DIFFERENT ROLES IN A SOFTWARE TESTING TEAM

Table of Contents

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.

software testing team
software testing team

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.

Check your understanding:

1. Summarise the role of any one member of testing team.

Share this article
Subscribe
By pressing the Subscribe button, you confirm that you have read our Privacy Policy.
Need a Free Demo Class?
Join H2K Infosys IT Online Training