DIFFERENT ROLES IN A SOFTWARE TESTING TEAM

There are different roles in a software testing team. The software testing is performed at every level of software development with specific objective and by IT professionals. This ensures early defect detection and fixing. There are two ways in which the software testing team performs the testing- manual testing and automation testing.

SOFTWARE TESTING TEAM:

The software testing team comprises of test manager, test leader and tester.

Test manager:

The role of test manager is optional. The test manager is hired when there are many testing groups. The number of testers and testing groups depends on the software testing workload. The test manager has below major roles:

prepares test strategy
prepare the test budget
define test levels and test cycles
develop strategy for estimating test effort
develop strategy for test documentation, metrics and reporting
guides and controls the testing teams
co ordinates with the test leaders and project manger
gathers the updates on testing progress
identify the risk and priorities for testing
design the testing approach, procedures and techniques
identify, evaluate and choose the testing tools
set the strategy on the automation testing
co ordinate with other teams for software releases

Test leader:

Each test group is led by a test leader. The test leader performs the roles of test manager in absence of test manager. In addition to that, test leader roles and responsibilities are listed below:

prepare the test plan at each test level based on test strategy
define the objectives, test items, approaches, risk, contingencies in testing process
assign roles and provide schedule to testers
identify the test specifications test activities for testers
gather metrics and track the testing progress
define entry and exit criteria
define test environment and monitor the set up process
design test documents templates
set up the configuration management
lead and conduct the meetings
review the test documents
co ordinate in the testing group
monitor the testing and co ordinate the software release
resolve the issues in the test groups
guide the testers
prepare the test summary report
co ordinate for automation testing

Testers:

The testers group can comprise of entry level testers, senior testers, performance testers, automation testers and testers performing specific tests. The roles and responsibilities of a typical tester are listed below:

gather the test requirements
review the project documents to understand the requirements and identify the errors
assist the test lead to prepare the test plan
create the test documents like traceability matrix, test data and test cases
set up and verify the test environment
test the software at different levels and record the results
identify, report and track the defects
co ordinate with developers to ensure the defect fixing process
automate the tests
provide test support
develop the test specifications, conduct the test and record the results for the different items of the software
participate in the review meetings
assist the users in UAT
provide the test updates to test lead
provide the learning experience during the project and document it

A proactive behaviour is expected from testing team. The testers in the team should share the common objective of establishing the confidence in the quality of the software. The testing activities are to be conducted in the environment of trust. The policies and standards are to be followed to conduct the testing activities for the success of the project.