Test Strategy
A Test Strategy is a high-level document that defines the overall testing approach, principles, scope boundaries, and standards to be followed across projects or an entire organization.
Test Strategy answers: “What is our overall approach to testing?”
1. Definition
A Test Strategy is a high-level document that defines the overall testing approach, principles, scope boundaries, and standards to be followed across projects or an entire organization.
Test Strategy answers: “What is our overall approach to testing?”
2. Purpose of a Test Strategy
- Establish a consistent testing approach
- Define testing principles and standards
- Align testing with business goals
- Guide multiple projects uniformly
- Reduce ambiguity in testing decisions
3. Key Characteristics
- High-level and non-project-specific
- Long-lived (applies to many projects)
- Defines what and why, not detailed how
- Approved by senior QA / management
4. Typical Test Strategy Components
4.1 Testing Objectives
Overall quality goals and expectations.
4.2 Scope of Testing
In-scope and out-of-scope testing areas.
4.3 Testing Types
Functional, non-functional, UAT support, etc. (manual focus).
4.4 Test Levels
System testing, integration testing, acceptance testing.
4.5 Test Design Techniques
EP, BVA, Decision Tables, State Transition, etc.
4.6 Entry & Exit Criteria (High-Level)
General readiness and completion rules.
4.7 Defect Management Approach
Defect severity, priority, triage principles.
4.8 Test Environment Strategy
Environment usage principles.
4.9 Risk & Mitigation Strategy
High-risk areas and mitigation approach.
4.10 Metrics & Reporting
Quality indicators and reporting standards.
5. Test Strategy vs Test Plan
| Aspect | Test Strategy | Test Plan |
|---|---|---|
| Level | Organization / Program | Project |
| Detail | High-level | Detailed |
| Longevity | Long-term | Short-term |
| Owner | QA leadership | Test Lead |
6. Manual Tester’s Perspective
- Understand testing expectations
- Follow defined testing principles
- Apply approved test design techniques
- Align testing with quality goals
7. Real-Time Example
Organization-wide test strategy may state:
- Manual testing is mandatory for business logic
- Regression testing required before every release
- UAT support is mandatory
Each project test plan follows this strategy.
8. Common Mistakes
- Confusing test strategy with test plan
- Writing overly detailed strategy documents
- Not updating strategy with process changes
9. Interview-Ready Answers
Short answer:
A test strategy is a high-level document that defines the overall approach and principles for testing across projects.
Detailed answer:
Test strategy outlines the organization’s testing philosophy, scope, testing types, and standards, providing a consistent direction for all testing activities.
10. Key Takeaway
Test Strategy provides the vision and direction for testing, while test plans handle execution details.