In this article, we\u2019ll show you everything you need to know about test plans \u2014 from the definition to the actual creation process.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Let\u2019s dive right in.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Try monday dev<\/a><\/p>\r\n\r\n In software development, a test plan is a document that guides you through the testing process. It’s often created after your team comes up with a test strategy document and defines the estimation of the project.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Test plans are one of the most important \u201ctest deliverables\u201d \u2014 a series of documents your testing team should provide stakeholders with during the software development life cycle<\/a> (SDLC).<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Since project estimates fluctuate a lot, test planning is rarely a \u201cset and forget\u201d kind of thing. You should constantly update your test plan to adapt to the constantly changing requirements you\u2019ll probably face along the way.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Usually, a test manager prepares the test plan, while testers provide different test scenarios based on the initial test plan document.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n A typical test plan answers the following questions:<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Read here for a comprehensive guide to agile testing<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n If your quality is lower than expected, it means you\u2019re doing something wrong.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n (Image Source<\/a>)<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n By developing a strategic test plan, you\u2019ll be able to test the quality of the product you\u2019re developing before stakeholders use it. It\u2019s a chance to make sure all the features are functional.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Besides, a test plan will give your stakeholders<\/a>\u00a0confidence that you\u2019ll meet all the requirements they asked for and deliver the highest level of quality.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n This is absolutely crucial.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n With the increasing volume of competitors that modern organizations deal with, standing out in a crowded market is becoming harder and harder.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n If you want to stay relevant, you need to do everything you can to earn the trust of your clients. Since your test plan will show stakeholders the process you\u2019re using to test the features, earning that trust will be a bit easier.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Now, we\u2019re not saying a test plan alone is a competitive advantage, per se.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n A test plan is more like a requirement for modern organizations \u2014 something you need to \u201ccontinue playing.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Other benefits of a well-structured test plan include:<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Try monday dev<\/a><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Now that you understand what test plans are and why they matter, the question becomes: how can you create a test plan? What should you include?<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n To help you out, we\u2019ll cover the essential elements of a test plan according to the IEEE 829 standard \u2014 the most widely-used standard for software test documentation.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n The first step to creating your test plan is to assign a specific identifier to the document in question. This will help you stay organized and coordinate tests for different features or products more strategically.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Remember, you\u2019ll constantly be updating your software test plan.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n By assigning an identifier to your documents, you\u2019ll be able to track the latest version of your plan with more ease.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n This identifier should be unique and simple.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n For example, \u201cCross-browser compatibility testing TP.1.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Now that you have a test plan identifier in place, it\u2019s time to add references to your test plan. That is a list of supporting documentation for your plan.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Some examples may include:<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n If you are using information from already existing documents, you should include it in your test plan for reference.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n We could say that the introduction of your software test plan is like the executive summary<\/a>. This section aims to inform high-level management and stakeholders about the test quickly.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n In other words, your introduction should be concise and to the point.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Simply summarize the main test objective of the plan \u2014 what you\u2019re trying to achieve \u2014 as well as the scope and estimated costs involved.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Sometimes it\u2019s helpful to write the rest of your plan first and then come back to this at the end, since it\u2019s essentially a brief summary of your overall plan.<\/p>\r\n<\/blockquote>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n This section basically covers what you\u2019ll be testing.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Simply create a list<\/a> of all the features you want to test, as well as the core test environment.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n For example, \u201ccross-browser compatibility testing across Chrome, Firefox, and Safari.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n In this section, you\u2019ll also create a list of the features you\u2019ll be testing. The only difference is that now you\u2019ll do it from the user\u2019s point of view.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n This means you won\u2019t include a technical description of features but a simpler overview of what each feature does for the user.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n In other words, you\u2019ll be answering the question: what does success look like for your target audience?<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n You should also include a list of all the features you won\u2019t be testing and why.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n At this point, you should describe the overall approach you\u2019ll use to test each feature, including:<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Plus, there\u2019s everything related to test execution.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n We suggest you also describe specific software you\u2019ll use to coordinate your software testing efforts. This way, everyone on your team will know exactly what to expect.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n For example, if you\u2019re using monday.com, you can describe how easy it\u2019ll be to manage your team, assign tasks to team members, and track progress.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n You could also include screenshots of the actual workflows you\u2019ll implement in the platform so that every stakeholder has a clear understanding of your approach.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n You should also add whether the platform you\u2019ll use requires some kind of training.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n For example, monday.com is pretty visual and intuitive, and you don\u2019t need coding skills to build your workflows.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n That\u2019d be something you should definitely clarify in this section.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n This section aims to lay out the criteria you\u2019ll use to define whether a feature or product is functional. It\u2019s also called pass\/fail percentage.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n For example:<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n \u201cPass percentage for existing test cases should be no less than 92%.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Exit criteria \u2014 also known as \u201csuspension criteria\u201d \u2014 refers to the benchmark you\u2019ll use to determine whether your test should be suspended.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n For example:<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n \u201cIf 30% of existing test cases fail, we\u2019ll suspend the test.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n This section should include a list of all the documents you must deliver at each stage of the software testing process, including:<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n These deliverables<\/a>\u00a0will be your core milestones for the project.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n At this point, you\u2019ll add a description of all the tasks and activities you need to complete during the test, including dependencies<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n We suggest you find robust project management software that includes task and team management features. Otherwise, this stage can grow pretty chaotic.