Test Plan

September 19, 2025
« Back to Glossary Index

What is a Test Plan?

A test plan is a detailed document that outlines the scope, objectives, approach, and resources required for software testing in a project. It serves as a roadmap to ensure that testing efforts align with the overall project goals. This document outlines what the project team will test, how they will conduct the testing, who will perform it, and when the testing will take place. A well-written plan helps identify potential risks early, ensures efficient use of time and resources, and improves the quality of the final product.

Key Points

  • A test plan provides a clear structure for the testing process, helping teams stay organized and focused.
  • It identifies the testing objectives, such as verifying specific functionality or validating performance.
  • The document outlines the scope of testing, detailing what the team will test and what is outside the scope.
  • Roles and responsibilities are defined to assign tasks to team members.
  • A schedule outlines when different test activities will occur, often aligned with development milestones.
  • It includes details about test environments, tools, and data requirements.
  • Project teams implement risk management and contingency plans to prepare for potential issues that may arise during testing.

Related Terms

  • A test case is a specific condition or set of steps used to determine whether a part of the system behaves as expected.
  • A test strategy outlines the general approach to testing and is often a higher-level document that informs the test plan.
  • A test script is a set of instructions for automated or manual testing based on individual test cases.
  • A quality assurance plan includes broader activities to ensure product quality and often incorporates the test plan as a key component.
  • A defect report documents issues found during testing and is referenced throughout the execution of the test plan.

Test Plan: Example

A mobile app development team creates a test plan before releasing a new version of their app. The document outlines key areas for testing, including user login, push notifications, and battery performance. It also defines who will perform each test, the devices to be used, and the duration of each testing phase. By following this plan, the team ensures the app is stable and ready for users.

Test Plan: Best Practices

  • Define clear objectives and measurable outcomes at the start of the plan.
  • Involve key stakeholders, including developers, testers, and product managers, when creating the document.
  • Keep the plan flexible to accommodate changes in project scope or timelines.
  • Regularly review and update the plan throughout the project lifecycle.
  • Use past project data to inform risk management and improve future planning.

Additional Resources

Test Plan - Software Test Design: Write comprehensive test plans to uncover critical bugs in web, desktop, and mobile apps     Test Plan - A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK Guide)

Preparing for a PMI certification?

« Back to Glossary Index