How to Create a Software Test Plan?

The purpose of a Software Test Plan is to guide all testing activities related to a system. A Software Test Plan (STP) is a procedural guide for listing the testing activities that should be carried out for the project. It describes the software test environment for testing, identifies the tests to be performed, and provides schedules for test activities.

The Purpose and objective of STP is:

• Identify all the test activities involved.
• Identify the resources required to execute testing activities and lay down the monitoring mechanism.
• Explain the strategy and approach to be used for testing the software components and the defect tracking system to be used.
• Identify and establish the automation scope for the project.

Contents of a Software Test Plan:

• Overview of the STP
• Scope of Testing
• In Scope
• Out of Scope
• Test Entrance / Exit Criteria
• Test Environment
• Hardware
• Software
• Test Strategy
• Test Process
• Build Process / Schedule
• Types of testing to be executed\
• Defect Tracking and Management
• Change Management
• Resource - Roles and Responsibilities
• Risk Management
• Test Dependencies
• Test Deliverables

Experience has repeatedly shown that having a good software test plan can save a lot of time and efforts, and can streamline the testing activities. So do ensure you have a proper software test plan in place before you begin the testing activities in your project.