Test managers play a vital role in overseeing software testing processes, ensuring systems and applications meet quality standards before release. From coordinating test teams and managing test plans to ensuring compliance and delivering on project deadlines, this role combines technical oversight with leadership. That’s why it’s important to present your experience and skills clearly on your CV.

This guide gives you everything you need to create a strong test manager CV, including:

  • Test manager CV examples
  • Professionally designed CV templates
  • Step-by-step guidance on how to structure your CV
  • Practical tips to help your application stand out
  • Common mistakes to avoid
  • Frequently asked questions about test manager CVs

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    Test manager CV sample

    Test Manager Cv Samples

    Ben Worthington
    14B Crown Way, London, W5 0FR
    07912 345678
    ben.worthington@example-example.co.uk

    PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY

    Skilled Test Manager experienced in planning and overseeing testing operations under tight deadlines. Organised and methodical approach to problem solving. Collaborative and open mindset with 10 years’ proven success in the field.

    WORK HISTORY

    Test Manager
    CEX UK Ltd, London
    March 2014 – Present

    • Manage a team of 12 employees, overseeing recruitment, training and professional development.
    • Provide technical leadership to steer strategic plans and future projects.
    • Operate within Agile and Scrum frameworks to complete sprints and releases every two weeks.

    Test Manager
    Vimcar Ltd, London
    April 2010 – March 2014

    • Trained test technicians and operators on test hardware and software.
    • Developed and executed comprehensive test plans and workforce breakdown structures for complete systems.
    • Offered technical expertise on computer networks to support IT and operational test teams.

    Quality Assurance Tester
    Informa, London
    June 2006 – April 2010

    • Monitored systems in operation and executed commands to troubleshoot issues such as broken links and incorrect tracking codes.
    • Created detailed test plans, test scripts, and use cases to support testing objectives.
    • Reduced overall testing hours by 55% by writing and optimising automation scripts in PHPUnit.

    SKILLS

    • Exceptional attention to detail
    • Quality assurance
    • Clear communication
    • PHPUnit proficiency
    • Vericode understanding
    • Test implementation
    • Automation scripting
    • Manual test case preparation

    EDUCATION

    2006
    Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
    University of Greenwich, London

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    Test manager templates

    Explore our range of CV templates tailored for test managers, designed to showcase your ability to lead teams, manage operations, and deliver results. These clear, well-structured formats are easy to customise and fully compatible with applicant tracking systems (ATS). Find a style that helps you stand out and reflects your professional experience.

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    Selecting the best CV format for a test manager role

    Selecting the appropriate CV format is an important step when applying for a test manager position. Your aim is to clearly demonstrate your leadership skills, technical expertise, and ability to manage testing processes efficiently. Below are two popular CV formats in the UK, along with advice to help you choose the best fit for your background:

    The chronological CV

    The chronological CV is the most common and traditional format. It highlights your work experience by listing your roles in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent job. This format typically includes:

    • Professional Summary
    • Work Experience (most recent to earliest)
    • Skills
    • Education and Qualifications

    This format works well if you have consistent experience in testing or quality assurance roles. It enables employers to easily follow your career progression and understand how you have developed your expertise. If your professional history is your strongest point, this is the format to use.

    The skills-based CV

    A skills-based CV focuses on your abilities and competencies rather than your job titles or chronology. This format is ideal if you are transitioning into a test manager role from a related field or if your career path is less straightforward. A typical structure includes:

    • Professional Summary
    • Key Skills
    • Work Experience (if relevant, concentrating on the most applicable roles)
    • Education and Qualifications

    This approach allows you to highlight your transferable skills and testing knowledge, even if your previous positions did not carry the title ‘test manager’. It is particularly helpful for candidates with gaps in their employment or those changing careers.

    Choose your format now

    How to write a test manager CV: Step by step

    To create a compelling CV for a test manager role, you need to include the right sections and structure them clearly. This step-by-step guide will walk you through each part of the CV, offering practical advice and examples to help you present your experience, skills, and achievements effectively.

    Provide your contact details

    Start your CV by clearly listing your contact details at the very top. Be sure to include your full name, current location (such as your town or city), a professional email address, and a reliable phone number. Double-check that all information is accurate and up to date so potential employers can contact you without any issues.

    Example contact section

    Ben Worthington
    14B Crown Way, London, W5 0FR
    07912 345678
    ben.worthington@example-example.co.uk

    Craft your CV personal statement

    Your personal statement should provide a concise and engaging summary of your experience, skills, and what makes you a strong test manager. It’s your chance to catch the hiring manager’s attention and explain why you’re the ideal candidate. Aim for 3 to 4 focused sentences.

    Tips for writing your personal statement:

    • Keep it clear and concise – focus on your key testing and leadership skills
      Mention your total years of experience to highlight your seniority
    • Include any notable achievements, such as improving test processes or leading successful projects
    • Tailor your statement to the job using relevant keywords and requirements

    Example personal statement for a test manager CV:

    Experienced test manager with over 8 years’ expertise leading testing teams and overseeing quality assurance across multiple projects. Skilled in designing test strategies, managing automation frameworks, and ensuring timely delivery of high-quality software releases. Proven track record of improving testing efficiency and fostering collaborative team environments while maintaining strict adherence to standards.

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    Add your work experience

    The work experience section is an essential part of your CV. Hiring managers will want to see that you have successfully managed testing teams, developed and executed test plans, ensured quality standards, and contributed to the timely delivery of projects.

