How can you measure the success of your test strategy?

1 Test coverage

Test coverage is a measure of how much of the software functionality, code, or requirements are covered by your test cases. It can help you assess the completeness and quality of your test strategy, as well as identify gaps and risks. Test coverage can be calculated at different levels, such as unit, integration, system, or acceptance testing, and using different criteria, such as statement, branch, condition, or path coverage. You can use tools and frameworks to automate and report test coverage, and compare it with your target or baseline.

2 Test effectiveness

Test effectiveness is a measure of how well your test cases detect and prevent defects in the software. It can help you evaluate the value and impact of your test strategy, as well as the performance and skills of your test team. Test effectiveness can be calculated using different metrics, such as defect detection percentage, defect removal efficiency, defect leakage, or defect density. You can use these metrics to analyze the quality and reliability of the software, and the cost and benefit of testing.

3 Test efficiency

Test efficiency is a measure of how optimally you use your test resources, such as time, budget, people, or tools. It can help you optimize your test strategy and improve your test productivity and agility. Test efficiency can be calculated using different metrics, such as test case execution time, test automation rate, test cycle time, or test return on investment. You can use these metrics to monitor and control your test process, and to identify and eliminate waste and redundancy.

4 Test satisfaction

Test satisfaction is a measure of how satisfied your stakeholders are with your test strategy and results. It can help you align your test strategy with your business objectives and expectations, and increase your test credibility and reputation. Test satisfaction can be measured using different methods, such as surveys, feedback, reviews, or ratings. You can use these methods to collect and analyze the opinions and perceptions of your stakeholders, such as customers, users, developers, managers, or sponsors.

5 Test maturity

Test maturity is a measure of how mature and advanced your test strategy and practices are. It can help you benchmark your test strategy against industry standards and best practices, and identify areas for improvement and innovation. Test maturity can be measured using different models, such as TMMi, CMMI, ISTQB, or ISO. You can use these models to assess and improve your test process, capabilities, and outcomes.

6 Test alignment

Test alignment is a measure of how well your test strategy supports and contributes to your project vision and goals. It can help you ensure that your test strategy is relevant and consistent with your project scope, requirements, and risks. Test alignment can be measured using different methods, such as traceability, mapping, or alignment matrix. You can use these methods to verify and validate that your test strategy covers and satisfies your project needs and expectations.

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?