The definition of the goals and objectives
of testing within the scope of the iteration (or project), the items being
targeted, the approach to be taken, the resources required and the deliverables
to be produced.
The Word template can be bought through a template package. Case studies and reports are freely available in the table below.
Word Template
Case Study
Report
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Purpose
The purpose of the test plan is to communicate the intent of the testing
activities. The following people use the test plan:
The End User Representative to verify that the
appropriate test strategies are recommended, reflecting the use of the
system or application as it is intended to be used
The Customer and Stakeholder to verify
that the requirements for test are acceptable and prioritized appropriately.
Additionally, the customer should verify the test strategy and test
coverage.
The System Integrator and Implementer to
verify that the requirements for test and test strategy are consistent with
the implementation and development plans.
The Test Designer as input to the test design activity.
Timing
An initial Test Plan, typically referred to as the "Master" Test
Plan, may be created during the Inception phase. This instance of the Test Plan
provides an overview of the test effort over the life of the project, providing
foresight into when resources will be required and when important quality dimensions
and risks will be addressed.
As each iteration is planned, one or more specific "Iteration" Test
Plans are created providing specific information focused on the iteration.
Responsibility
A Tester is responsible for the
integrity of the Test Plan, ensuring that:
The Test Plan accurately reflects the contents of the iteration.
The Test Plan contains the appropriate content and detail necessary to
meet or achieve certification or approval.
The Test Designer uses the contents of the Test Plan to produce the following
related artifact:
Test Cases
Tailoring
The Test Plan (contents and format) may require modification to meet the
needs of internal or external standards, guidelines, or oversight. Start with
the Test Plan template included with the UPEDU and add, modify, or remove content as
needed.
The "Master Test Plan," created at the outset of the project may
only provide an overview of the total test effort planned. The test plans
created during each iteration should contain more precise information related to
the specific requirements for test, test strategies, resources, etc. that relate
to the specified iteration.