Test Plan
A Test Plan is a formal document that describes the scope, approach, resources, schedule, and responsibilities of testing activities for a project.
A test plan answers: “How will testing be performed?”
1. Definition
A Test Plan is a formal document that describes the scope, approach, resources, schedule, and responsibilities of testing activities for a project.
A test plan answers: “How will testing be performed?”
2. Purpose of a Test Plan
- Define testing scope and objectives
- Provide clarity on what will and will not be tested
- Establish timelines and responsibilities
- Identify risks and mitigation strategies
- Serve as a reference for stakeholders
3. Importance of a Test Plan
- Aligns stakeholders on testing approach
- Improves planning and predictability
- Prevents scope creep
- Acts as an audit and compliance artifact
4. Test Plan Contents (IEEE-Style Sections)
4.1 Test Plan Identifier
Unique identifier and version.
4.2 Introduction
Purpose and overview of testing.
4.3 Test Items
Modules or features to be tested.
4.4 Features to Be Tested
List of functionalities within scope.
4.5 Features Not to Be Tested
Explicitly excluded items.
4.6 Test Approach
Manual testing strategy, levels, techniques.
4.7 Entry & Exit Criteria
Conditions to start and stop testing.
4.8 Test Deliverables
Test cases, reports, defect logs.
4.9 Test Environment
Hardware, software, browsers, OS.
4.10 Roles & Responsibilities
Testers, leads, stakeholders.
4.11 Schedule
Testing timelines and milestones.
4.12 Risks & Mitigation
Potential testing risks and actions.
4.13 Assumptions & Dependencies
Project assumptions and dependencies.
4.14 Approvals
Sign-off from stakeholders.
5. Manual Tester’s Role
- Contribute to test scope and approach
- Identify risks and dependencies
- Follow test plan during execution
- Update plan when scope changes
6. Test Plan vs Test Strategy
| Aspect | Test Plan | Test Strategy |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Project-specific | Organization-level |
| Detail | Detailed | High-level |
| Owner | Test lead | QA management |
7. Real-Time Example
For a banking app:
- Scope: Account management, transfers
- Out of scope: Performance testing
- Risks: Third-party API dependency
8. Common Mistakes
- Overly generic test plans
- Not updating test plan when scope changes
- Ignoring risks and dependencies
9. Interview-Ready Answers
Short answer:
A test plan is a document that defines the scope, approach, resources, and schedule of testing activities.
Detailed answer:
A test plan outlines how testing will be conducted, what will be tested, responsibilities, timelines, and risk mitigation strategies.
10. Key Takeaway
A Test Plan ensures testing is organized, controlled, and transparent.