After a test object has been delivered and entry conditions for test execution are met, the test execution phase begins. Ideally, tests should be conducted as per the defined test cases. However, the Test Manager may allow the testers to perform additional tests for interesting and new behaviors observed during testing.

For effective and efficient test execution, these conditions must be fulfilled before actual test execution begins:

• Designing or defining the tests must be complete
• Test tools, especially test management tools, must be ready
• Processes for tracking the test results, including metrics, must be working
• Every team member must understand the data to be tracked
• Criteria for logging tests and reporting defects must be published and available to all team members

If the test strategy being used is reactive, even if partly, extra time should be allocated for applying defect based and experience based methodologies.

Obviously, if any failure is detected during such unplanned testing, variations from the predefined test cases must be documented, so that they may be reproduced in future.

Automated tests always follow the written instructions, without any deviation.

Fundamental responsibility of a Test Manager in the test execution phase is to observe the test progress and map it against the test plan.

If any deviation is observed, the Test Manager must initiate and execute test control activities to pilot the testing towards a successful finish, in accordance with the defined objectives, strategies and mission.

The Test Manager may employ backward traceability from test results to test conditions, test basis and finally test objectives and forward traceability from test objectives to test results.

Test Execution was covered differently in the Foundation level exam, which you can review here.

We will learn about test closure activities in the next topic.

Other popular articles:

• What is Test Design? When to create Test Design?
• What are the roles and responsibilities of a Test Leader?
• What are Test management tools?
• What is Test Monitoring and Test Control?
• What are Test Conditions & Test Analysis? Advantages, Disadvantages & Level of Detail