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n For example, with monday.com, you can track the completion of tasks with surgical precision. Thanks to our multiple data visualizations, you can oversee your project from start to finish with ease.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n You can use our Gantt view, for example, to visualize the progression of the project, who\u2019s responsible for what, deadlines, dependencies, and more.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Once you\u2019ve defined clear tasks and activities, you should assign your QA team members clear responsibilities.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Simply include a list of all the main activities involved in the test and the team member who will be responsible for each specific task.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n You should also describe the process you\u2019ll use to measure the completion of tasks to make sure you finish the test on time.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Does your team need some kind of training to perform the test?<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n If so, you should describe it in this section.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n For example, if your team will use a specific testing platform that requires a certain level of skill, or if the product itself is a bit complex, you should clearly define the training you\u2019ll implement to achieve the goal.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Now that you have defined tasks and responsibilities, you should schedule such activities and forecast an estimated completion time for the overall test.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n To dig a bit deeper on scheduling, we suggest you read our comprehensive guide called \u201cHow to create an effective project schedule in 6 easy steps.<\/a>\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n It\u2019ll help you start on the right foot.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n With a schedule in place, you need to describe the potential risks involved, as well as contingencies, to make sure nothing slips through the cracks.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n To simplify the process, we recommend you take a look at our fully customizable risk register template<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n This template will help you identify risks in your project and create clear action plans to mitigate them.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Finally, you should describe who will be responsible for signing off and approving testing projects.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n For example:<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n \u201cProject lead will review test plans and define the steps to proceed to the next level.\u201d<\/p>\r\n Try monday dev<\/a><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n As you can imagine, testing a new product or feature isn\u2019t that simple.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n There are simply too many variables involved.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n If you want to make sure nothing slips through the cracks during the testing life cycle, you must tap into AI and use the right platform.<\/p>\r\n<\/blockquote>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Here\u2019s where monday.com comes in.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Let\u2019s quickly cover what monday.com is all about and how it can help you revolutionize your testing process.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Let\u2019s start with a basic question.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n First, monday.com is more than just another \u201cproject management tool.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n To be precise, monday.com is a work operating system (Work OS). That is a platform where you can streamline any type of workflow, regardless of complexity.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Of course, you can use monday.com to manage projects, but that\u2019s just barely scratching the surface.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n In the context of software development, here are some of the things we bring to the table:<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Plus, there\u2019s much more.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n To get a complete picture of everything you can do with monday.com, we recommend you read our product overview page.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Thanks to our fully customizable templates, you can streamline and automate all your software development processes.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Simply install the template of your choice, fill it with your information, and voila! You\u2019re ready to start working.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Currently, we offer over 200 templates for different use cases and industries, including software development.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Some of our most popular templates include:<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n A solid test plan will guide you through the entire testing process and help you spot potential threats and errors before actually releasing a feature.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Hopefully, now you have enough information to create yours.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n And if you\u2019re looking for a platform that helps you streamline the testing process and produce better results, then monday.com might be a good fit for you.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n To see for yourself, we suggest you try our fully customizable features and releases roadmap template. It\u2019ll help you start your testing journey off on the right foot.<\/p>\r\nWhat is a test plan?<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
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Why is having a test plan crucial for software QA?<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nQA stands for Quality Assurance. It\u2019s the process of defining specific quality standards and making sure those standards are met when producing products or services.<\/span><\/a>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
![\"The](\"https:\/\/www.monday.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/managed-applications-quality-assurance-testing-2.jpg\" "\\"The")
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The essential elements of a test plan<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
1. Test plan identifier<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
2. References<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
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3. Introduction<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
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4. Test items<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
5. Features<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
6. Testing approach<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
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![\"monday.com's](\"https:\/\/www.monday.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Collaborate_effectively_Q1_project_roadmap-2.png\" "\\"test")
<\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n![\"monday.com's](\"https:\/\/www.monday.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/software_development_first-2.png\" "\\"monday.com's")
<\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n7. Success criteria<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
8. Exit criteria<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
9. Deliverables<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
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10. Tasks and dependencies<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
![\"monday.com's](\"https:\/\/www.monday.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/image-2-2.png\" "\\"monday.com's")
<\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n11. Responsibilities<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
12. Training<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
13. Test schedule<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
14. Risk and contingencies<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
![\"monday.com's](\"https:\/\/www.monday.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/bad02c77-8f17-4bf0-b6e0-cb6892130d93_Program-risk-register.png\" "\\"monday.com's")
<\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n15. Approvals<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
How to create and manage a test plan with monday.com<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
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What is monday.com?<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
![\"monday.com's](\"https:\/\/www.monday.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/2021-05-10_12-03-23-1.png\" "\\"monday.com's")
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How to streamline your software development processes with monday.com<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
![\"monday.com's](\"https:\/\/www.monday.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/features_and_releases_roadmap_first.png\" "\\"monday.com's")
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Ready to create your own testing plan?<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n