How to Create a Test Plan for Software Testing

Learning how to create a test plan for software testing is crucial for ensuring that the software meets all requirements and functions correctly. A test plan is a document outlining how the software will be tested, what resources are needed, and the timeline for testing. Developing a thorough test plan is essential for identifying potential issues. This guide provides step-by-step instructions on creating an effective test plan to ensure a successful software testing process.

What is a Test Plan?

A test plan is a document that outlines the strategy, objectives, resources, and schedule for a software testing process. It includes details such as the types and number of tests to be conducted, the purpose of each test, the required tools, and how test results will be analyzed and reported. The test plan is regularly updated throughout the testing process to reflect any discoveries or changes in strategy.

Why are Test Plans Important?

Test plans are essential for several reasons. Firstly, they serve as a communication tool between stakeholders and testing team members, ensuring that everyone understands what, why, and how to test. They outline how to report test findings, define pass/fail criteria, and set expectations for outcomes. This ensures that testing proceeds according to plan and highlights the importance of knowing how to create a test plan.

What are the Objectives of a Software Test Plan?

The objectives of a test plan are to define the scope, approach, and resources required for testing. They aim to establish test objectives and deliverables, identify test tasks and responsibilities, outline the test environment and configuration, and define the test schedule to ensure efficient and effective testing. A detailed test plan helps maintain consistent and transparent communication throughout the testing process.

Components of a Test Plan

A test plan is a document that outlines the strategy, scope, objectives, resources, and schedule for a testing process. It is an essential part of software development and testing, providing a roadmap for test execution. The components of a test plan include:

1. Test Goals: The test plan should explain what the testing aims to accomplish, including the features and functions to be tested and any requirements that must be met.
2. Scope and Approach: It should outline what will be tested, how it will be tested, and the testing methods or approaches to be used.
3. Test Environment: It should specify the hardware, software, and network configurations needed for the tests and any third-party tools or systems used.
4. Testing Schedule: The test plan should include details about what will be done, when it will be done, and the resources needed.
5. Deliverables: It should list the deliverables, such as test cases, scripts, and reports created during testing. It should also have a schedule outlining the testing timeline, including start and end dates.
6. Resources: The plan should identify the personnel, equipment, and facilities needed to complete the tests.
7. Potential Problems: The test plan should list any potential issues that might arise during testing and how they will be addressed.
8. Approval: The test plan needs a clear approval process where all stakeholders and project team members agree on the testing goals and sign off on it.

Types of Test Plans

There are three types of test plans:

• Master Test Plan: Contains multiple testing levels and has a comprehensive test strategy.
• Phase Test Plan: Tailored to address a specific phase within the overall testing strategy.
• Specific Test Plan: Designed explicitly for other testing types, like performance, security, and load testing. This plan focuses only on the non-functional aspects.

Sizing the Test Plan

A common question is, "How long should the test plan be?" There is no definitive answer, but it's clear that large and complex applications require detailed context, resulting in a lengthy document. However, no one wants to read a long document. People might skim through it and miss essential parts. Therefore, it is advisable to keep the test plan within fifteen to twenty pages. The shorter the length, the more likely it is to be read thoroughly.

Writing the Test Plan With the Audience in Mind

When crafting any document, it is essential to keep the audience in mind. Neglecting this can lead to failing to meet your audience's needs and losing their attention. Tailoring your writing to your audience is crucial. For example, a business-focused audience may struggle with technical jargon, while technical readers may find a plan insufficient if it lacks technical details. Striking a balance involves presenting technical information in a way that non-technical individuals can understand.

In test planning, not all details need to be highly technical. The plan should be readable by all stakeholders, regardless of their role. This underscores the importance of test plan reviews, particularly involving stakeholders.

