How to Create a Software Test Plan (Updated 2024)

A software test plan is a communication tool between clients and the testing team. It helps execute testing in an appropriate sequence while outlining the test findings to the measuring criteria. Likewise, a well-defined test plan doesn’t only store or distribute test reports. It also reliably enhances quality and throughput. Continue reading this blog and learn all the know-how.

Software test plan and testing should go hand-in-hand to ensure ultimate results. Because it typically stores every detail, from developing a test strategy to performing the number of tests and reporting errors. Every timeline and resource allocation is noted and updated thoroughly. Most importantly, it gives direction to our thinking and determines efforts beforehand to validate the product under test.

How is it planned to evolve in the coming time? Not to worry about! With new technological innovations, the test plan will only evolve to match the challenges related to software testing services. It won’t be declining any time soon. So, for anyone, learning how to create and understand a test plan is a necessary skill to survive in the industry.

Want to know how? Read this blog till the end and gain insights.

What is a software test plan and objectives?

A software test plan is a comprehensive document that has testing strategies, objectives, schedules, estimations, deadlines, and resources all necessary for the project. It’s like a blueprint for running the tests needed. The testing activities are conducted and coordinated as per a predefined sequence.

From the actual writing of a test plan to reviewing and approving every step, it is done by the test management team. It includes members like the Test Lead, Test Manager, Test Engineer, and User. Further, the test plan is shared with Project managers, Dev teams, QA teams, and others associated with the project.

This promotes transparency in quality assurance activities, and stakeholders can know how the software will be tested. Did you know that 45% of organizations have a dedicated QA budget for testing? These types of decisions are also included in the test plan. This is because it simplifies the entire project and avoids any additional concerns.

Its main objectives are:

• Overview of testing activities.
• Provides exact process timeline.
• Helps to estimate resources.
• Helps team members with solutions.
• Identify the risks and issues early.

So, moving ahead in the blog, let us have a look and learn the importance of test plan in today’s rigorous testing world. But first, let us know how the test plan and test strategy differ.

How does a software test plan and strategy differ?

A test plan documents the scope, objective, and running elements of software testing, while a test strategy defines the techniques and approaches to testing. What more differences are there? Below, we have mentioned a tabular difference between test strategy and plan.

How significant is the software test plan at the current time?

The test plan defines the scope, approach, and emphasis of a software testing initiative. At the same time, the test strategy is basically a set of guidelines that describe test design and how to perform testing. Regardless of the difference between software test strategy and plan, they are equally important in today’s digital world.

Determine the time and cost beforehand

The test plan serves as a skeleton for conducting test activities. Therefore, it helps to identify the necessary time, cost, and effort even before testing. As for non-software companies, they can spend the same amount on test plan management software.

Establish a schedule for testing activities

A software test plan is like a rulebook for QA testers. They use it as a reference to schedule activities and note the results as per given benchmarks. In addition, it helps the team members to complete the entire project within or before the deadlines.

Test plans are reusable

The test plan document has important details like test estimation, test scope, and test strategy. It’s already been reviewed by the management team and used for one project. Thus, it provides reusability of such plans to similar or extended projects.

In short, the benefits of a software test plan apply to any organization that requires software testing!

What are the components of the software test plan?

There is no fast or easy rule to prepare a test plan. The test management team has standard components and attributes they attach while designing one. They are:

Scope

It has details concerning a particular project. The scope specifies scenarios or issues the project will cover and not cover. In-scope means modules are tested consistently, and Out-scope is its vice-versa.

Objective

It describes all functionalities and performance to be tested as per metrics. It also provides procedures to follow to give quality software to customers. A further objective would be making software bug-free.

Defect tracking

It tells about how bugs will be reported and to whom. For example, it describes reporting bugs with screenshots, text logs, or videos during their occurrence in code. This is mainly communication between bug finder and bug fixer.

Approach

The approach to testing deals with the flow of applications for reference. We have high-level scenarios written, like logging in to the website. Meanwhile, flow graphs are made for easy merging.

Entry and exit criteria

These set of conditions should be met to start any new testing. First, the entry condition means preparing the necessary resources and test data. Exit conditions have no major bugs, and most test cases are passed.

Testing methodology

The methods used for testing differ for each application or product. So, the testing methodology is decided on features and requirements. As testing terms are not standard, we can tailor what kind of tests to be executed.

