Test Strategy vs Test Plan: Key Differences

Test plans and test strategies are key parts of a solid software quality assurance (QA) system. While they often work together and support each other, they actually have different goals.

So, what’s the difference?

A lot of people get confused here since there’s some overlap in how they’re used. This blog will break down the differences between a test strategy and a test plan. We’ll start by explaining each term and then compare their main differences.

Test Strategy vs Test Plan: Overview

What is a Test Plan?

The test plan (sometimes termed a QA test plan) may be considered the instruction manual or guide for an organization’s testing effort. It lists all the activities in a QA project in one place, creating a schedule, identifying the scope of the project, defining roles and responsibilities, highlighting risks, entry and exit criteria, testing objectives, and so on.

Generally, the test plan is designed based on software requirements. Ideally, test plans should feature the risks foreseen in the QA project so that QA managers may prioritize the testing process by risk.

What is a Test Strategy?

Test strategy is a comprehensive document that describes the approach to performing software testing. It lets the project managers, developers, and testers know of the critical issues of the process. Creating an effective test strategy is a skill one may develop with experience.

The test strategy describes how the risks must be mitigated at the test level, what criteria are required to apply, and the type of testing that needs to be performed. The testing strategy is shared with the entire team so that everyone onboard follows a common approach and mindset to testing.

Test Strategy VS Test Plan: Key Differences

The difference between a test plan and a test strategy is that a test plan documents the scope, objective, and key elements of software testing, whereas a test strategy defines the techniques and approaches to testing.

Feature	Test Plan	Test Strategy
Definition	A document outlining the scope and approach for testing.	A set of guidelines for testing methods and techniques.
Key Elements	ID, Features, Test Types, Criteria, Deliverables, Responsibilities, Schedule	Scope, Formats, Processes, Tools, Reporting, Communication
Execution & Management	Defines who, when, and how testing will be conducted.	Defines which modules and techniques will be used for testing.
Specificity	Detailed specifications for test cases.	Outlines general testing approaches.
Updatability	Can be updated throughout the project.	Typically remains static for the project.
Risk Identification	Identifies potential issues and dependencies.	Serves as a long-term plan for risk assessment.
Document Type	Separate document.	Often a section within the test plan.
Definition Level	Project-specific.	Defined at an organizational level.
Source Document	Software Requirement Specification (SRS).	Business Requirement Specification (BRS).
Prepared by	Test Leads or Managers.	Project Managers or Business Analysts.
Development Stage	Developed after requirement sign-off.	Created before the test plan is finalized.

Wrapping Up

When it comes to segregating test strategy from test plan, many find it quite complicated to identify the key differences between the two. A test strategy is generally a static document, while a test plan, on the other hand, specifies what to test, when to test, and how to test.

As described in the blog above, these are two different aspects wherein a test plan is comprehensive and detailed compared to a test strategy. Test plans are used at project levels, whereas test strategies are generally used at the organizational levels.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the major difference between a test strategy and a test plan?

The following is the primary distinction between a test strategy and a test plan: A test strategy is a high-level document that specifies the overall testing approach and objectives. It describes the scope, test levels, test kinds, and essential resources, with an emphasis on the overall aspects of testing. 

A test plan is a detailed document that covers the precise activities, tasks, and testing schedules. It includes a test execution plan that includes test objectives, test cases, test data, test environment, and test deliverables.

Check here – Software Testing Strategy

How do you write a test plan and test strategy?

A test plan defines the scope, objectives, and approach for testing. It includes details like test types, criteria, and deliverables. A test strategy outlines the techniques and methods used for testing. It covers aspects like scope, formats, processes, and tools. Both documents are crucial for effective testing.

Check here – Test Plan vs Test Case