Test Strategy Document in Software Testing (Sample Template)
Thomas Hamilton
Test Strategy in Software Testing
A Test Strategy is a plan for defining an approach to the Software Testing Life Cycle (STLC). It guides QA teams to define Test Coverage and testing scope. It helps testers get a clear picture of the project at any instance. The possibility of missing any test activity is very low when there is a proper test strategy in place.
What is Test Strategy Document?
Test Strategy Document is a well-described document in software testing which clearly defines the exact software testing approach and testing objectives of the software application. Test document is an important document for QA teams which is derived from actual business requirements that guides the whole team about software testing approach and objectives for each activity in the software testing process.
A Test strategy document answers all the questions like what you want to get done and how you are going to accomplish it, etc. Writing an effective Strategy document is a skill that a tester develops with experience. Testing strategy plan should be communicated with the entire team so that the team will be consistent on approach and responsibilities.
How to Prepare a Good Test Strategy Document
Every organization has their unique priority and set of rules for software designing, so do not copy any organization blindly. Always ensure that their document is compatible and adds value to your software development before following the template.
Test Strategy in STLC
Step #1) Scope
It defines parameters like
- Who will review the document?
- Who will approve this document?
- Software Testing activities carried out with timelines
Step #2) Test Approach
It defines
- Process of testing
- Testing levels
- Roles and responsibilities of each team member
- Types of Testing (Load testing, Security testing, Performance testing etc.)
- Testing approach & automation tool if applicable
- Adding new defects, re-testing, Defect triage, Regression Testing and test sign off
Step #3) Test Environment
- Define the number of requirement and setup required for each environment
- Define backup of test data and restore strategy
Step #4) Testing Tools
- Automation and Test management tools needed for test execution
- Figure out a number of open-source as well as commercial tools required, and determine how many users are supported on it and plan accordingly
Step #5) Release Control
- Release management plan with appropriate version history that will make sure test execution for all modification in that release
Step #6) Risk Analysis
- List all risks that you can estimate
- Give a clear plan to mitigate the risks also a contingency plan
Step #7) Review and Approvals
- All these activities are reviewed and signed off by the business team, project management, development team, etc.
- Summary of review changes should be traced at the beginning of the document along with an approved date, name, and comment
Download Test Strategy Template
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Test Plan Vs Test Strategy
There is great confusion about Test Plan and Test Strategy documents. A different organization has their unique processes and standards to manage these documents. For example, some organization include test strategy facts in Test Plan itself while some organization includes strategy as a subsection within the testing plan.
| Test Plan | Test Strategy |
|---|---|
| In the Test Plan, test focus and project scope are defined. It deals with test coverage, scheduling, features to be tested, features not to be tested, estimation and resource management. | Test strategy is a guideline to be followed to achieve the test objective and execution of test types mentioned in the testing plan. It deals with test objective, test environment, test approach, automation tools and strategy, contingency plan, and risk analysis |
To make it clearer if the Test Plan is some destination then QA Test strategy is a map to reach that destination.
Conclusion:
In Software Engineering, software release goes through Test Strategy documents from time to time to map the progress of testing in the right direction. When the release date is close many of these activities will be skipped, it is desirable to discuss with team members whether cutting down any particular activity will help for release without any potential risk.