How to write a software test plan?

Constructing a software test plan is the utmost goal of the test management process. They consider every requirement from stakeholders and conduct team meetings to finalize the plan of action. Notably, follow these step-by-step processes to attain a plan beforehand:

Analyze the product

Primarily, learn more about the product and users' preference for similar products. Then, review the price range and purpose of the product along with software and hardware specifications. Finally, interview your clients and perform a product walkthrough.

Design the test strategy

A test strategy document is developed by the test manager. It defines product goals and how to achieve them, the amount of effort, and the cost of testing. In addition, it explains the scope (components), Types of testing, risks, and test logistics(skillset of testers).

Define test objectives

This phase defines the expected results after test execution. They should include all software features like functionality, GUI, and performance standards. Further, decide benchmarks for every aspect to compare real-time results and identify defects.

Initiate testing criteria

Here, test criteria refers to rules subjective to all activities in a testing project. First, we have “Suspension criteria” that define benchmarks for all test cases beforehand. “Exit criteria” defines the expected results to be met before moving to the next phase of the product.

Decide on resource allocation

Create a detailed breakdown of all resources necessary for project completion. Resources means human effort, equipment, and all infrastructure used for accurate testing. Furthermore, test managers calculate the schedule and estimations for the project.

Outline your test environment setup

A test environment is the software and hardware setup for QAs to run their tests. In general, test environments should be real devices to monitor software behavior under user conditions. So, browsers and OS are the best test environments to attain test results.

Determine a logical test schedule

For test estimation, divide the project into smaller tasks and allocate time for each. Then, build a schedule to complete those tasks in specific time and effort. Further include employee availability, project deadlines, resource availability, and associated risks.

Establish test deliverables

Test Deliverables are a list of documents, tools, and equipment that must be created and maintained to support testing activities. Before testing, documentation on the test plan and test design. During testing, deliverables are simulators and test data. Finally, after testing its test results and defect reports.

Lengthy process, isn’t it? But every step is important to obtain accurate testing. In the next section, let us explore a detailed process to run a software test plan.

What are the steps to run a software test plan?

The software test plan document also consists of steps to be followed by testers to run the test plan. After roles are assigned to the concerned individuals, they can start the testing process just as mentioned there. Those steps are:

• Set up the test environment with all hardware, software, and network configurations as given.
• Execute the test cases and test scripts as outlined.
• Record and document the test results along with issues, errors, and failed tests.
• Analyze the test results properly to detect and separate major and minor issues.
• Compare the output with user requirements and note the drawbacks.
• Communicate and report the test status to the stakeholders. Further include any improvisations or deviations faced during testing.
• Finally, review and revise the test plan as per the feedback and results.
• Repeat the above steps until the test output matches all the negotiated results.

The above steps can be simplified by using test management tools in software testing like Testsigma, Aqua, TestLink, TestCollab, TestRail, etc.

What are the changes to expect in a software test plan?

Do you know only 30% of companies have fully adopted AI and ML in testing? But software testing is changing, and so is the software test plan. With 2024 around the corner, let’s discuss some new technologies, test strategies, & trends that change the use and view of test plans:

TestOps

TestOps will be the next big thing as DevOps becomes a standard approach. The primary goal of TestOps would be to automate and centralize the test plan management software. Further, QA engineers can control the testing pipeline for high quality & less manual work.

More use of AI

The AI revolution is set to radically transform the way software is planned, developed, and tested. In regards to the test plan, the writing of documentation will be a lot easier by relying on AI tools with NLP and LLMs. In addition, it detects threats and errors in no time.

No-code test automation

Low-code and no-code solutions will gain enough traction in software development because they support ease of understanding among stakeholders. In addition, scriptless test automation increases productivity & access to tailored solutions for non-technical teams.

DevSecOps

The concept of DevSecOps incorporates security aspects into design and development. It focuses on constant testing and securing results in test plans with authentic access to required members. Further strengthens the focus on throughput better than before.

Conclusion

A good software test plan provides all the information covering key test points of each phase, from the development to the deployment process. Implementing such effective planning takes time and commitment. But, all the benefits like cost savings, improved software quality, user satisfaction, and much more weigh out those limitations. So, readers should note that it allows applications to meet user needs in a better way.

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