Test Plans In Software Testing — A Definitive Guide

What is a Test Plan?

A test plan is a document or outline that defines how a feature or an entire release is tested. Essentially, a test plan is a plan for what, where, when, and how testing is performed and when it is considered complete.

Many test plans include the specific test cases or suites used for testing and a testing schedule. Test results are added to the document after testing. Test plans are living documents that are updated as needed to accommodate changes in scheduling, design, or test environments.

What Is the Importance of a Test Plan?

Test planning is important to ensure the quality of the testing effort. As part of test planning, test plans help organize testing for increased efficiency and effectiveness.

Other reasons test plans are important include:

• Report testing results for tracking and documentation purposes
• Use as a communication tool for software development team members
• Define testing scope to keep test schedules on time and meeting expectations
• Defines what is tested and what is not tested explicitly
• Defines where software is tested including environment, platform, or version

For testing teams that must store and document testing to meet regulatory compliance requirements, test plans can provide the required documentation of the testing process.

Components of the Test Plan in Software Testing

Test plans vary, but have standard components. Testing teams can mix and match the components they need to define for their testing efforts. For example, you may find some of these components don’t make sense for your project. Adapt the components and document only what your team needs to include.

Standard components of a test plan include:

• Test goals or objectives
• Project definition
• Test schedule
• Test scope
• Tools used
• Risk management assessment
• Resource allocation or tester assignment
• Test approach including test cases or test suites to be executed
• Test results including test status and defect lists

Remember the purpose of a test plan is to provide a roadmap for test execution and documentation of what testing was performed, where, when, and by whom. Some test planning documents may also include a list of stakeholders to review and sign off on the test plan.

Types of Test Plans in Software Testing

Master Test Plan

Master test plans have multiple levels of testing defined and include the entire project as a whole. It’s the essential overarching framework of the test plan.

Test Phase Plan

A Test Phase plan refers to a section of the master test plan for a specific testing phase. For example, the test environment or test tool sections are test phase plans specific to defining the test environment and tools used.

Specific Test Plans

Specific test plans are the parts of the master test plan that refer to specific types of testing. For example, testing executed for load, performance, or security are often tested and listed in separate sections.