Writing a Test Plan: Objectives, Resources, Risks, and Timelines
Overview
A Test Plan is a foundational QA document that outlines the scope, strategy, schedule, and resources required for testing a specific project or feature. It's not just a formality—it aligns the entire team on what will be tested, how it will be tested, and by whom.
A well-written test plan helps ensure:
- Test coverage is complete
- Risks are managed
- Resources are properly allocated
- Testing is completed within the expected timeline
Key Components of a Test Plan
1. Test Objectives
Definition:
Describes the goals of testing—what QA aims to verify and validate.
What to Include:
- Functional correctness (e.g., "Validate user login and session handling")
- Non-functional requirements (e.g., performance, usability, security)
- Compliance objectives (e.g., GDPR, HIPAA, PCI-DSS)
Example:
Ensure the new checkout flow supports 3D Secure transactions, handles declined payments gracefully, and maintains response time < 2 seconds under normal load.
2. Test Scope (In-Scope / Out-of-Scope)
Definition:
Clarifies what features or components will and won’t be tested in this cycle.
In-Scope Example:
- Mobile web checkout (iOS Safari, Android Chrome)
- Payment APIs
- Address validation feature
Out-of-Scope Example:
- Native mobile app checkout
- Tax calculation logic (handled by 3rd party)
Tip: Be explicit. It prevents confusion and scope creep.
3. Test Approach & Strategy
Definition:
Defines how testing will be conducted, including types of testing and tooling.
Common Inclusions:
- Manual vs. automated testing breakdown
- Test levels: unit, integration, system, UAT
- Testing types: functional, regression, exploratory, performance
- Environments: staging, QA, UAT
- Tools: Selenium, Postman, JMeter, BrowserStack
Example:
Automated regression tests will run nightly using GitHub Actions. API tests will be executed using Postman during build validation.
4. Resource Planning
Definition:
Outlines who is responsible for testing tasks and what skills/tools are required.
Include:
- QA testers and roles
- Dev support (for test data, environment setup)
- Product/business support (for UAT)
- Automation coverage ownership
Example Table:
| Role | Name | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|
| QA Lead | Alice | Write plan, coordinate execution |
| Automation QA | David | Build regression test suite |
| Manual QA | Priya | Execute exploratory + UAT scripts |
| Dev Support | Rahul | API mocks, test data population |
5. Risks & Mitigation
Definition:
Identifies potential testing blockers or quality risks and how to address them.
Examples:
| Risk | Likelihood | Impact | Mitigation Plan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Incomplete API documentation | Medium | High | Engage dev team early for walkthroughs |
| Shared environment instability | High | Medium | Schedule backup test window; use mocks if needed |
| Delayed feature delivery for testing | Medium | High | Shift to risk-based or exploratory testing as buffer |
6. Test Schedule & Milestones
Definition:
A timeline showing when specific testing activities will occur, including dependencies.
Example Timeline:
| Milestone | Start Date | End Date |
|---|---|---|
| Test Plan Review | June 24 | June 25 |
| Test Case Design & Automation | June 26 | June 30 |
| Functional Testing Phase | July 1 | July 4 |
| Regression Testing | July 5 | July 6 |
| UAT with Business Stakeholders | July 7 | July 8 |
| Test Closure Report | July 9 | July 10 |
Tips:
- Align with sprint or release cadence
- Include buffer time for retesting and bug fixes
7. Test Entry & Exit Criteria
Entry Criteria Example:
- Feature branch merged to QA environment
- APIs available with mock or real data
- All acceptance criteria defined
Exit Criteria Example:
- No open Sev 1 or Sev 2 bugs
- All regression test cases passed
- Test summary report reviewed and signed off
8. Deliverables
May Include:
- Test Plan document
- Test cases (in TestRail, Zephyr, etc.)
- Bug reports
- Automation scripts
- Final test summary or closure report
Summary
A comprehensive test plan reflects maturity and foresight—core traits of a senior QA. It helps align stakeholders, reduce surprises, and ensures the team is set up for success.
“A test plan isn’t just paperwork — it’s a map from uncertainty to quality.”
Optional Template
Test Plan Template Outline:
- Title & Version
- Objective
- Scope (In / Out)
- Test Strategy
- Test Types
- Environment
- Resources & Roles
- Schedule
- Risks & Mitigation
- Entry & Exit Criteria
- Deliverables
- Approval Sign-Off