Free Test Plan Template Builder + Word and Excel Templates

A test plan template is a document that describes how testing will be done, what will be tested, for how long, how much it will cost, what results can be expected, and what resources will be needed. The test plan determines how much work needs to be done to ensure the software being tested is good. It serves as a manual for conducting specific types of software testing. The test manager keeps a close eye on everything and makes sure it all goes smoothly.

Try our free Test Plan Builder below.

It works in your browser and follows the contents of a test plan in the current test documentation standard, ISO/IEC/IEEE 29119-3:2021, written in plain words. Start from an example (web app release, mobile app, API or integration, ERP rollout or agile sprint), edit the 10 sections, and watch the completeness meter and the live preview update as you type. When you are done, download the plan as a Word file, your test cases as Excel or CSV, or print the plan as a PDF. It suits test managers, QA leads and project managers on waterfall, agile and hybrid teams. Free, no sign-up, and your work stays in your browser. Prefer a file? Download the Word test plan template and the Excel test case tracker below the tool.

A practical test plan is a document that changes as the project progresses. It is the basis for how a quality assurance team plans and approaches testing. The QA team (and sometimes people from other teams) helps the QA managers or team leads make the plan. The project should be finished in no more than one-third of the allotted time.

However, the test plan is also given to project managers, business analysts, development teams, and other team members involved. The main goal of this is to make QA activities transparent so that everyone involved is aware of how the software will be tested.

Types of Test Plans

The three different kinds of test plans are listed below.

Master Test Plan

It’s a specific kind of test plan that includes incremental tests at different levels. It encompasses the full test strategy, providing a comprehensive overview of all testing activities, methodologies, and resources required to ensure thorough quality assurance throughout the entire software development lifecycle.

Phase Test Plan

It is a specific type of test plan that addresses every phase of the testing strategy, from initial planning to final execution. Examples of these plans include detailed lists of test cases, the tools needed to run tests, expected outcomes, and the resources required to complete each testing phase successfully.

Specific Test Plans

It’s designed for the most common kinds of testing, such as performance testing, security testing, load testing, and so on. In other words, it is a particular test plan used to test non-functional features, ensuring the software meets quality standards related to speed, reliability, and overall system stability.

Test Plan Major Attributes

The test plan comprises various parts that help us understand the whole testing process. Some of the most important testing attributes are given below in detail:

Test Plan Templates in Word Format

• Test Plan Document #1
• Test Plan Sample #2
• Test Plan Template #3
• Software Testing Plan #4
• Test Plan Example #5
• Sample Test Plan Template #6
• Test Plan Template #7
• Test Plan Template #8
• Test Case Example #9

How to Test Plan

The following are the stages involved in developing a test plan: 

Product Analysis

It’s the first step toward learning more about the client, the product, and the people who will use it. At this stage, it’s essential to address the following concerns:

• The product’s target audience.
• What is the product’s primary function, exactly?
• Explain the product’s functionality.
• What minimum hardware and software must be used for a successful deployment?

Designing the Test Strategy

When testing software, a test strategy is an essential part of creating an actual test plan. Usually, the test manager creates this high-level document. The following are components of it.

• The goals of the testing effort and how it was carried out.
• It also determines the required cost and effort of testing.

The document must specifically include the following information: 

• Scope Definition: It includes both tested and untested hardware, software, and middleware.
• Testing Type Identification: This part talks about the different kinds of testing that will be done during the project. This is essential because each test focuses on finding a unique class of errors. 
• Risks and Issues Documentation: This section lists all the problems that could happen during testing, such as missed deadlines, bad project management, and wrong budget estimates, as well as how these problems could affect the finished product or the business.
• Create Test Logistics: It contains a list of the testers’ names or credentials, as well as the kinds of tests they will conduct. Timelines and testing resources are included here as well.

Defining the Test Objectives

During this phase, we will decide how the tests will be conducted and what we expect the results to be. All testing should aim to find as many problems as possible, so the items should:

• List every aspect of the software that needs to be tested (such as the user interface, performance specifications, and functionality).
• Know the standard or desired result for every single software testing requirement. This will act as the standard criterion by which all actual outcomes will be evaluated.

Establish Test Criteria

The guidelines or standards that direct everyone on a testing project on how to carry out their duties are known as test criteria. There are usually two primary evaluation criteria involved in this phase.

• Suspension Criteria: It establishes the standard for terminating all tests. For example, if the QA team found that 50% of all test cases failed, testing would stop until all problems were fixed.
• Exit criteria: The exit criteria show that a project or phase of testing has been finished successfully. These are the intended testing results that must be achieved to proceed to the next stage of development. For instance, an application or software can’t be made available for public use until eighty percent of the test cases pass.

