practice
The curriculum builds progressively. You'll start with basic testing concepts and work towards handling real bugs in actual codebases.
Testing Fundamentals
Starting point. Manual testing, test case writing, and understanding what you're actually looking for when you test software.
- Test case design and documentation
- Bug report writing that developers can use
- Exploratory testing techniques
- Test planning for small projects
Debugging Essentials
Reading stack traces, using debugging tools, and learning to isolate problems systematically.
- Browser developer tools mastery
- Reading and interpreting error messages
- Step-through debugging in IDEs
- Log analysis and monitoring basics
Automation Basics
Introduction to automated testing. Writing scripts that test repetitive workflows so you can focus on complex scenarios.
- Selenium WebDriver fundamentals
- Test script creation and maintenance
- Automation framework structure
- When to automate (and when not to)
API and Backend Testing
Moving beyond the interface. Testing data flows, endpoints, and backend logic where many bugs actually hide.
- REST API testing with Postman
- Database query validation
- Response validation and error handling
- Integration testing approaches
Performance and Security
Testing for speed, load handling, and common security vulnerabilities. Different perspective, similar skills.
- Load testing with basic tools
- Performance bottleneck identification
- OWASP Top 10 security testing
- Browser performance profiling
Real Project Work
Hands-on practice with actual software. You'll test applications with real bugs, write reports, and collaborate with others.
- End-to-end testing projects
- Team collaboration and reporting
- Test strategy development
- Portfolio project completion
What You'll Actually Work With
Testing Lab Access
Our Port Macquarie lab stays open late on class days. You'll have workstations configured with the tools you need—browsers, IDEs, test automation frameworks.
- Multiple OS environments for cross-platform testing
- Pre-configured testing tools and frameworks
- Shared servers for collaboration projects
- Access to current documentation libraries
Project Portfolio Development
You'll build a portfolio showing what you can do. Test plans you've written, bugs you've found and documented, automation scripts you've created.
- GitHub repository for your testing projects
- Documentation templates and examples
- Sample applications to test and debug
- Feedback sessions on your work
Mentorship and Support
Instructors who've done this professionally. They've shipped buggy code, tracked down production issues at 3am, and learned from those experiences.
- Weekly office hours for individual questions
- Code review and feedback on assignments
- Career guidance and industry insights
- Online forum for between-class discussions
Common Questions
Straight answers about the program, requirements, and what happens after you complete it.
What background do I need?
Basic computer skills and comfort with technology. You don't need to be a programmer, but you should understand how software generally works and be willing to learn some coding basics.
Is this online or in-person?
In-person at our Port Macquarie location. Debugging is easier to teach when we can look at your screen together. Some supplementary materials are available online.
What's the time commitment?
Six hours per week in class (Tuesday 6-8pm, Saturday 9am-1pm), plus about 4-6 hours of practice work on your own time. More before project deadlines, obviously.
Will this help me get hired?
It gives you demonstrable skills and a portfolio to show employers. But we can't promise employment—that depends on your effort, the local job market, and factors outside our control.
What equipment do I need?
We provide lab computers during class. For homework, you'll need a laptop capable of running development tools—Windows, Mac, or Linux. Nothing fancy, just reasonably recent.
Can I miss sessions?
Life happens. We record sessions when we can, and you can catch up on missed work. But the hands-on portions are harder to make up remotely, so regular attendance matters.
Ready to Start Learning?
September 2025 cohort enrollment opens in May. Reach out if you have questions about whether this program makes sense for your situation.
Get in TouchVoices from Previous Cohorts
People who've completed the program and moved into testing roles. Their experiences, in their own words.
I came from retail management with zero tech background. The program was challenging—I won't sugarcoat it—but the instructors knew when to push and when to explain things differently. Now I'm testing e-commerce platforms and actually enjoying the problem-solving aspect of it.