Key Attributes of a Test Plan in Software Testing

• Conciseness: Keep sentences short and use bullet points for easy reading, as modern readers often skim content.
• Organization: Start with a brief introduction and progressively detail the plan. Use test plan templates, standards, numbered sections, and sub-topics for clarity and easy reference.
• Readability: Use plain language that is easily understood by everyone. Avoid acronyms or complex terms to improve readability.
• Adaptability to Change: Plan for potential changes that may occur when business requirements change in the future.
• Accuracy: Ensure the information in the test plan is reliable. Any identified errors should be promptly reported and corrected.

The primary goal of a test plan is to communicate the testing details to the audience throughout the company. Keeping it clear and simple helps engage more of the audience.

How to Create a Test Plan

To create a thorough and effective test plan, begin by outlining the type of software you intend to test. This includes information such as the software's purpose and user requirements. Once you have this information, you can outline the testing strategy and objectives, followed by the test criteria, resources, test environment, and schedule.

Step 1: Analyze the Product

Before writing an effective test plan, you first need to analyze the product. This involves understanding what the product does, how it works, and what its potential users will use it for. This analysis helps identify the areas that need to be tested and the types of tests that will be most effective. Once you have a good understanding of the product, you can uncover areas where problems may occur. By identifying potential problem areas, you can develop a plan for testing the product.

Step 2: Develop a Test Strategy

The next step in creating a test plan is to develop a test strategy. Several factors need to be considered when developing a test strategy, including the type of testing, resources required, and testing schedule. This strategy should be tailored to the specific project and take into account the overall objectives, scope, and risks.

Define the Scope of Testing

Firstly, identify the objectives of the testing. What are you trying to achieve with the testing? Secondly, identify the areas of the application that require testing, including functional areas, features, and components. Thirdly, identify the types of testing to be performed. Read more here – Test Scope.

Identify Testing Types

There are various types of testing that can be performed on software, each with its own benefits and drawbacks. When writing a test plan, it is important to identify the type of testing most appropriate for the application under test (AUT).

One common type of testing is functional testing, which checks the software for compliance with its specified requirements. This testing can be performed manually or using automation tools. Another type of testing is performance testing, which assesses the speed and stability of the software. Other types include security testing, compatibility testing, and usability testing.

The most appropriate type of testing for software will depend on its purpose and intended audience. In general, all software should undergo at least some basic functional and performance testing before being released.

Document Risks & Issues

A test plan is a document that outlines the risks and issues associated with a software project. The plan communicates these risks and issues to the project team and management. Risks could be technical, such as problems with the code or architecture, or non-technical, such as changes in the business environment.

Create Test Logistics

Creating test logistics is an essential part of writing a test plan. This involves deciding where and when testing will occur and determining the necessary resources. Test logistics should ensure that all aspects of the testing process are covered, including the timeline, required resources, and any other relevant information.

Step 3: Define Test Objective

The next step is to define the test objective, which depends on the software’s purpose. Objectives could include verifying if the software meets user requirements, identifying software defects, or assessing the software’s completeness. The test objective will guide the type of tests to be conducted and the analysis and reporting of test results.

Step 4: Define Test Criteria

Defining test criteria is a crucial step in creating a test plan. Test criteria determine whether a test has passed or failed and are closely tied to test objectives. These criteria should be clearly defined to avoid confusion and will vary depending on the type of test. For instance, a test for data accuracy might use a specific percentage of accuracy as its criteria. It is important to consider any variations due to environmental changes, such as differences in data sources.

Suspension Criteria

Suspension criteria are conditions that, if met, will cause the testing process to be suspended. This might happen due to a critical bug, a change in scope, or any other significant impact on the testing process. Suspension criteria should be agreed upon by all parties involved from the beginning to ensure everyone knows when testing should be paused. Without clear suspension criteria, it can be challenging to decide when to continue or stop testing.

Exit Criteria

The exit criteria for a test plan are the conditions that must be met before the testing can be considered complete. These include both functional and non-functional criteria. Functional criteria relate to the system’s functionality, while non-functional criteria pertain to performance, scalability, security, and other aspects. Exit criteria should be clearly defined at the start of the testing process, be achievable, measurable, and relevant to the system under test.

