How to make a Test Plan in QA Testing

A Test Plan is a detailed document that outlines the overall strategy, scope, approach, objectives, and resources required for software testing.

It defines the testing activities to be performed, who will perform them, and the schedule for each phase.

The goal is to ensure the software meets the desired quality standards and requirements.

Objectives of a Test Plan

• Define the scope and objectives of testing.
• Outline the test strategy and approach.
• Identify testing resources, tools, and environment.
• Specify roles and responsibilities.
• Set timelines and schedules.
• Establish criteria for test completion.
• Identify risks and mitigation plans.

Components of a Test Plan

A comprehensive Test Plan typically includes the following sections:

Test Plan ID

A unique identifier for the test plan document.

Introduction

Briefly describes the software under test (SUT).
Explains the objectives and scope of testing.

Test Items

Lists the components, features, and modules to be tested.

Example: Login Module, Payment Gateway, User Registration.

Features to be Tested

Identifies the functionalities and features covered by testing.

Example:

Valid and invalid input handling
Error message validation
UI/UX consistency

Features Not to be Tested

Clarifies out-of-scope features to avoid misunderstandings.

Example:

Third-party integrations
Deprecated features
Test Approach/Strategy
Describes the testing approach, including methodologies, tools, and techniques.

Covers:

Functional Testing

Non-Functional Testing (e.g., Performance, Security)

Regression Testing
Exploratory Testing

Test Environment

Specifies hardware, software, network configuration, and other setups required for testing.

Example:

OS: Windows 11, macOS Ventura
Browsers: Chrome, Firefox, Safari
Databases: MySQL, PostgreSQL

Entry and Exit Criteria

Entry Criteria

Conditions that must be met before testing can begin.

Availability of test environment

Requirements finalized and signed off
Test cases are reviewed and approved

Exit Criteria

Conditions that must be met before testing can conclude.

All test cases executed

All critical defects fixed and retested
Acceptance criteria met

Test Deliverables

Lists the outputs and artifacts produced during testing.

Example:

Test Plan
Test Cases and Scripts
Defect Reports

Test Summary Report

Roles and Responsibilities

Specifies who will perform which tasks in the testing process.

Example:

Test Lead: Oversees the testing process
Test Engineer: Executes test cases
QA Manager: Reviews and approves test plans

Schedule

Outlines the testing timeline, including start and end dates for each phase.

Example:

Test Planning: April 1 - April 5
Test Execution: April 6 - April 20
Test Closure: April 21 - April 23

Risks and Mitigation Plans

Identifies potential risks and strategies to address them.

Example:

Risk: Delays in requirement finalization
Mitigation: Prepare test cases based on existing requirements and update later
Approval and Sign-off:
Indicates the stakeholders who approve the test plan.

Example:

QA Manager
Project Manager
Product Owner

Example of a Test Plan Outline

Test Plan ID: TP-001
Introduction: Validate the e-commerce website's core features.
Test Items: User registration, login, shopping cart, checkout
Features to be Tested: Functional and UI aspects
Features Not to be Tested: Legacy API features
Test Approach: Manual and Automated Testing
Test Environment: Windows 11, Chrome, PostgreSQL
Entry Criteria: Test environment set up, requirements signed off
Exit Criteria: All critical bugs resolved, acceptance criteria met
Test Deliverables: Test Cases, Bug Reports, Summary Report
Roles and Responsibilities:

Test Lead: ______
QA Engineer: _______

Schedule:
Planning: April 1-5
Execution: April 6-20

Risks: Requirement changes mid-cycle

Approvals:

QA Manager: ________
Product Owner: ________

Importance of a Test Plan

• Ensures alignment on testing objectives.
• Helps manage scope and avoid feature creep.
• Provides clarity on timelines and responsibilities.
• Facilitates tracking and measuring testing progress.
• Reduces risks by planning mitigation strategies.