ISO 20000 Test Plan Template

What is a Test Plan?

A test plan is a formal document describing a software testing effort's scope, approach, resources, and schedule. It also identifies the testing features, tasks, and the personnel responsible for each job. A test plan is derived from the project's requirements and is used to verify that the software meets the required functionality.

 The test plan is used to:

• Define the scope of the testing effort.
• Identify the features to be tested.
• Identify the testing tasks to be performed.
• Identify the personnel responsible for each task.
• Schedule the testing effort
• Specify the resources required for the testing effort.
• The risks and contingencies
• The pass/fail criteria.
• The objectives of the testing
• The approach to be used.
• The resources required.

The objective of the testing is to ensure that the system works as expected and that all required functionality is present. The approach combines unit testing, integration testing, and system testing. The resources required are a testing environment, test data, and a test team. The schedule is TBD. The risks and contingencies are TBD. The pass/fail criteria are that the system must meet all required functionality and performance criteria.

The objective of a Test Plan

Every organization has its unique testing requirements. Therefore, the test plan should be amended to ensure that it meets the specific needs and conditions of the organization. The objectives of a test plan help ensure that the testing process is tailored to meet the organization's needs.
A test plan should include two types of objectives: primary and secondary. The primary aim is the main purpose of the test plan. It should be specific and measurable.

The secondary objective is a supporting goal that helps achieve the primary objective. It is usually less specific than the primary objective.
The test plan should be designed to assess all aspects of the organization's QMS, including the processes, procedures, and tools used. The program should also include a detailed description of the methods used to assess the QMS. The test plan should be reviewed and updated regularly to remain relevant and practical.

What is the Importance of a Test Plan?

A test plan is a document that outlines the approach that will be taken to test a system. It is an integral part of and ensures that the tested method meets the certification requirements.
The test plan should be designed to answer the following questions:
• What is the purpose of the test?
• What is the scope of the test?
• What are the objectives of the test?
• Who will be responsible for the test?
• What resources are required for the test?
• What is the timeline for the test?
• What is the approach that will be taken to testing?
• What are the risks and assumptions associated with the test?

How to write a Test Plan?

A test plan is a document that describes the scope, approach, resources, and schedule of testing activities for a particular project or release. It defines the testing strategy, identifies the test environment, and specifies the testing resources.

The test plan should be tailored to the individual project and approved by the project manager before testing.

Analyse - When creating a test plan, it is essential to include a section on product analysis. This will help you to understand the product better and allow you to make more effective tests.
To do this, you will need to consider the following factors:

• The product's purpose and what it is used for.
• The product's design and how it is made.
• The product's specifications and what it is supposed to do.
• The product's target market and who it is for.

Test Strategy - The test strategy should be designed to meet the specific needs of the project and the organizational context in which it will be executed. It should consider the project's risks, available resources, and schedule.
The test strategy should be designed early in the project before any test activities are performed. It should be reviewed and updated regularly to ensure it remains relevant and aligned with the project's changing needs.

Test Objectives - The Test Objectives in Test Plan ISO 20000 define the goals and objectives of the testing process. It also outlines the scope of the testing, the resources required, and the schedule for the testing.

Test criteria - should be established early in the project, preferably during the planning phase. This will ensure that everyone involved in the project understands what needs to be achieved and how it will be measured. Including the test criteria in the project, the plan will also help to ensure that they are given the appropriate level of attention during the project.

Once the test criteria have been established, they should be used to create a test plan. The test plan should detail how and when the test criteria will be tested and who will be responsible for conducting the tests.

Resource Planning - Resource Planning in Test Plan ensures that the testing team has adequate resources, such as test environment, test data, trained human resources, test tools, etc, to perform their tasks efficiently and effectively. This process starts with identifying the required test resources and ends with assigning roles and responsibilities to team members.
Some of the key activities involved in Resource Planning are:

• Identifying the test resources required
• Creating a resource timeline
• estimating the costs
• Assigning roles and responsibilities

Test environment - The standard describes the test environment and the resources needed to set up and maintain it. It also guides on selecting and using the appropriate testing tools and techniques.

Schedule and estimation - The schedule and estimation in test plan is an integral part of the test planning process. It helps to ensure that all testing activities are carried out promptly and efficiently. It also provides visibility of the testing progress to stakeholders.

Determine Test Deliverables – This process is responsible for the outputs of the testing phase, which will be used to assess the attainment of the agreed objectives.

The "Determine Test Deliverables" process includes the following activities:
1. Plan the testing strategy.
2. Identify the test approach.
3. Understand the testing environment.
4. Determine the test deliverables.
5. Plan the test activities.
6. Define the exit criteria.