Bit of a dilemna

[BolshieBastard]

'Lead tester' is one step up from 'Tester' and a step below 'Test Analyst' imo.

All a 'tester' does is execute scripts and has to be told what to do. A 'Lead tester' just tells the 'tester' what to do and is probably told what to do by the 'Test Alayst \ Test Manager.'

Having said that, my approach is always 'a bird in the hand............' so I'd take the 12 month extension.

[Turion]

It sounds like you've been promoted, a bit like a permie, but aside from that, as you do not know whether you will get an extention, accept the new role without delay. Then you know that you have work available if you do not get extended. If an extention is granted you can ditch the new role.

Basically, it's all about knowing who is most important - you or the client/agent. As previous posters have stated, clients will ditch you at anytime if it suits them.

[gadgetman]

I disagree. As a test manager myself, test analyst is just another way of describing your basic, bottom of the pile tester. Like calling a binman a waste disposal technician

In my experience the hierarchy is tester (or test analyst), senior TA, team lead, (project) test manager, programme test manager, principal test manager (lots of other titles for this one), head of testing. I've done all of them except the last one.

'Lead tester' is one step up from 'Tester' and a step below 'Test Analyst' imo.