In the digital age, having efficient software is essential for companies to succeed. To ensure that the software meets the necessary standards is free from bugs, and provides the desired user experience, developing a proper Software Test Plan (STP), is ‘The Key’.
In this blog, we share all the details about the Test Plan.
Table Of Contents
What is a Test Plan template?
A Test Plan is a thorough document outlining the software system testing procedures. It provides information on the strategy, objectives, schedule, resources, estimation, and deliverables used in the testing process. The Test Plan ensures that software testing performs all necessary activities appropriately, making it a key element.
It also serves as a guide for the testing manager to monitor and control the progress of the testing activities. The test lead, manager, and engineer prepare the Test Plan.
How To Prepare an Effective Test Plan?
Follow these necessary steps to prepare an effective test plan:
- First up, you have to define your objectives like a boss. Be clear about what exactly you’re trying to achieve with this testing – is it finding bugs, assessing performance, or verifying functionality?
- Next, break down the application into manageable components and determine which areas need testing.
- Then, design realistic test scenarios that cover all possible user interactions and edge cases. Remember to prioritize these scenarios based on their criticality to save time during execution.
- Select the appropriate testing techniques and methodologies that suit your project’s requirements. This will ensure you’re testing efficiently and effectively.
- Lastly, create a master schedule including all activities and timelines for each testing phase, from preparation to execution and reporting.
Following these above-shown steps will give you an ace Test Plan ready to rock the world of software development!
Who Prepares Test Plan Template?
When preparing a Test Plan template, the responsibility usually falls on the software testing team. These professionals specifically focus on ensuring the software or application meets quality standards.
Test Plan Template
A Test Plan template is like a roadmap for testers to do the testing process: to identify what needs to be tested, how to test it, and when to test it.
The template should also allow room for customization based on project-specific requirements while maintaining clarity and consistency. This template saves time and resources, minimizes errors, and ensures your software meets the highest possible standards.
Sample Test Plan Template and How to Automate it with Testsigma?
A test plan is required to ensure any software development project’s success. The Sample Test Plan Template offers a structured framework for outlining testing goals, strategies, and timelines. Below is a sample test plan in real time includes:
1) Introduction: This section overviews the test plan, including its purpose, objectives, and stakeholders. It sets the context for the entire document.
2) Scope: The scope defines the boundaries of the testing effort. It outlines what will be tested and what will not be tested. It helps in managing expectations and ensuring that all necessary areas are covered.
3) Test Strategy: The test strategy outlines the approach and techniques that will be used to achieve the testing objectives. It includes details on test levels, types, and methods to be employed during testing.
4) Test Environment: This section describes the hardware, software, and network configurations required for testing. It ensures that the necessary infrastructure is available to execute tests effectively.
5) Staffing and Training Needs: This part identifies the roles and responsibilities of team members involved in testing. It also highlights any training requirements to ensure testers have the necessary skills to perform their tasks.
6) Test Schedule and Estimation: The test schedule and estimation section outlines the timeline for executing the tests and estimates the resources required for each testing phase.
7) Test Deliverables: Test deliverables include the test plan, test cases, test scripts, test data, and test reports, which are essential for documenting and communicating the testing process and its results.
8) Exit Criteria: This section outlines the conditions that must be met to consider the testing phase complete and move on to the next phase of the software development lifecycle. It may include criteria such as achieving a certain level of test coverage, resolving all critical defects, and obtaining approval from stakeholders.
9) Suspension and Resumption Criteria: This part defines the circumstances under which testing activities may be temporarily halted or resumed. It specifies situations like resource unavailability, critical defects impacting testing progress, or changes in project priorities that may require suspension or resumption of testing.
10) Responsibilities: This section identifies the roles and responsibilities of each team member involved in the software testing process. It clarifies who is responsible for test planning, test case creation, execution, defect tracking, and reporting. Clearly defined responsibilities help ensure accountability and effective coordination among team members.
11) Risk and Contingencies: It also outlines the potential risks and contingencies that may arise during the software testing process, allowing the team to address and mitigate them proactively.
12) Assumptions: In this section of the software test plan template, we outline any assumptions made during the planning process. These assumptions can include factors such as the availability of resources, the stability of the testing environment, or the cooperation of stakeholders. By documenting these assumptions, we ensure that everyone involved in the testing process knows of potential risks or limitations.
13) Test References: This section lists references used to develop the test plan. It includes any documents, standards, or guidelines consulted during the planning phase. These references serve as a point of contact for testers and stakeholders to understand the basis for creating the test plan. They also help ensure that industry best practices and relevant information are incorporated into the testing process.
14) Review and Approvals: Review and approvals are crucial to ensure that the test plan meets the required quality standards and receives the necessary endorsement from key stakeholders.
Some test automation tools also let you implement your test plans. Below we show how Testsigma, a no code test automation tool lets you do it:
In Testsigma. A sample Test plans page(already created) list would look like this:
Example:
Below is a detailed sample test plan created in Testsigma to test cross-browser.
Note: In Testsigma, you have options like list, edit, and delete the created Test plans.
In this test plan, you can add test suites, the machines for execution, the schedules for execution and the needed integrations.
Conclusion
Wrap-up time!
So, there you have it – a sample Test Plan template with all the necessary details to ensure your software is tested thoroughly and efficiently. So, what are you waiting for? Give it a try, and let us know how it works! Happy testing!