How do you write a test plan that works?

1 Identify the purpose and scope

The first step in writing a test plan is to define the purpose and scope of your testing project. What are the goals and objectives of the testing? What are the features and functions that need to be tested? What are the boundaries and limitations of the testing? What are the assumptions and dependencies that affect the testing? You should answer these questions clearly and concisely, and align them with the project scope statement and the software requirements specification.

2 Define the test strategy and approach

The next step is to describe the test strategy and approach that you will use to achieve the testing objectives. The test strategy is a high-level document that outlines the general principles, methods, and techniques of testing. The test approach is a more detailed document that specifies the test levels, types, phases, and tools that will be applied to the software. You should also define the test criteria, such as the entry and exit criteria, the pass and fail criteria, and the suspension and resumption criteria.

3 Plan the test resources and schedule

The third step is to plan the test resources and schedule that you will need to execute the test plan. The test resources include the human resources, such as the roles and responsibilities of the test team members, and the physical resources, such as the hardware, software, network, and environment that will be used for testing. The test schedule includes the test activities, tasks, milestones, and deadlines that will be followed during the testing process. You should also estimate the test effort, cost, and risk, and allocate them accordingly.

4 Design the test cases and procedures

The fourth step is to design the test cases and procedures that will be used to verify and validate the software functionality and quality. The test cases are the specific inputs, outputs, and expected results that will be used to test a feature or a function of the software. The test procedures are the steps and instructions that will be followed to execute the test cases. You should design the test cases and procedures based on the test strategy and approach, and document them clearly and consistently.

5 Prepare the test data and environment

The fifth step is to prepare the test data and environment that will be used to support the test execution. The test data are the realistic and relevant data that will be used as inputs or outputs for the test cases. The test environment is the configuration and setup of the hardware, software, network, and environment that will be used for testing. You should prepare the test data and environment based on the test requirements, specifications, and scenarios, and ensure that they are valid, accurate, and secure.

6 Review and approve the test plan

The final step is to review and approve the test plan before implementing it. The review process is a quality assurance activity that involves checking and verifying the test plan for completeness, correctness, consistency, and clarity. The approval process is a formal sign-off activity that involves obtaining the acceptance and authorization of the test plan from the stakeholders, such as the project manager, the client, the sponsor, and the users. You should review and approve the test plan based on the standards, guidelines, and best practices of software testing.

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?