Software QA/Testing/Tester FAQs: The Purpose of a Test Plan?

Software QA/Testing

Glossary and Technical FAQs

Q: What is the purpose of a test plan?

A: Reason number 1: We create a test plan because preparing it helps us to think through the efforts needed to validate the acceptability of a software product.

Reason number 2: We create a test plan because it can and will help people outside the test group to understand the why and how of product validation.

Reason number 3: We create a test plan because, in regulated environments, we have to have a written test plan.

Reason number 4: We create a test plan because the general testing process includes the creation of a test plan.

Reason number 5: We create a test plan because we want a document that describes the objectives, scope, approach and focus of the software testing effort.

Reason number 6: We create a test plan because it includes test cases, conditions, the test environment, a list of related tasks, pass/fail criteria, and risk assessment.

Reason number 7: We create test plan because one of the outputs for creating a test strategy is an approved and signed off test plan document.

Reason number 8: We create a test plan because the software testing methodology a three step process, and one of the steps is the creation of a test plan.

Reason number 9: We create a test plan because we want an opportunity to review the test plan with the project team.

Reason number 10: We create a test plan document because test plans should be documented, so that they are repeatable.

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