How can you effectively review and validate your test documentation with stakeholders and the test team?

1 Identify the purpose and audience of your test documentation

Before you start reviewing and validating your test documentation, you need to identify the purpose and audience of each document. For example, a test plan is a high-level document that outlines the objectives, scope, strategy, and resources of the testing project, and it is intended for the project manager, the client, and the senior management. A test case is a detailed document that describes the steps, inputs, outputs, and expected results of a specific test scenario, and it is intended for the test engineer, the developer, and the tester. By identifying the purpose and audience of your test documentation, you can focus on the relevant aspects and criteria for each document.

2 Establish a review and validation process

To ensure a consistent and systematic review and validation of your test documentation, you need to establish a process that defines the roles, responsibilities, and activities involved. For example, you can use a peer review process, where a test engineer reviews the test cases of another test engineer, or a walkthrough process, where the test lead presents the test plan to the stakeholders and the test team. You also need to define the tools, methods, and standards for reviewing and validating your test documentation, such as checklists, templates, guidelines, and best practices.

3 Involve the right stakeholders and the test team

One of the main goals of reviewing and validating your test documentation is to get feedback and approval from the right stakeholders and the test team. Therefore, you need to involve them early and often in the process, and communicate clearly and effectively with them. You need to identify who are the key stakeholders and the test team members for each document, and what are their expectations and concerns. You also need to schedule and conduct review and validation sessions with them, and document and address their comments, suggestions, and issues.

4 Apply the review and validation criteria

To ensure the quality, accuracy, and completeness of your test documentation, you need to apply the appropriate criteria for each document. For instance, when reviewing and validating a test plan, consider if it is aligned with the project scope, objectives, and requirements; if it is clear, concise, and consistent; if the test strategy is suitable for the type, level, and complexity of the testing project; if the test scope, assumptions, risks, and dependencies are well-defined and realistic; and if the test resources, schedule, and deliverables are adequate and feasible. When reviewing and validating a test case instead, check if it is traceable to the requirement or specification; if it is complete, correct, and unambiguous; if it is independent, reusable, and maintainable; if the test steps, inputs, outputs, and expected results are clear and precise; and if the test data and environment are specified and available.

5 Review and validate the test documentation iteratively

Reviewing and validating your test documentation is not a one-time activity; it is an iterative process that requires constant updates and improvements. As the testing project progresses, you may encounter changes in the requirements, specifications, design, or code that affect your test documentation. Therefore, you need to review and validate your test documentation regularly and frequently, and incorporate the changes as soon as possible. You also need to keep track of the versions, revisions, and approvals of your test documentation, and ensure that they are stored and shared in a secure and accessible location.

6 Evaluate the effectiveness of your review and validation process

Finally, you need to evaluate the effectiveness of your review and validation process, and identify the areas for improvement. You can use various metrics and measures to assess the quality and performance of your test documentation, such as the number and severity of defects, the coverage and traceability of requirements, the execution and pass rate of test cases, and the feedback and satisfaction of stakeholders and the test team. You can also use surveys, interviews, or lessons learned sessions to gather feedback and suggestions from the stakeholders and the test team on how to improve your review and validation process.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?