Effective Methods of Software Testing

This intermediate level seminar will enable you to effectively plan and execute software testing to validate that a system meets requirements. This seminar provides a structured approach for testing throughout the systems development life cycle using these four steps:

Step 1 – Set Test Objectives
Step 2 – Develop Test Plan
Step 3 – Execute Tests
Step 4 – Summarize and Report Results

This is an intermediate expertise level course for an individual who has had some test experience and is interested in improving their level of effectiveness and efficiency in testing techniques and test methodology. It is advantageous if the attendee has had at least two or more years of practical experience in software testing, although that is not necessary.

Pre Work

Completing the Self Assessment, Developing a Personal Action Program.Prior to First Meeting – Take the 30 question sample test which will be reviewed with the class as a group .

Session 1 – Understanding The Testing Challenge & Vocabulary

Part (a) of this session focuses on the various challenges faced by today’s software test professional.  This discussion helps set the context for the practices and procedures taught in subsequent sessions.  Part (b) of session 1 will review the standard terminology used in the testing profession.

Session 2 – Understanding Test Strategy & Testing Process

Part (a) of this session covers why and how we develop a testing strategy.  The testing strategy defines the scope and general direction for testing.  It is a high-level plan and should be developed very early in the project life cycle.  The testing process has 4 specific steps: setting test objectives, developing the test plan, executing the tests and summarizing and reporting results.  Part (b) of this session covers step 1 of the testing process, setting test objectives.

Session 3 – Testing Process – Test Planning

Part (a) of this session will cover step 2 in the testing process, Test Planning.  The key deliverable from the planning process is the test plan.  Test plans serve two primary purposes, they are the test teams ‘contract’ with the overall project team, and it serves as a road map that testers can follow throughout the test project. Part (b) of this session will begin the topic of executing the tests.

Session 4 – Test Process – Executing the Tests

This session will focus Identifying Test Conditions, Developing Test Cases and Developing and Managing Test Data.

Session 5 – Continue Discussions on Test Execution

This Session will focus on the risk to software testing, test plan implementation, test plan documentation, test strategy, test plan features and what must be considered when planning for test.

Session 6 – Deploying the Test Process and Test Reporting

Session 6 will cover the deployment process and how to manage the test process with measurements and metrics.  The final section of the course will be to complete a ‘plan of action’ so information learned in the LVC course can be utilized in your organization today!