Entry Criteria
Entry Criteria are the predefined conditions that must be met before a testing activity or phase can begin. They ensure that testing starts only when the application and prerequisites are ready.
Entry Criteria answer: “Are we ready to start testing?”
1. Definition
Entry Criteria are the predefined conditions that must be met before a testing activity or phase can begin. They ensure that testing starts only when the application and prerequisites are ready.
2. Purpose of Entry Criteria
- Prevent premature testing
- Avoid wasted testing effort
- Ensure test readiness
- Improve testing efficiency and quality
- Reduce false failures
3. Common Entry Criteria in Manual Testing
3.1 Requirement Readiness
- Requirements are finalized and approved
- Requirements are clear and testable
- Acceptance criteria are defined
3.2 Test Artifacts Readiness
- Test plan approved
- Test cases written and reviewed
- Test data prepared
3.3 Test Environment Readiness
- Test environment available
- Required configurations completed
- Application build deployed
- Tester access granted
3.4 Build Readiness
- Build received and deployed successfully
- Smoke test passed
- No critical installation issues
3.5 Resource Readiness
- Testers assigned
- Test schedule finalized
- Tools (if any) available
4. Entry Criteria at Different STLC Phases
| STLC Phase | Entry Criteria |
|---|---|
| Requirement Analysis | Approved requirements |
| Test Planning | Requirements signed-off |
| Test Design | Test plan approved |
| Test Execution | Stable build + environment |
| Test Closure | Exit criteria met |
5. Real-Time Example
If testing starts without:
- Clear requirements → wrong test cases
- Stable build → frequent failures
- Proper environment → blocked testing
Entry criteria help avoid these issues.
6. Entry Criteria vs Exit Criteria
| Aspect | Entry Criteria | Exit Criteria |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Start testing | Stop testing |
| Focus | Readiness | Completion |
| Timing | Before phase | After phase |
7. Risks of Ignoring Entry Criteria
- High number of invalid defects
- Frequent test blocking
- Schedule overruns
- Poor quality metrics
8. Interview-Ready Answers
Short answer:
Entry criteria are the conditions that must be satisfied before starting a testing phase.
Detailed answer:
Entry criteria define readiness checkpoints such as requirement approval, test case completion, and environment availability before test execution begins.
9. Key Takeaway
Entry Criteria ensure testing starts at the right time with the right inputs, preventing wasted effort and poor-quality results.