testsprocedure

Testsprocedure is a documented, reproducible set of instructions used to perform tests on a product, system, or software to verify compliance with specified requirements. It aims to produce reliable, auditable results and is a core element of quality assurance and validation activities. The term can be used to describe both individual test scripts and broader testing workflows.

A typical test procedure includes the test scope and objectives, prerequisites, test environment, required tools and data, step-by-step instructions, expected results, postconditions, and how findings should be reported. It also covers defect reporting, evidence collection, and traceability to requirements, ensuring that results can be reviewed and repeated by others.

The creation process starts with deriving the procedure from requirements and design documents, followed by peer review, approval, and version control. During execution, testers perform the steps, compare actual outcomes with expected results, and document any deviations or defects. A well-written procedure is designed to be reproducible across teams and environments, minimizing ambiguity.

Procedures can be manual or automated. Manual test procedures describe human actions, while automated procedures are encoded as test scripts within an automation framework. They may address functional, non-functional, performance, security, or usability testing, and should be parameterizable to apply to multiple test cases.

Good practice emphasizes clarity, unambiguous steps, idempotent actions, explicit acceptance criteria, and complete traceability to requirements. Regular maintenance is required to reflect changes in software, environments, or risk. Compliance with standards such as ISO/IEC/IEEE 829 or ISO/IEC 29119 supports the quality and consistency of test documentation. See also test plan, test case, and test script.