Test Plan Template Example

What is a Test Plan Template?

A Test Plan Template is a detailed document describing the test strategy, objectives, schedule, estimation, deliverables, and resources required for testing. It helps determine the effort needed to validate quality and serves as a blueprint controlled by the Test Manager.

Creating a Test Plan is mandatory to ensure success of your testing project. If you are new to it, refer to How to Create a Test Plan.

Download Sample Test Plan Template

Test Plan Template Structure

Below are the important constituents of a Test Plan template, explained in order:

• 1. Introduction
• 1.1 Scope
• 1.1.1 In Scope
• 1.1.2 Out of Scope
• 1.2 Quality Objective
• 1.3 Roles and Responsibilities
• 2. Test Methodology
• 2.1 Overview
• 2.2 Test Levels
• 2.3 Bug Triage
• 2.4 Suspension Criteria and Resumption Requirements
• 2.5 Test Completeness
• 3. Test Deliverables
• 4. Resource & Environment Needs
• 4.1 Testing Tools
• 4.2 Test Environment
• 5. Terms/Acronyms

1) Introduction

The Introduction provides a brief overview of the test strategies, processes, workflow, and methodologies used for the project.

1.1) Scope

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Scope is split into two parts so that the testing boundary remains unambiguous.

1.1.1) In Scope

In Scope defines the features, functional, or non-functional requirements of the software that will be tested.

1.1.2) Out of Scope

Out of Scope defines the features, functional, or non-functional requirements of the software that will NOT be tested.

1.2) Quality Objective

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Here you mention the overall objectives that the team plans to achieve through manual testing and automation testing. Some objectives of a typical testing project include:

• Ensure the Application Under Test (AUT) conforms to functional and non-functional requirements.
• Ensure the AUT meets the quality specifications defined by the client.
• Identify and fix bugs before the application goes live.

1.3) Roles and Responsibilities

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Provide a detailed description of the roles and responsibilities of the different team members involved, such as:

• QA Analyst
• Test Manager
• Configuration Manager
• Developers
• Installation Team

Among others.

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2) Test Methodology

This section determines the lifecycle, levels, and rules used to govern test execution.

2.1) Overview

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Mention the reason for adopting a particular test methodology for the project. The test methodology selected for the project could be:

• Waterfall
• Iterative
• Agile
• Extreme Programming

The methodology selected depends on multiple factors. You can read more about test methodology here.

2.2) Test Levels

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Test Levels define the types of testing to be executed on the Application Under Test (AUT). The chosen levels primarily depend on the scope of the project, time, and budget constraints.

2.3) Bug Triage

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The goal of bug triage is to:

• Define the type of resolution for each bug.
• Prioritize bugs and determine a schedule for all “To Be Fixed” bugs.

2.4) Suspension Criteria and Resumption Requirements

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Suspension criteria define the conditions under which all or part of the testing procedure will be paused. Resumption criteria determine when testing can resume after it has been suspended.

2.5) Test Completeness

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Here you define the criteria that will deem your testing complete. For instance, common criteria to check test completeness would be:

• 100% test coverage achieved.
• All manual and automated test cases executed.
• All open bugs are fixed or planned for the next release.

3) Test Deliverables

List every artifact produced across the testing lifecycle. Recording them in advance prevents missed handovers between teams.

4) Resource & Environment Needs

List tools and infrastructure to secure budgets, licenses, and environments before execution begins.

4.1) Testing Tools

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Make a list of tools such as:

• Requirements Tracking Tool
• Bug Tracking Tool
• Automation Tools

These are required to test the project effectively.

4.2) Test Environment

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Mention the minimum hardware requirements that will be used to test the application.

The following software is required in addition to client-specific software:

• Windows 11 and above
• Microsoft 365 (or Office 2021 and above)
• MS Exchange, etc.

5) Terms/Acronyms

Document any terms or acronyms used in the project so newcomers can read the plan without ambiguity.

Download the above Test Plan Template Format

Sample Test Plan Document: Banking Web Application Example

The following worked example shows how the template above is filled in for the Guru99 Bank web application.

1. Introduction

The Test Plan prescribes the scope, approach, resources, and schedule of all testing activities for the Guru99 Bank project. It identifies the items and features to be tested, the types of testing performed, the personnel responsible, and the risks associated with the plan.

1.1 Scope

1.1.1 In Scope

All features of the Guru99 Bank website defined in the software requirement specs need to be tested.

Module Name	Applicable Roles	Description
Balance Enquiry	Manager, Customer	Customer: A customer can have multiple bank accounts and can view balances of his accounts only. Manager: A manager can view the balance of all customers under his supervision.
Fund Transfer	Manager, Customer	Customer: A customer can transfer funds from his own account to any destination account. Manager: A manager can transfer funds from any source account to any destination account.
Mini Statement	Manager, Customer	A mini statement shows the last 5 transactions of an account. Customer: Sees the mini-statement of his own accounts only. Manager: Sees the mini-statement of any account.
Customized Statement	Manager, Customer	A customized statement filters and displays transactions in an account by date or transaction value. Customer: His own accounts only. Manager: Any account.
Change Password	Manager, Customer	Customer: Can change the password of his own account. Manager: Can change the password of his own account but not those of his customers.
New Customer	Manager	Manager: A manager can add a new customer.
Edit Customer	Manager	Manager: Can edit details such as address, email, and telephone of a customer.
New Account	Manager	The system provides 2 account types: Saving and Current. A customer can hold multiple saving accounts (sole or joint) and multiple current accounts. Manager: Can add a new account for an existing customer.
Edit Account	Manager	Manager: Can edit account details for an existing account.
Delete Account	Manager	Manager: Can delete an account belonging to a customer.
Delete Customer	Manager	A customer can be deleted only if she has no active current or saving accounts. Manager: Can delete a customer.
Deposit	Manager	Manager: Can deposit money into any account, typically when cash is deposited at a bank branch.
Withdrawal	Manager	Manager: Can withdraw money from any account, typically when cash is withdrawn at a bank branch.

