Friday, May 15, 2009

What is Test Procedure Specification?

Test Procedure Specification

The purpose of the Test Procedure Specification is to specify the steps for executing a set of test cases, or more generally, the steps used to analyze a software item in order to evaluate a set of features.

A Test Procedure Specification should have the following elements:

1. Identification (Each Test Procedure Specification should be assigned a unique identifier.)

2. Purpose (explain the purpose of the test procedure and reference any test cases it executes.)

3. Special Requirements (list any special hardware, software or training requirements for this procedure.)

4. Procedure Steps (actual steps of the procedure are described. IEEE has listed several steps:

Log: explain methods / formats for logging results of test execution.
Set up: actions necessary to prepare for the execution of procedure.
Start: sctions necessary to begin execution of the procedure.
Proceed: actions necessary during the execution of the procedure.
Measure: explain ho test measurements need to be made.
Shutdown: actions necessary to suspend testing when some unscheduled event happens.
Restart: actions necessary to restart the procedure.
Stop: actions necessary to bring execution to systematic halt.)

Also See:
Test Procedure Specification Templates