Software Testing - test plan
A test plan is a formal document that describes the scope, objectives, approach, resources, schedule, and deliverables for testing a software product.
It’s essentially the blueprint for how testing will be done.
1. Purpose of a Test Plan
-
Define what will be tested and how.
-
Communicate the testing strategy to the team and stakeholders.
-
Provide a schedule and resource plan.
-
Identify risks and how to manage them.
-
Serve as a reference document during the project.
2. Typical Contents of a Test Plan
| Section | Description |
|---|---|
| Test Plan ID | Unique identifier for the document. |
| Introduction | Overview of the product and purpose of testing. |
| Objectives & Scope | What’s included and excluded in testing. |
| Test Strategy | Overall approach (manual, automated, types of testing). |
| Test Environment | Hardware, software, network setup needed. |
| Test Items | Features, modules, or components to be tested. |
| Entry & Exit Criteria | When testing starts and when it’s considered complete. |
| Test Deliverables | Documents, reports, scripts, data sets to be produced. |
| Schedule & Milestones | Timeline for test activities. |
| Roles & Responsibilities | Who does what. |
| Resources & Tools | Testers, environments, automation tools, licenses. |
| Risk & Contingency Plan | Potential issues and backup actions. |
| Approval | Stakeholders who sign off on the plan. |
3. Benefits of Having a Test Plan
-
Keeps testing organized and traceable.
-
Helps avoid scope creep in testing.
-
Makes it easier to measure progress and coverage.
-
Serves as evidence for audits or compliance checks.
4. Standards
In many organizations, test plans follow IEEE 829 (or updated ISO/IEC/IEEE 29119) guidelines for software test documentation.
