What is a test plan?
Theme: Test Planning Role: Qa Engineer/Test Engineer Function: Technology
Interview Question for QA Engineer/Test Engineer: See sample answers, motivations & red flags for this common interview question. About QA Engineer/Test Engineer: Ensure software quality through testing and quality assurance. This role falls within the Technology function of a firm. See other interview questions & further information for this role here
Sample Answer
Example response for question delving into Test Planning with the key points that need to be covered in an effective response. Customize this to your own experience with concrete examples and evidence
- Definition: A test plan is a document that outlines the objectives, scope, approach, and resources required for testing a software application
- Objectives: Clearly state the goals and objectives of the testing effort, such as identifying defects, ensuring functionality, and validating requirements
- Scope: Define the boundaries of the testing, including the features, modules, and platforms to be tested, as well as any excluded areas
- Approach: Describe the overall testing strategy, including the test levels (unit, integration, system, etc.), techniques (black-box, white-box, etc.), and methodologies (agile, waterfall, etc.) to be used
- Test Deliverables: List the documents and artifacts to be produced during testing, such as test cases, test scripts, test data, and defect reports
- Test Schedule: Provide a timeline for the testing activities, including start and end dates, milestones, and dependencies on other project activities
- Test Environment: Specify the hardware, software, and network configurations required for testing, as well as any test data or test tools needed
- Test Resources: Identify the roles and responsibilities of the testing team members, including testers, test leads, and stakeholders, as well as any external resources needed
- Risks & Assumptions: Highlight potential risks and assumptions associated with the testing effort, such as resource constraints, dependencies, and environmental factors
- Test Execution: Outline the procedures for executing the tests, including the sequence, frequency, and criteria for test execution, as well as any test data setup or cleanup activities
- Test Reporting: Explain how test results will be documented and communicated, including the format of test reports, defect tracking, and progress updates
- Change Control: Describe the process for managing changes to the test plan, including how changes will be reviewed, approved, and communicated
- Approval: Specify the individuals or groups responsible for reviewing and approving the test plan, ensuring that it aligns with project objectives and requirements
Underlying Motivations
What the Interviewer is trying to find out about you and your experiences through this question
- Knowledge & understanding: Assessing the candidate's understanding of test planning and its importance in the QA process
- Experience & expertise: Evaluating the candidate's practical experience in creating and executing test plans
- Communication & collaboration: Assessing the candidate's ability to effectively communicate and collaborate with stakeholders in defining test plans
- Analytical & problem-solving skills: Evaluating the candidate's ability to identify potential risks, dependencies, and mitigation strategies in test planning
Potential Minefields
How to avoid some common minefields when answering this question in order to not raise any red flags
- Lack of understanding: Providing a vague or incorrect definition of a test plan
- Inability to explain purpose: Not being able to articulate the purpose and importance of a test plan in the software development lifecycle
- Limited knowledge: Showing limited knowledge of the components and sections typically included in a test plan
- No mention of test coverage: Neglecting to mention the importance of test coverage and how it is addressed in a test plan
- Lack of adaptability: Failing to mention the need for flexibility and adaptability in a test plan to accommodate changes in requirements or scope
- No consideration for risk management: Not discussing the inclusion of risk assessment and mitigation strategies in a test plan
- No mention of test deliverables: Neglecting to mention the expected test deliverables, such as test cases, test scripts, and test reports, in a test plan
- No mention of collaboration: Not highlighting the importance of collaboration with stakeholders, developers, and other team members in creating and executing a test plan
- Lack of experience: Not being able to provide examples or discuss personal experience in creating and executing test plans
- Inability to prioritize: Failing to mention the need for prioritization and sequencing of tests based on risk and criticality in a test plan