Step 5: Resource Planning

Resource planning involves outlining the resources required for testing. This includes determining whether internal or external resources are needed and specifying their skill sets and qualifications. For instance, if specific software programs are required for testing and are unavailable, this could delay the process. The test plan should also outline safety requirements to prevent last-minute changes that might disrupt testing.

Human Resource

Human resource planning is a key component of the test plan. It involves identifying the testers, developers, and other staff needed for the testing process. The number of resources and the skills required will depend on the project’s size and complexity. Assignments should consider team members’ skills and experience, and the plan should include tracking progress and identifying areas needing additional resources.

System Resource

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

Step 6: Plan Test Environment

The next step in creating a test plan is to detail the requirements for the test environment. This will vary depending on the type of testing, such as functional, usability, or load testing. It is also crucial to account for any variations that may arise due to changes in the environment. For instance, if you are conducting a functional test, you will need a test environment that closely mirrors the live environment. This might include real data, network connections, and other relevant elements.

What is the Test Environment?

The test environment is the setup where the testing occurs. It encompasses the hardware, software, and other resources necessary to support the testing process.

How to Set Up the Test Environment

When setting up the test environment, consider the following key elements:

• The hardware and software requirements of the AUT (Application Under Test)
• The testing tools to be used
• The test data to be utilized
• Network configuration

Step 7: Schedule & Estimation

The next step in creating a test plan is to outline the schedule and estimate for the testing process. This involves determining whether the testing phase will be as long as the development phase or if it needs to be extended. Consider factors such as the software's complexity, the testing environment, and other relevant factors.

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

Step 8: Test Deliverables

Finally, you must specify 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 reasons for not testing certain aspects. It is important to note that test deliverables differ from software deliverables and should only contain information related to testing.

How to Write Test Plans

Let's discuss what each point means in the section below:

• Introduction: An overview of the product under test, outlining all the functions at a high level.
• Objectives and Tasks:
  • Objectives: Define the testing objectives aligned with the master test plan.
  • Tasks: List all the tasks outlined in the test plan, including testing, post-testing, and problem reporting.
• Scope: Describe the scope of testing.
• Testing Strategy: Describe the overall testing approach, including the tools to be used and the major testing activities.
  • Unit Testing:
    • Definition: An overview of the unit testing process for your project.
    • Participants: List the individuals/departments conducting the testing.
    • Methodology: Describe how unit testing will be conducted.
  • Other Testing Types: Use the same template (as for unit testing) for every other testing type.
• Hardware Requirements: List required hardware like computers and modems.
• Environment Requirements: List the software and hardware properties required for the testing environment.
• Test Schedule: Include test milestones, estimating time for each task.
• Control Procedures:
  • Problem Reporting: Document the procedures to follow when an issue is encountered during testing.
  • Change Requests: Document any changes to the software modules and share the feedback with the concerned team.
• Features to Be Tested: Identify the features and functions to be tested.
• Features Not to Be Tested: Identify the features and functions that will not be tested and provide reasons.
• Resources/Roles & Responsibilities: Specify team roles and responsibilities for everyone involved in the testing.
• Schedules: List deliverable documents, including the test plan, test cases, test incident reports, and test summary reports.
• Significantly Impacted Departments (SIDs): List departments, testers, business areas, and business managers impacted.
• Dependencies: Identify significant constraints on testing, such as item and resource availability and deadlines.
• Risks/Assumptions: Identify high-risk assumptions and specify contingency plans.
• Tools: List the test automation tools and bug tracking tools.
• Approvals: Specify the name and title of the individuals required to approve the plan and obtain signatures from everyone responsible for approving the test plan.
  • Name (In Capital Letters) Signature Date

How Do You Run a Test Plan?

