How to Create a Test Plan for Software Testing ?

Create Test Logistics

Creating test logistics is an important part of writing a test plan. This includes deciding where and when testing will take place, as well as what resources will be needed. Test logistics should be created to ensure that all aspects of the testing process are considered. This includes the timeline for the testing process, the resources needed for the testing, and any other relevant information.

Step 3: Define Test Objective

The next step is to define the test objective. The test objective will depend on the software’s purpose, such as verifying whether the software meets user requirements, identifying software defects, or assessing the software’s completeness. The test objective will determine the type of tests that need to be conducted and how the test results will be analyzed and reported. 

Step 4: Define Test Criteria

The next step in creating a test plan is defining the test criteria. Test criteria assess whether a test has passed or failed and are closely linked with test objectives. The test criteria will depend on the type of test, and they should be clearly defined to avoid confusion.

For example, a test for checking data accuracy may use a certain percentage of accuracy as the test criteria. However, it is important to consider any variations that may occur due to environmental changes. For example, one may not achieve the same accuracy level during testing if the data source differs from development.

Suspension Criteria

Suspension criteria are a set of conditions that, if met, will cause the testing process to be suspended. This could be due to a critical bug being found, a change in scope, or anything else that could significantly impact the testing process.

Suspension criteria should be agreed upon by all parties involved in the testing process and should be clearly defined from the start. This will ensure everyone is on the same page and knows when testing should be suspended. Without clear suspension criteria, it can be difficult to decide when to continue testing and stop.

Exit Criteria

The exit criteria for a test plan are the conditions that must be met before the testing can be considered complete. This includes both functional and non-functional criteria. Functional criteria are those that relate to the functionality of the system under test, while non-functional criteria are those that relate to aspects such as performance, scalability, security, etc.

The exit criteria should be clearly defined at the outset of the testing process so that everyone involved knows what needs to be achieved. They should be achievable, measurable, and relevant to the system under test.

Step 5: Resource Planning

The next step when creating a test plan is to outline the resources required for testing. This includes determining whether internal or external resources will be required and what their skill sets and qualifications are. 

For example, if you require specific software programs for testing which are unavailable, this may delay the testing process. A test plan should also outline safety requirements to avoid any last-minute changes that may disrupt the testing process.

Human resource

Human resource planning is a key component of the test plan. The human resources required for testing include testers, developers, and other staff involved in the testing process. The number of resources required and the skills they need will vary depending on the size and complexity of the project. The team members’ skills and experience should be considered when making assignments. The plan should also include tracking the testing progress and identifying areas that may require additional resources.

System Resource

When creating a test plan for a system, it is important to consider the system resources required for testing, such as hardware, software, and so on. It should also identify the risks associated with the testing process and outline the steps that will help mitigate those risks.

Step 6: Plan Test Environment

The next step when creating a test plan is to outline the test environment requirements. This will depend on the type of testing, such as functional, usability, or load testing. Besides, it is important to consider any variations that may occur due to changes in the environment. For example, if you are conducting a functional test, you will need a testing environment that resembles the live environment as closely as possible. This may include real data, network connections, and so on.

What is the Test Environment?

The test environment is where the testing takes place. It includes the hardware, software, and other resources required to support the testing process.

How to set up the Test Environment

There are a few key elements to consider when setting up the test environment, including

• The hardware and software requirements of AUT
• The testing tools to use
• The test data to use
• Network Configuration

Step 7: Schedule & Estimation

Next, when creating a test plan, you need to outline the schedule and estimate for the testing process. This includes determining whether the testing phase is the same length as the development phase, or if you need to extend the testing phase. It is important to consider factors such as the complexity of the software, the testing environment, and other applicable factors. 

You can use the software project management techniques to create a testing schedule. You also need to outline how testing costs will be estimated and determined.

Step 8: Test Deliverables

Lastly, you must outline the test deliverables when creating a test plan. Test deliverables are the final outputs of the testing process, such as test reports, defects, and enhancements. They may also include a list of unsupported features, an explanation of what is missing, and why they were not tested. It is important to note that test deliverables are not the same as software deliverables, and they should only contain information related to testing.

How Do You Run a Test Plan?

