1. Introduction

  • Purpose: The purpose of this Manual Test Plan is to describe the approach, scope, and strategy for manual testing of [Software/Product]. This document serves as a roadmap for all manual testing activities.
  • Scope: This plan covers the testing of the following features/modules of the application: [List of features/modules to be tested].
  • Test Environment: Details of the hardware, operating system, network configurations, and browsers required for testing.

2. Objectives

  • Verify that the software functions as expected from a user perspective.
  • Ensure the application meets business requirements and is user-friendly.
  • Identify and document defects and report them to the development team.
  • Ensure that the application works correctly in various environments (e.g., different browsers, devices).

3. Test Strategy

  • Testing Approach:
    • Functional Testing: Validate the software’s functionalities against the requirements.
    • Usability Testing: Evaluate the user-friendliness and usability of the application.
    • Compatibility Testing: Ensure the application works across different browsers and devices.
    • Regression Testing: Verify that existing functionality remains unaffected by new changes or features.
    • Exploratory Testing: Perform ad-hoc testing to identify potential issues outside the scope of the planned test cases.
    • Boundary Testing: Check edge cases and limits of inputs and outputs.
    • Negative Testing: Verify that the application gracefully handles invalid inputs.
  • Test Levels:
    • Unit Testing (Developer Level): Developers perform basic unit tests before code is handed off for formal testing.
    • Integration Testing: Manual testing of the integration between modules, APIs, or third-party services.
    • System Testing: Comprehensive end-to-end testing of the entire application.

4. Test Deliverables

  • Test Cases: A collection of test cases covering functional, boundary, regression, and other relevant testing types.
  • Test Data: Sample input data required for running the tests.
  • Defect Reports: Documenting any issues or bugs identified during testing.
  • Test Execution Reports: A log of test execution results, detailing which tests passed or failed.
  • Test Summary Report: A final report summarizing testing activities, results, and any open issues.

5. Test Plan and Schedule

  • Test Execution Schedule:
    • Test Planning Phase: [Date Range]
    • Test Case Design and Review: [Date Range]
    • Test Execution: [Date Range]
    • Defect Reporting and Verification: [Date Range]
    • Test Completion: [Date]
  • Test Milestones:
    • Test Case Sign-off.
    • Test Execution Start and End Dates.
    • Final Test Report and Closure.
  • Test Execution Frequency:
    • Testing will occur during each release cycle, including pre-release, regression, and post-release testing.

6. Resource Requirements

  • Testers: List of the team members responsible for testing.
    • Example: Testers, Test Leads, Subject Matter Experts (SMEs).
  • Tools:
    • Defect Tracking Tool: (e.g., JIRA, Bugzilla)
    • Test Management Tool: (e.g., TestRail, Quality Center)
    • Other Tools: Excel/Google Sheets (for test case tracking), browser tools (e.g., BrowserStack for cross-browser testing).
  • Hardware: List the physical resources required for testing (e.g., laptops, servers, network access).

7. Test Case Design and Management

  • Test Case Format: Each test case will have the following details:
    • Test Case ID: Unique identifier for each test case.
    • Test Description: A brief summary of the test case.
    • Preconditions: Any setup or prerequisites needed before executing the test.
    • Test Steps: Detailed steps to execute the test.
    • Expected Results: What is expected to happen if the application behaves correctly.
    • Actual Results: What actually happens when the test is executed.
    • Pass/Fail Status: Whether the test passed or failed.
    • Priority: High, Medium, or Low depending on the importance of the test case.
  • Test Data Management:
    • Ensure relevant test data is available for different test scenarios (valid, invalid, boundary conditions).
    • Use realistic test data where possible (e.g., user accounts, transactions, etc.).
  • Test Case Coverage:
    • The goal is to cover critical user workflows, edge cases, integration points, and most common use cases.

8. Test Execution Process

  • Test Execution Steps:

1.        Test Preparation: Set up the testing environment, including ensuring the test data is ready and systems are accessible.

2.        Test Execution: Execute test cases as per the test plan and document the results.

3.        Defect Logging: Any defects or issues encountered during the tests should be logged in the defect management system (e.g., JIRA).

4.        Test Reporting: After execution, compile results in a report, documenting passed, failed, and blocked test cases.

  • Test Execution Cycle:
    • Cycle 1: Execute critical tests and verify primary functionality.
    • Cycle 2: Execute secondary tests for usability, compatibility, and edge cases.
    • Cycle 3: Final cycle for regression testing and overall verification.

9. Reporting and Metrics

  • Test Execution Status Report: A daily or weekly report summarizing the progress of test execution (number of tests passed/failed, defects logged).
  • Defect Tracking: Log defects into the defect management tool and assign priorities (e.g., high, medium, low).
  • Test Summary Report: At the end of testing, compile a comprehensive report summarizing:
    • Number of tests executed
    • Number of tests passed/failed
    • Open defects and their status
    • Risks or issues encountered during testing
    • Overall status of the testing phase

10. Risk Management

  • Potential Risks:
    • Risk 1: Incomplete or ambiguous requirements leading to missed test scenarios.
      • Mitigation: Collaborate with stakeholders to clarify requirements early.
    • Risk 2: Tight project timelines affecting thorough testing.
      • Mitigation: Prioritize test cases based on critical functionality, and communicate resource needs to stakeholders.
    • Risk 3: Lack of sufficient test data or environment issues.
      • Mitigation: Ensure test environments and data are available and configured well in advance.
  • Contingency Plans:
    • In case of high-priority defects found during the final stages, perform critical regression tests and focus on high-risk areas.

11. Test Completion and Sign-off

  • Test Completion Criteria:
    • All planned test cases have been executed.
    • All high-priority defects have been addressed or deferred.
    • Test summary report is prepared and reviewed by stakeholders.
  • Test Sign-off: Once the testing is complete, the test manager or lead will provide the final sign-off. This indicates that all testing activities are finished, and the application is ready for release or further development.

Conclusion

This Manual Test Plan provides a clear and structured approach to manual testing. It ensures that the testing process is well-organized, thoroughly documented, and provides transparency for all stakeholders involved. By following this plan, the team can identify defects early, mitigate risks, and help deliver a quality product to the end users.