The test plan document includes the steps testers must follow to execute the test plan. The process begins once all roles are assigned to the appropriate individuals. Typically, the steps are:

• Setting up the Test Environment: This includes configuring hardware, software, and network settings.
• Executing Test Cases and Procedures: Follow the outlined steps in the test plan.
• Recording and Documenting Test Results: Note any defects or issues encountered.
• Analyzing Test Results: Identify major and minor issues and verify if the product meets user requirements.
• Communicating and Reporting Test Status: Inform stakeholders of any deviations from the plan.
• Reviewing the Test Plan: Incorporate feedback and results from the previous steps.

Please note that specific steps may vary based on the project's context, organizational processes, and the details outlined in the test plan document. Following this general guideline helps ensure the development and deployment of a high-quality system for your customers.

Different Documents Needed to Write a Test Plan

While a test plan is essential for the testing process, several documents are necessary to create it. They may include:

• Requirements Specification: Outlines the functional and non-functional requirements of the software or system under test, serving as a basis for deriving test objectives and designing test cases.
• Design Documents: Include system architecture, software design specifications, and interface specifications, providing insights into the software’s internal structure and helping identify testing areas.
• Use Cases or User Stories: Describe typical user interactions and scenarios, helping understand the system’s expected behavior and defining test scenarios.
• Test Strategy: Outlines the overall testing approach, including test levels, test techniques, and test environment setup.
• Test Estimation Document: Provides an estimate of the effort, resources, and schedule required for testing activities, aiding in planning and resource allocation.
• Test Case Specifications: Document individual test cases, including input values, expected results, and preconditions, serving as a detailed guide for test execution.
• Defect Management Process: Outlines procedures for reporting, tracking, and resolving defects encountered during testing.

How to Deal With Changes to The Test Plan?

If you are managing a project, it is crucial to handle changes to the test plan effectively. Here are the steps to make this process easier:

1. Identify the Source of the Change: Determine whether the change needs immediate attention or if it can wait.
2. Assess the Impact of the Change: Evaluate how much work will be required to implement the change.
3. Decide How to Implement the Change: Determine who will be responsible for implementing the change and how it will be executed.

By following these steps, you can ensure that changes to the test plan are managed promptly and efficiently.

Which Phase in Automation Testing Helps Create the Test Plan?

When automating your tests, creating a test plan that contains the objective, approach, data, and environment setup information is essential.

• Planning Phase: The testing team outlines the objectives, approach, and features to be tested. This phase also focuses on the test environment setup and documents all relevant information.
• Creating the Test Plan: Summarize the test strategy, test data, scope of testing, necessary resources, and project timelines. Include details about the tests to be conducted and the tools to be used for different tests.

The test planning phase is crucial as it consolidates all the data about the testing process, including test data, automation tools, and more, in one place.

Summary

Creating a test plan is a vital step in software testing. It outlines the scope, objectives, resources, and timeline of the testing process and details the criteria to evaluate test results. A well-structured test plan is essential for the success of the software testing process.

Many online resources, including templates and tutorials, can help with this process. Additionally, documenting and updating any changes made to the test plan is important.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What is the test plan in Scrum?

In Scrum, a test plan is an essential element of the project. It details the approach to testing and provides a strategic roadmap for the team to follow. This plan should be developed at the start of the project, alongside other Scrum artifacts, and updated as necessary throughout the project lifecycle.

What is the basic format of a test plan?

The basic format of a test plan is a document that outlines the strategy for testing a software project. It encompasses test objectives, testing tools, test scenarios, and schedules. Additionally, the document specifies who will perform the tests, the timing of the tests, and the tools and resources required for testing.

What is the purpose of a test plan?

The purpose of a test plan is to describe the scope, approach, resources, and schedule for software testing. It serves as the foundation for systematically testing a software product. As a crucial component of the software development process, the test plan ensures that quality assurance activities are well-organized and effectively executed.

Who prepares a test plan?

A test plan is usually crafted by a lead test engineer or a senior test engineer and is subject to approval by the project manager or the head of the development team.