Software and Information Systems Testing (Co-op)
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Program Overview
Knowledge of software and hardware is important in today’s fast-paced IT world and making sure everything is running smoothly is essential to running an effective operation. You’ll emerge from the Software and Information Systems Testing one-year post-grad program with a better understanding of the testing paradigms and methods associated with IT and software development. You’ll understand software and hardware, how to ensure quality control and how to use project management approaches and business analysis techniques.
international only
No
PT Progression Page
PGWP
Yes
CIP Code
14.0903
Program Details
Program Code
SST3
Credential:
Ontario College Graduate Certificate
Duration
30 weeks
Canadian Students
Start Dates
Locations
Availability
Full Time Offerings
2025 January
London
Open
2025 May
London
Open
2025 September
London
Open
2026 January
London
Open
2026 May
London
Open
2024 September
London
Closed
Part Time Offerings
International Students
Start Dates
Locations
Availability
Full Time Offerings
2025 January
London
Open
2025 May
London
Open
2025 September
London
Open
2026 January
London
Open
2026 May
London
Open
2024 September
London
Closed
Your Learning Experience
This one-year Ontario College Graduate Certificate program will prepare you for the in-demand field of quality assurance and quality control in information technology with specialized skills for careers including Business Systems Testing Analyst, Systems Design Verification Technologist and Application Integration Specialist.
- Gain a broad, in-demand skill set that can be paired with any of the other IT programs offered by Fanshawe
- Learn how to write external test scripts and the different methods used to figure out the end-user, from bug testing to reporting
- Gain practical experience in project management, leadership and security testing both in class and through a co-op work term with a local industry partner
- Discover hardware and software testing methods to ensure the end product meets customer expectations
A part-time, online version of this program is available
Co-op Opportunities & Career Information
Co-op Opportunities
The Software and Information Systems Testing program offers a cooperative education component, which provides students with the opportunity to gain invaluable first-hand experience in their chosen field. Here are some co-op jobs that have kick-started the careers of some Software and Information Systems Testing (Co-op) students before even graduating!
- Junior Developer - identify issues, prioritize fixes and resolve identified issues. Suggest ways to improve the look and functionality of the web application to improve user experience.
- Information Technologist - re-image and deploy computers, respond to access requests and prepare media for staff.
- Quality Software Intern - work closely with developers, project managers, analysts and other qualified specialists to plan, document and execute testing across many different products and projects.
For more information regarding co-op, please check out our co-op page or contact the Co-op Office at coop@fanshawec.ca to connect with a consultant.
Career Information
Graduates of Fanshawe’s Software and Information Systems Testing program will have the skills to work in numerous sectors within the information technology industry, including software design, game design, help desk, business analysis, management consulting and customer help. They will also be able to assume quality assurance testing roles, and ultimately management positions, in the technology industry.
Did you know Fanshawe consistently ranks high in graduate employment rates among large colleges in Ontario?
Here are some examples of career opportunities for graduates of Fanshawe’s Software and Information Systems Testing (Co-op) program:
Business Systems Testing Analyst
Evaluates the ongoing effectiveness of systems in meeting their intended objectives, recommending improvements in both systems and methods.
Systems Design Verification Technologist
Responsible for validating industry-leading broadcast and audiovisual solutions at a system level.
Application Integration Specialist
Collaborates with staff to develop, test, document, implement, upgrade, install, maintain and support web-enabled, database and corporate applications and services.
Program Progression
Fall Intake
| Fall | Winter | Summer |
|---|---|---|
| Academic Level 1 | Academic Level 2 | Co-op |
Winter Intake
| Winter | Summer | Fall |
|---|---|---|
| Academic Level 1 | Academic Level 2 | Co-op |
Summer Intake
| Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|
| Academic Level 1 | Academic Level 2 | Co-op |
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Learning Outcomes
- Design and prioritize test protocols by using established techniques and application of core software testing principles to analyze both functional and non-functional specification requirements at all test levels for systems with a low to medium level of complexity.
- Develop test cases to verify system functionality and individual components of the system architecture taking into consideration the various test levels such as component, integration, system, acceptance, and among the various test types such as functional, usability, and regression.
- Test, verify, and evaluate procedures to assess software quality and improve software performance taking into consideration of all the conditions, circumstances, and influences surrounding and affecting the testing of software.
- Interpret, create, and present work-related documents, incident reports, test plans and related information effectively and accurately in order to document possible defects observed during testing.
- Collect, analyze and supplement data with metrics, graphs and charts and other pictorial representations which help the developers and users interpret that data.
- Manage software quality assurance and software testing projects according to current project management principles and practices.
- Devise testing protocols for specialized technologies such as web application testing, mobile application testing, cloud base applications, testing within an Agile framework and DevOps application testing.
Related Programs
Academic School
Program Coordinator:
Susmita Haldar
Admission Requirements
A Two- or Three-Year College Diploma, or a Degree in Business or
Information Technology
OR
Acceptable combination of related work experience and post-secondary education as judged by the College to be equivalent to the above
OR
Acceptable combination of related work experience and post-secondary education as judged by the College to be equivalent to the above
International Admission Equivalencies
Admission equivalencies for Fanshawe depends on your country of study. Please enter your location to see the requirements for your country below.
