Easy Guide to Creating a Software Test Plan Document

Posted on Posted in Software Testing

Test Plan for Software

If you’re assigned to create a Software Test Plan, then here’s how to save you from a lot of headaches. Creating one may sound hard but it will prepare your project or product development in terms of testing. Here’s an easy guide on how to write a Software Test Plan Document.

WHAT IS A TEST PLAN?

A test plan is a detailed document containing all the information regarding the testing of a product or a project. This can be so detailed to the point that starting one seems overwhelming. Also, a test plan should always be updated from time to time as the development moves forward.

HOW TO CREATE A TEST PLAN?

Simple step by step guide on creating a test plan that you can improve over time. See below:

    1. Analyze the project/product:
      • Gather all the needed information about the project or the product to be developed.
      • Be present in the data gatherings.
      • Take note of all the features and requests that will be included. This should be in the system requirement specifications.
      • Create an introduction of the project/product in the document. It can contain the following:
        • Purpose
        • Background
        • Scope
    2. Design the Test Strategy:
      • Since you already have a list of features that will be included in the project or product, then you can strategize on what testing types are needed for all the system requirements.
      • Determine the scope of testing (in-scope and out-of-scope).
      • State the risks and issues based on the assessment of the strategy.
      • Create test logistics:
        • Who will test and when will the testing start?
        • What types of testers are needed in the project?
      • Based on this you can follow up your document with Test Requirements including the following:
        • Test Strategy:
          • Testing Types with the Scope/Functionalities being covered
          • Tools to be used in the Testing Types
          • Testers for the Testing Types
    3. Define the Test Objectives:
      • A system contains a lot of features, and since the scope of testing is already determined, then prioritize the in-scope functionalities included in the release.
      • Defining the target and goal will keep the testing on track.
      • Include the Test Goals under the Test Requirements.
    4. Resource Planning:
      • Divide the resources into two (2):
        • Human Resource
          • Include all the needed manpower for the testing of the project.
        • System Resource
          • Include all the resources needed in testing the project:
            • Servers
            • Test Tools
            • Networks
            • Computers
            • Test Environments (Ex. Dev Server, QA Server, UAT Server and Beta Server)
    5. Schedule and Estimation:
      • Specify the tasks needed in the testing based on the system requirements.
      • Estimate the hours or man-days needed for testing each requirement.
      • Start creating schedules for testing the requirements of the system.
      • Include the deadlines for the testers and the project that can affect the estimate.
      • Indicate the project risks based on the estimates, schedule, and manpower.
      • A Gantt Chart might be the best representation for this.
    6. Risk Management:
      • Calculate the risks found and the probability of occurrence.
      • Create a contingency plan for the risks that might occur.
      • Include risk mitigation techniques that can be done to avoid occurrence.
    7. Project Milestone:
      • Create a table containing the milestone, effort, start and end date.
    8. Test Deliverables:
      • Determine the test deliverables between these periods:
        • Before Testing
          • Test Plan
          • Test Cases or Scenarios
          • Test Design
        • During Testing
          • Test Scripts
          • Simulators
          • Test Data
          • Test Traceability Matrix
          • Error Logs and Execution Logs
        • After Testing
          • Test Results Reports
          • Defect Reports
          • Installations/Test Procedures
          • Release Notes
      • Create a table including the Deliverable needed, Author/Assignee, Start Date and Completion Date.

 

Make this guide as your basis on writing your own Test Plan. Projects, clients, and stakeholders may require more or less of the above-mentioned but at least you already have an idea on what to include. There you go, now you can easily create one and start using it for your project or product development. Cheers!