Test Execution Best Practices & Planning Guide
Test Run Planning
Create Focused Test Runs
- Group test cases by release, sprint, or feature
- Keep test runs manageable in size (50-200 test cases)
- Use releases to organize multiple test runs over time
Release Management
- Create releases for each project version or milestone
- Set realistic start and end dates
- Update release status as work progresses
- Use release statuses appropriately:
- Draft: Planning phase
- Not Started: Ready but not begun
- In Progress: Active testing
- Completed: Testing finished
Test Case Selection
- Include smoke tests in every test run
- Add regression tests for modified features
- Include new feature tests for the current release
- Balance coverage with execution time
Execution Workflow
Assignment Strategy
- Assign test cases based on tester expertise
- Distribute workload evenly across team members
- Assign related test cases to the same tester when possible
- Use unassigned test cases for flexible team execution
Status Management
- Update test case status promptly after execution
- Use “Blocked” status when external dependencies prevent execution
- Mark as “Skipped” only when intentionally omitted
- Keep “Not Executed” status for pending work
Result Documentation
- Add detailed notes when tests fail
- Include screenshots or attachments for failures
- Document any deviations from expected behavior
- Note environment or configuration details if relevant
Progress Tracking
- Monitor test run completion regularly
- Address blocked test cases quickly
- Reassign test cases if team members are unavailable
- Update stakeholders on execution progress
Was this page helpful?