    To make your experience stand out, include clear responsibilities and measurable results that demonstrate your impact on testing processes and product quality.

    Key points for listing your work experience:

    • Include your job title, employer name, and employment dates
    • Provide a summary of your core responsibilities in each role
    • Use 4 to 5 bullet points per job to highlight key tasks and achievements
    • List 2 to 4 roles, focusing on the most recent or relevant positions for the job you’re applying for
    • Where possible, include specific results or improvements to quantify your contributions

    Example of work experience for a test manager CV:

    Test Manager
    Tech Solutions Ltd, London
    March 2019 – Present

    • Lead a team of 15 test engineers, managing resources and training to improve skills and efficiency
    • Develop and implement comprehensive test strategies for software releases, ensuring high-quality standards
    • Reduced defect rate by 30% through the introduction of automated testing frameworks and improved test coverage
    • Collaborate closely with development and product teams to align testing with project timelines
    • Oversee test environments and tools, maintaining smooth operations and minimising downtime

    Skills to include for your test manager CV

    The skills section of your CV allows employers to quickly evaluate your fit for the role. As a test manager, it’s important to highlight a combination of technical testing expertise, leadership abilities, and knowledge of quality assurance processes. This mix shows you can lead teams, manage testing workflows, and ensure product quality in a dynamic environment.

    Keep this section clear and easy to read. Use bullet points and aim for around 8 to 10 skills, balancing technical know-how with soft skills.

    Technical skills:

    • Test planning and execution
    • Automated testing tools (e.g. Selenium, PHPUnit)
    • Defect tracking and reporting (e.g. JIRA, Bugzilla)
    • Quality assurance methodologies
    • Software development lifecycle (SDLC) understanding
    • Performance and load testing

    General interpersonal skills:

    • Team leadership and development
    • Analytical thinking and problem-solving
    • Effective communication and stakeholder management
    • Time management and task prioritisation

     

    Tip: Including both technical and interpersonal skills demonstrates your ability to manage comprehensive testing processes while leading teams effectively, essential for test management roles.

    Outlining education on a test manager CV

    While hands-on experience plays a major role in securing a test manager position, a solid educational background adds credibility and demonstrates your understanding of testing principles and technical processes. A degree in computer science, software engineering, information technology, or a similar discipline is often expected, particularly in roles requiring strategic planning or managing large QA teams.

    Industry-recognised certifications are also valuable. They show your commitment to professional development and help validate your expertise in areas such as software testing, agile delivery, and project management.

    What to include in your education section:

    • Full title of your degree or qualification
    • Name of the institution or training provider
    • Dates attended or completed
    • Relevant certifications such as ISTQB (Foundation or Advanced), AgilePM, or Prince2

    Example of education for a test manager CV:

    Education

    BSc (Hons) Software Engineering
    University of Manchester | 2012 to 2015

    Certifications

    ISTQB Advanced Test Manager Certificate
    AgilePM Practitioner

    Dos and don’ts for your test manager CV

    DO

    • DO tailor your CV to each job application

      Make sure to customise your CV for every role you apply to. Align your skills, experience, and achievements with the specific requirements in the job description. This not only shows recruiters you’ve paid attention but also increases your chances of being invited for an interview.

    • DO quantify your achievements

      Use numbers to demonstrate your impact. Measurable results make your contributions clear and impressive. Be sure to mention these in your work experience section.

      Example:
      “Improved test coverage by 40% through automation and streamlined test case design, reducing regression bugs and accelerating release cycles.”

    DON’T

    • DON’T submit a CV without proofreading

      Spelling mistakes, grammatical errors, or typos make your CV look careless and unprofessional. Always proofread carefully, or ask someone else to check it for you before sending. Errors can be a quick reason for rejection.

    • DON’T forget to tailor your CV for ATS

      Many companies use applicant tracking systems to filter CVs. If your CV lacks relevant keywords or uses unusual formatting, it might not get noticed. Use straightforward language and include common job-related terms such as “test planning,” “quality assurance,” “defect management,” “automation testing,” “risk assessment,” and “team leadership” to improve your chances.

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    Your test manager questions answered

    How can I improve my chances of getting an interview?

    Including a tailored cover letter can significantly boost your chances. It allows you to further explain your approach to managing testing teams, highlight relevant achievements, and show your understanding of the company’s projects and quality standards. A personalised cover letter demonstrates genuine interest and effort, helping you stand out from other applicants.

    How long should my test manager CV be?

    Keep your CV to a maximum of two pages. Recruiters often spend just seconds on initial screenings, so use clear headings, bullet points, and concise language to make your key skills and achievements stand out immediately. Focus on your most relevant experience, technical skills, and measurable successes in managing testing processes.

    Is it better to use a chronological or skills-based CV format?

    For most experienced test managers, a chronological CV works best as it showcases your career progression and leadership responsibilities. A skills-based CV can be useful if you’re shifting from a different role into test management or returning after a career break.

    What if I don’t have direct experience as a test manager?

    If you’re moving into a test manager role from a related position, such as a senior tester, QA analyst, or team lead, focus on transferable skills like test planning, team coordination, stakeholder communication, and quality assurance strategy. Highlight any experience leading small teams, mentoring others, or owning parts of the test lifecycle. A skills-based CV format can help emphasise your leadership potential and technical breadth.

    Can I use the same CV for every job application?

    It’s not advisable. Tailoring your CV to each test manager role increases your chances of standing out. Adjust your professional summary, key skills, and work experience to reflect the job description and highlight the most relevant tools, methodologies, and achievements.

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