🎉 Module 16 is now live in the MoT Software Testing Essentials Certificate!

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In this module, you’ll explore technical testing, what it means to be a technical tester and how tools can support (but never replace!) your thinking. You’ll discover how understanding system layers, picking the right tools, and applying critical judgment helps testers work more effectively across all kinds of software. Whether you’re inspecting the browser with DevTools, experimenting with an API client, or trying out AI-powered tools, this module will help you approach tools with confidence, curiosity and care.

What’s in Module 16?

Lesson 1: What is technical testing?
by @manishsaini74
Manish introduces the broad scope of technical testing and challenges the idea that it’s all about code. You’ll explore how testers apply curiosity, systems knowledge, and investigation skills to understand how things work, whether that’s inspecting browser storage, analysing logs or pairing with developers, This lesson sets the tone for the whole module and reminds you: if you’re asking how a system works, you’re already being technical.
Lesson 2: Testing the different layers of software systems
by @melthetester and @AdyStokes
Melissa and Ady guide you through the layered architecture of modern application, from UI and APIs to persistence and data storage. You’ll explore the different layers of a real application and start to spot how each one brings unique testing challenges and risks. A brilliant step to help you test beyond the surface.
Lesson 3: The dangers of over-relying on tools
with @w4dd325 @louisegibbs @fullsnacktester @al8xr and @dnlknott
In this Test Bytes, five experienced testers share real stories about tools that missed bugs, gave false confidence or broke completely. You’ll be reminded that tools don’t think, testers do. It’s a practical and cautionary lesson on why your judgment, questions and instincts remain your most valuable tools.
Lesson 4: Types of tools used in testing
by @parwalrahul
Rahul shares a clear, practical overview of different types of testing tools, from exploratory and API tools to automation and AI-powered helpers. He shares a tool evaluation cheatsheet that will help you decide what to use, when and why.
Lessons 5–11: 404 Talks on tool categories
with @AdyStokes @oxygenaddict @hanisha @callum @parwalrahul @ailuj876 @joyz
These short expert-led 404 talks each highlight three different tools that may be useful across seven categories: accessibility, security, functional, exploratory, automation, API, and AI-assisted. You’ll get quick overviews, pros and cons, and practical tips to help you decide which tools are worth exploring and what to look out for when using them.
Lesson 12: Find the right tool for the job
by @parwalrahul
In this final lesson, you’ll put everything into practice. You’ll choose a real testing task, research free tools, and use Rahul’s evaluation checklist to compare your options. It’s a hands-on activity that adds something concrete to your tester toolkit and portfolio. It’s a valuable exercise you can revisit and apply throughout your career!

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Whoop whoop whoop whoop!

(I had to put four ‘whoops’ in to reach the minimum character requirement)

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There are a lot of good things in this one!

And those 404s are a quick way for folks new to testing to appreciate how tools can help us.

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@sarahdeery
Just checked Module 16 of the MoT Software Testing Essentials Certificate and it is packed with insights! This one is about deep technical testing: not so much about the tools but about how a tester thinks, explores, and analyzes systems at every level.

I favoured the module’s emphasis on being technical as not just writing code. From one level to the next with Melissa and Ady to hearing from seasoned testers, the dangers of over-reliance on tools are made abundantly clear. Human judgment is paramount in testing.

The 404 talks were gems too-rapid presentations by experts on tools within categories like accessibility, APIs, AI, and more. Super useful and easy to follow.

That final hands-on experience, applying what you’ve learned to make a tangible portfolio entry? Well done.

Huge thanks to all contributors—the module is a technical skills game changer for testers who want to maintain the human touch in testing. :rocket:

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I loved contributing on some of these chapters with the team MoT.

Special thanks to @sarahdeery and @AdyStokes who helped me refine my content and level up as a contributor.

Loved it!

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