ISTQB FOUNDATION 4.0 | Tutorial 53 | Test Progress Report | Test Summary Report | CTFL Tutorials

Summary

In this tutorial on ISTQB Foundation Level Certification, we delve into test monitoring, control, and completion, focusing on test reports in the testing lifecycle. The video covers the importance of test reporting for stakeholders, differentiating between test progress and test summary reports. It explains their contents, purposes, and frequency of creation. Additionally, it highlights the various communication methods for sharing test reports, emphasizing the need to tailor reports to the needs of different stakeholders, especially in distributed teams. This tutorial aims to enhance understanding of effective test reporting and communication strategies.

Takeaways

• 📊 Test reporting is crucial in the testing life cycle to consistently share information with stakeholders about testing progress and necessary actions.
• 📈 There are two main types of test reports: test progress reports and test summary (or completion) reports.
• ⏳ Test progress reports are generated multiple times during the life cycle, such as at the end of each sprint in agile methodology.
• 📅 Test summary reports are created at significant milestones, such as the end of a project or release, and provide a comprehensive overview.
• 📝 Test progress reports include details like the test period, progress status, notable deviations, impediments, test metrics, and plans for the next period.
• ✅ Test completion reports summarize the entire test phase, evaluating the product quality, deviations from the test plan, unresolved defects, and lessons learned.
• 🎯 The level of detail and frequency of reporting depends on the target audience and stakeholder requirements.
• 🗣️ Common methods for communicating test reports include verbal updates, dashboards, electronic communication channels, online documentation, and formal test reports.
• 🌐 More formal communication is necessary for distributed teams due to geographical and time differences.
• 📅 Regular and well-structured reporting ensures all stakeholders are informed and can make necessary adjustments to the test schedule, resources, or plan.

Q & A

What are the two types of reports mentioned in the testing life cycle?

The two types of reports are the test progress report and the test summary report.

What is the primary purpose of test reports in the testing life cycle?

The primary purpose of test reports is to summarize and communicate the test information during and after the testing to keep stakeholders informed about the testing progress, support ongoing control, and provide data for modifying the test schedule, resources, or plan as needed.

How does a test progress report differ from a test summary report?

A test progress report is created several times during the testing life cycle, such as after each sprint in agile methodology, while a test summary report, also known as a test completion report, is prepared at the end of a project or release and provides a comprehensive summary of the entire testing period.

What key information is included in a test progress report?

A test progress report includes the test period duration, test progress made (ahead, on schedule, or behind schedule), notable deviations, impediments and their workarounds, test metrics (test cases, defects, risk coverage), new and changed risks, and the testing plan for the next period.

What are some common contents of a test completion report?

A test completion report typically includes a test summary, testing and product quality evaluation based on the original test plan, deviations from the test plan, testing impediments and workarounds, test metrics, unmitigated risks, defects not fixed, and relevant lessons learned.

How should reports be tailored based on the target audience?

Reports should be tailored to the target audience's needs, influencing the degree of formality and frequency of reporting. Detailed information may be necessary for some stakeholders, while others might prefer high-level summaries or graphical data.

Why is it important to communicate test reports regularly in agile methodology?

Regular communication of test reports in agile methodology is important to keep all stakeholders informed about the progress, address any deviations or impediments promptly, and adjust plans as necessary to stay aligned with the project goals and timelines.

What are some effective ways to communicate test status in modern testing practices?

Effective ways to communicate test status include verbal communication during standup meetings, dashboards (CICD dashboard, task board, burndown chart), electronic communication channels (email, chat, video conferencing), online documentation (SharePoint, OneDrive, Confluence), and formal test reports.

How do emerging risks get addressed in test reports?

Emerging risks are consistently monitored and included in test progress reports to keep stakeholders aware of new or changed risks as the product evolves. These risks are addressed with appropriate mitigation plans or workarounds.

What is the significance of including lessons learned in a test completion report?

Including lessons learned in a test completion report is significant as it showcases the improvements made and the mistakes avoided during the project. This helps demonstrate the team's growth and maturity, potentially encouraging future business opportunities.