English Language Requirements
English Language Requirements
Applicants whose first language is not English will be required to demonstrate proficiency in English by one of the following methods:
- A Grade 12 College Stream or University Stream English credit from an Ontario Secondary School, or equivalent, depending on the program's Admission Requirements
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) test with a minimum score of 88 for the Internet-based test (iBT), with test results within the last two years
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic test with an overall score of 6.5 with no score less than 6.0 in any of the four bands, with test results within the last two years. SDS Program Requirements.
- Canadian Academic English Language (CAEL) test with an overall score of 70 with no score less than 60 in any of the four bands, with test results within the last two years
- Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE) with a minimum score of 59, with test results within the last two years
- A Cambridge English Test (FCE/CAE/CPE) with an overall score on the Cambridge English Scale of 176 with no language skill less than 169, with test results within the last two years
- Fanshawe College ESL4/GAP5 students: Minimum grade of 80% in ESL4/GAP5 Level 9 or 75% in ESL4/GAP5 Level 10
Recommended Academic Preparation
Recommended Academic Preparation
- Previous Business or Information Technology post-secondary education and/or training and/or work experience.
Applicant Selection Criteria
Applicant Selection Criteria
Where the number of eligible applicants exceeds the available spaces in the program, the Applicant Selection Criteria will be:- Preference for Permanent Residents of Ontario
- Receipt of Application by February 1st (After this date, Fanshawe College will consider applicants on a first-come, first-served basis until the program is full)
- Achievement in the Admission Requirements
Courses
| Level 1 | ||||
| Take all of the following Mandatory Courses: | ||||
| COMM-6019 | Advanced Professional Communication | 3 | ||
| This course focuses on refining and advancing students workplace communication abilities. The advanced communication documents and strategies covered include presentation skills, research skills, business document writing, meeting and management team strategies, business etiquette, and advanced employment communications. Additionally, students learn about interpersonal and intercultural communication (high/low and monochromic/polychromic context) concepts and strategies. | ||||
| INFO-6066 | Coding for Test | 5 | ||
| This course will examine the practices and procedures related to creating and debugging software. The curriculum will also prepare the student to write code, using initially a procedural approach and then migrating to an object oriented approach. A problem solving approach toward programming will be emphasized so the student can understand the processes involved in programming and ultimately testing and debugging the software. This course will introduce the following concepts: data types, creating and referencing variables, the three procedural programming concepts of sequence, selection, and repetition, data input validation, simple testing and bug hunting techniques. The concepts of objects as entities containing data values and methods will be developed throughout the course. Students will be introduced to the three foundation concepts of object oriented programming: encapsulation, inheritance, and polymorphism. Students will write their own classes to create objects that will implement each of these concepts. | ||||
| INFO-6050 | End User Experience Testing | 3 | ||
| Usability and successful solution interaction is a key deliverable in any solution. Students of this course will learn the development of test cases, execution plans, test reports, software and hardware bug testing and reporting, as well as different methods used in end user testing, including exploratory, usability and agile testing. | ||||
| INFO-6104 | Test Methodologies | 4 | ||
| Software Testing plays a major role in the readiness of software for sales and deployment. This course introduces the student to a myriad of quality assurance methodologies, including black-box, white-box, grey-box, unit and other testing methods. | ||||
| INFO-6011 | Applied Project Management | 3 | ||
| This course focuses on the fundamental theory and practical application of project management skills and techniques to enable the development, selection, definition, execution and closure of IT projects. Students will take a case study through the essentials of a five-phase project management process as defined by the Project Management Institute and learn about the unique challenges at each stage. Students will use task based techniques, templates and Industry standard tools, including Microsoft Project to focus on program specific cases that reinforce processes presented concurrently in the program. | ||||
| INFO-6056 | Systems Design & Analysis | 3 | ||
| Systems Analysis & Design is a fundamental activity in all major businesses today, assisting businesses to utilize data and information to its fullest capacity. It includes structured approaches and methods used to create and maintain systems that perform basic business functions. The goal of Systems Analysis & Design is to improve efficiency by applying software solutions to key business tasks, and is based upon understanding organizational objectives, structure and processes. Students in this course will learn about: Defining systems analysis and design methodologies; The role of systems analysts in information systems development; The information systems development life cycle; Computer aided software engineering tools in system development. | ||||
| COOP-1020 | Co-operative Education Employment Prep | 1 | ||
| This workshop will provide an overview of the Co-operative Education consultants and students' roles and responsibilities as well as the Co-operative Education Policy. It will provide students with employment preparatory skills specifically related to co-operative education work assignments and will prepare students for their work term. | ||||
| ACAD-6002 | Graduate Success Strategies | 1 | ||
| This course presents and helps to develop some of the skills required to achieve academic and career success for graduate students. Areas of focus include college resources, study skills, and time management among other skills. The importance of Academic Integrity will be a main focus. | ||||
Tuition Summary
London
*Total program costs are approximate, subject to change and do not include the health and dental plan fee, bus pass fee or program general expenses.