Test Plan

A test plan is a document describing software testing scope and activities. It is the basis for formally testing any software/product in a project.

ISTQB Definition

• test plan: A document describing the scope, approach, resources and schedule of intended test activities. It identifies amongst others test items, the features to be tested, the testing tasks, who will do each task, degree of tester independence, the test environment, the test design techniques and entry and exit criteria to be used, and the rationale for their choice,and any risks requiring contingency planning. It is a record of the test planning process.

• master test plan: A test plan that typically addresses multiple test levels.

• phase test plan: A test plan that typically addresses one test phase.

Test Plan Types

One can have the following types of test plans:

• Master Test Plan: A single high-level test plan for a project/product that unifies all other test plans.

• Testing Level Specific Test Plans:Plans for each level of testing.

  • Unit Test Plan

  • Integration Test Plan

  • System Test Plan

  • Acceptance Test Plan

• Testing Type Specific Test Plans: Plans for major types of testing like Performance Test Plan and Security Test Plan.