Test Model
The test model is a representation of what will be tested and how it will be tested. It is a view of the design and implementation models, depicting the tests themselves, as well as aspects of the target-of-test that are relevant to the testing effort. It includes the collection of the test cases, test procedures, test scripts, and expected test results along with a description of their relationships.
Worker: Test Designer
Reports: Reports: Test Survey
More information: Guidelines: Test Model

Input to Activities: Output from Activities:

Purpose To top of page

The purpose of the test model is to identify what is being tested, express the scope of testing, and how the test cases are implemented by test procedures. The following people use the test model:

  • The test designer to express the scope of the tests and to show how test cases are implemented by test procedures.
  • The tester to understand the goals of test.
  • The designer as input to design of test functionality.
  • The implementer as input for implementing test functionality.

Properties To top of page

Property Name

Brief Description

UML Representation

Test Procedures A set of detailed instructions for the set-up, execution, and evaluation of results for a given test case (or set of test cases).
 
Test Cases A set of test inputs, execution conditions, and expected results developed for particular objective.
 
Test Scripts The machine readable code that automates the execution of a test procedure (or portion of a test procedure).
 

Timing To top of page

The initial test model is created during the test design activity in Elaboration, as soon as there are some use cases or scenarios defined. The test model is refined throughout the remainder of the lifecycle during each iteration.

Responsibility To top of page

A Test Designer is responsible for the integrity of the test model, ensuring that:

  • The test model accurately reflects the contents of the iteration.
  • The test procedures contain the appropriate content and detail necessary to set-up, implement, execute, and evaluate the test cases.
  • Sufficient test cases have been identified to verify satisfactory achievement of the use cases and / or requirements.

The Test Designer uses the contents of the test model to produce the following related artifacts:

Tailoring To top of page

The test model (contents and format) may require modification to meet the needs of internal or external standards, guidelines, or oversight.

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