The test plan document also consists of the steps that testers need to follow to run the test plan. You start with the process after all the roles are assigned to the concerned individuals. Typically, the steps are:

• Setting up the test environment, including hardware, software, and network configurations.
• Execute the test cases and procedures as outlined in the test plan.
• Record and document the test results, including any defects or issues encountered.
• Analyze the test results to identify major and minor issues and if the product is working properly per the user requirements.
• Communicate and report the test status, including any deviations from the plan to stakeholders.
• Lastly, review the test plan per the feedback and results you received in the previous steps.

Please remember that the specific steps may vary depending on the project’s context, organizational processes, and the details outlined in the test plan document. But by following this general guideline, you can ensure to build and deploy a high-quality system for your customers.

Different Documents Needed to Write Test Plan

While a test plan is a fundamental document that establishes a basis for the testing process, there are some records that you require to create a test plan. They may include:

Requirements Specification: This document outlines the functional and non-functional requirements of the software or system under test. It serves as a basis for deriving test objectives and designing test cases.

Design Documents: These documents include system architecture, software design specifications, and interface specifications. They provide insights into the software’s internal structure and help identify testing areas.

Use Cases or User Stories: Use cases or user stories describe typical user interactions and scenarios. They help in understanding the system’s expected behavior and defining test scenarios.

Test Strategy: The test strategy document outlines the overall testing approach, including the test levels, test techniques, and test environment setup.

Test Estimation Document: This document provides an estimate of the effort, resources, and schedule required for testing activities. It helps in planning and allocating resources effectively.

Test Case Specifications: Test case specifications document the individual test cases, including input values, expected results, and preconditions. They serve as a detailed guide for test execution.

Defect Management Process: The defect management process document outlines the procedures for reporting, tracking, and resolving defects encountered during testing.

How to Deal With Changes to The Test Plan?

If you are in charge of a project, it is important to be able to deal with changes to the test plan. There are a few steps you can take to make this process easier.

First, you need to be able to identify the source of the change. This will help you determine whether the change is something that needs to be addressed immediately or if it can wait.

Next, you need to assess the impact of the change. This will help you determine how much work will be required to implement the change.

Finally, you need to decide how to implement the change. This will involve deciding who will be responsible for implementing the change and how it will be done.

By following these steps, you can ensure that changes to the test plan are dealt with in a timely and efficient manner.

Which Phase in Automation Testing Helps Create the Test Plan?

When automating your tests, you must create a test plan containing the objective, approach, data, and environment setup information.

During the planning phase, the testing team outlines the objectives, approach, and features that need to be tested. In this phase, they also focus on the test environment setup and document all the information.

Thereafter, the time comes to create a test plan that summarizes the test strategy, test data, scope of testing, necessary resources, and project timelines. It will also include the details about tests that need to be conducted and the tools that will be in use to perform different tests.

Clearly, the test planning phase is important as it contains all the data about the testing process, including test data, automation tools, and more, in one place.

Summary 

Creating a test plan is a crucial step in software testing. It outlines the scope, objectives, resources, and timeline of the testing process. A test plan also details the criteria to evaluate test results. It is important to create a well-structured test plan to ensure the success of the software testing process. 

Many resources are available online to help with this process, including templates and tutorials. Furthermore, it is important to document any changes made to the test plan and update it accordingly.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What is the test plan in Scrum?

A test plan is a key component of a Scrum project. It defines how testing will be conducted and provides a roadmap for teams working towards the same goal. The test plan should be created at the beginning of project, along with other Scrum artifacts. And it should be revisited and updated as needed throughout the project.

What is the basic format of a test plan?

The basic format of a test plan is a document that outlines the testing approach for a software project. It includes test objectives, testing tools, test scenarios, test schedules, etc. The document also includes information on who will execute the tests, when the tests will be executed, and what tools and resources will be used for testing.

What is the purpose of a test plan?

A test plan is a document that describes the scope, approach, resources, and schedule of a software testing effort. It is the basis for formally testing any software product. The test plan is an integral part of the software development process and ensures that quality assurance activities are properly planned and conducted.

Who prepares a test plan?

A test plan is typically prepared by a lead test engineer or a senior test engineer and is approved by the project manager or the head of the development team.