Test Planning Templates in PowerPoint

• Test Planning #1
• Entry and Exit Criteria for Testing Plan #2

Resource Planning

This section includes a complete list of everything required to finish the project, such as the workforce, tools, and all the necessary infrastructure for accurate and comprehensive testing. This phase also determines the number of testers and the necessary tools. This helps project managers create a precise project estimate and schedule. 

Free resource planning template

Setup Test Environment

The term test environment refers to the combined hardware and software quality assurance professionals use during testing. Real devices should ideally be used as testing environments for testers to see how the software performs in user scenarios.  Nothing beats using real devices with natural operating systems and browsers as test environments, even if you perform automation or manual testing. Avoid using emulators or simulators if you value accuracy in your tests.  For this mission to be successful, the test and development teams must be able to talk to each other and work well together.

Test Schedule and Estimation

Create a list of subtasks, estimate how much time and effort each will take, and then reassemble the project for test estimation, as given below. The next step is to make a plan to finish all of these jobs by the deadline using the required effort and time. However, the schedule needs input from many different people to be created:

• Factors such as employee availability, working days, project due dates, and daily resource availability need to be considered.
• Possibilities and threats concerning the project have already been assessed.

Test Planning Email Templates

Establish Test Deliverables

Test deliverables for a project are a full list of all the paperwork, equipment, and other things that must be made, given, and kept up-to-date to support testing activities. There are specific test deliverables for each phase of the software development lifecycle. The following deliverables are required before testing:

• Test Design specifications
• Test plans document.
• Test case documents

The following deliverables are required during testing:

• Scenarios for Testing
• Simulators
• Execution logs and error logs.
• Test results
• Traceability Matrix

The necessary deliverables after successful testing are the following:

• Release notes
• Defect Report
• Installation/ Test procedures guidelines
• Test Results/reports

Test Plan Template Excel

• Free Test Plan Excel spreadsheets #1
• Test Case Template #2
• Test Plan Iteration #3
• System Integration Testing Template #4
• Test Plan Excel – Test Case Example #5
• Test Case Planning and Execution Template #6

Test Planning Online Tools

QA Touch

QA Touch is a thorough case management application designed specifically for modern QA teams. Without spending much effort, organizations may streamline their test management procedures. QA Touch provides a complete, integrated testing workspace that works well with third-party apps like GitHub, Slack, and Jira. It also has on-demand test management services.

API DOG

Api Dog is a powerful program that streamlines the design, debugging, and testing of APIs in an efficient and professional manner. It simplifies the development workflow by automatically generating essential documentation, including mock data and test cases, saving developers significant time while ensuring accuracy and consistency throughout the API development process.

Test Lodge

Test Lodge is an intuitive online application designed for efficiently managing test cases. It follows straightforward, user-friendly rules that streamline the testing process, allowing teams to get started right away without any complex setup. Its clean interface ensures a smooth and enjoyable testing experience for all users.

Video About Test Planning

Conclusion

A well-structured test plan is the backbone of any successful software testing process. It ensures that all aspects of the software are thoroughly examined, from functionality to performance. By defining clear objectives, schedules, and resources, test plans help QA teams deliver high-quality products. Whether using Word, Excel, or Google Docs templates, having a solid test plan keeps your entire team aligned and focused.

The variety of test plan templates available — from Master Test Plans to Phase and Specific Test Plans — gives teams the flexibility to choose the right approach for their projects. Each template type serves a unique purpose, helping testers systematically identify and address potential issues. Utilizing these 31 free templates saves valuable time and ensures no critical testing component is overlooked during the software development lifecycle.

Test Plan FAQs

What is meant by a test plan?

A “Test Plan” is a detailed document that outlines the specifics of how a test will be conducted, including its goals, timeline, cost estimates, and other time constraints. It serves as a roadmap for the testing team, ensuring all aspects of the software are systematically evaluated and documented.

What is a test plan in QA?

A quality assurance (QA) test plan is a comprehensive written document that lists all the necessary QA testing steps. It defines the scope, objectives, and approach of testing activities, helping QA teams stay organized, maintain consistency, and ensure that the software meets the required quality standards before release.

What are the five most important components of the test plan?

A test plan’s five most important components are the test strategy, objectives, schedule, estimates, and deadlines. Together, these elements provide a structured framework that guides the testing team, ensures proper resource allocation, defines expected outcomes, and keeps the entire project on track throughout the software development lifecycle.

What is the name of the tool to generate a test plan?

EasyQA is a popular test management tool that makes it easy to create test plans, write test cases, and manage them intuitively. It streamlines the entire testing workflow, allowing teams to collaborate effectively, track progress, and ensure comprehensive test coverage while maintaining clear documentation throughout the project.

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