1.1.2 Out of Scope

These features are not tested because they are not part of the software requirement specs:

• User Interfaces
• Hardware Interfaces
• Software Interfaces
• Database logical design
• Communications Interfaces
• Website Security and Performance

1.2 Quality Objective

The test objectives are to verify the functionality of the Guru99 Bank website. The project should focus on testing the banking operations, such as Account Management, Withdrawal, and Balance enquiry, to guarantee that all these operations work normally in a real business environment.

1.3 Roles and Responsibilities

The project should use outsourced members as testers to save on project cost.

No.	Member	Tasks
1.	Test Manager	Manages the entire project, defines project direction, and acquires appropriate resources.
2.	Tester	Identifies and describes appropriate test techniques, tools, and automation architecture; verifies the test approach; executes tests; logs results; reports defects. Outsourced members.
3.	Developer in Test	Implements test cases, test programs, test suites, etc.
4.	Test Administrator	Builds and maintains the test environment and assets; supports testers during execution.
5.	SQA Members	Take charge of quality assurance and confirm whether the testing process meets the specified requirements.

2. Test Methodology

2.1 Overview

The Guru99 Bank project follows an Agile-friendly testing methodology, allowing testers to align with rapid development sprints while maintaining structured documentation.

2.2 Test Levels

In the Guru99 Bank project, three types of testing should be conducted:

• Integration Testing: Individual software modules are combined and tested as a group.
• System Testing: Conducted on a complete, integrated system to evaluate compliance with specified requirements.
• API Testing: Tests every API exposed by the software under test.

2.3 Bug Triage

Bug triage meetings are held twice a week to classify defect severity, owner, and target fix release.

2.4 Suspension Criteria and Resumption Requirements

If 40% of test cases have failed, suspend testing until the development team fixes all failed cases.

2.5 Test Completeness

• Specifies the criteria that denote a successful completion of a test phase.
• Run rate is mandatory at 100% unless a clear reason is given.
• Pass rate is 80%; achieving the pass rate is mandatory.

2.6 Project Tasks, Estimation, and Schedule

Task	Members	Estimated Effort
Create the test specification	Test Designer	170 man-hours
Perform Test Execution	Tester, Test Administrator	80 man-hours
Test Report	Tester	10 man-hours
Test Delivery	Test Manager	20 man-hours
Total	—	280 man-hours

Schedule: The team commits to completing these tasks across the agreed test cycle window.

3. Test Deliverables

Test deliverables for the Guru99 Bank project are organized into three phases.

Before the testing phase:

• Test plan document.
• Test cases documents.
• Test design specifications.

During the testing phase:

• Test tool simulators.
• Test data.
• Test traceability matrix, error logs, and execution logs.

After the testing cycles are over:

• Test results and reports.
• Defect Report.
• Installation and test procedure guidelines.
• Release notes.

4. Resource & Environment Needs

4.1 Testing Tools

No.	Resource	Description
1.	Server	A database server running MySQL and a web server running Apache.
2.	Test tool	A tool that can auto-generate test results into a predefined form and automate test execution.
3.	Network	A LAN gigabit setup and one internet line with a minimum speed of 5 Mb/s.
4.	Computer	At least 4 workstations running Windows 11, with 8 GB RAM and a 3.4 GHz CPU.

4.2 Test Environment

This subsection lists the minimum hardware and software requirements used to test the application. The following software is required in addition to client-specific software:

• Windows 11 and above
• Microsoft 365 (or Office 2021 and above)
• MS Exchange, etc.

How AI Helps in Test Planning

Modern test planning increasingly uses AI to compress effort and surface blind spots. Generative assistants such as ChatGPT, Claude, or Gemini can draft an initial Test Plan from a requirements document, suggest missing edge cases, and produce traceability matrices automatically. Machine learning models flag risky modules from historical defect data, helping the Test Manager focus effort where it matters most.

However, AI assistance does not replace human judgment. Reviewers must validate scope, regulatory coverage, and business intent before approving any AI-generated plan. Treat AI suggestions as a first draft, not the final document.

Best Practices for an Effective Test Plan

A well-written test plan keeps every stakeholder aligned. Apply these best practices when authoring your document:

• Keep It Concise: Use clear language and bullet lists; avoid jargon that slows non-QA readers.
• Make It Reviewable: Share early with developers and Business Analysts to catch missing requirements.
• Quantify Exit Criteria: Define numeric coverage, pass rate, and defect thresholds.
• Tie Risks to Mitigations: Pair every risk with a containment or fallback strategy.
• Version-Control the Plan: Store it in a documentation tool to track changes across the project.

FAQs