Software Engineering: Test Plan (Definitions)

"Test case scenarios written to test the different functionalities of the system and make sure it meets requirements." (Timothy J  Kloppenborg et al, "Project Leadership", 2003)

"A document describing the scope, approach, characteristics and features to be tested, necessary tasks, resources, task schedule, responsibilities, and risks." (Richard D Stutzke, "Estimating Software-Intensive Systems: Projects, Products, and Processes", 2005)

[engagement test plan:] "A plan designed to gather sufficient appropriate evidence to support an evaluation of how well the key controls function. This may be developed as part of an engagement work program or may replace the engagement work program." (Sally-Anne Pitt, "Internal Audit Quality", 2014)

[level test plan:] "A plan for a specified level of testing. It identifies the items being tested, the features to be tested, the testing tasks to be performed, the personnel responsible for each task, and the associated risk(s). In the title of the plan, the word level is replaced by the organization’s name for the particular level being documented by the plan (e.g., Component Test Plan, Component Integration Test Plan, System Test Plan, and Acceptance Test Plan)." (Tilo Linz et al, "Software Testing Foundations" 4th Ed, 2014)

"It identifies, among other test items, the features to be tested, the testing tasks, who will do each task, the degree of tester independence, the test environment, the test design techniques, and the techniques for measuring results with a rationale for their choice. Additionally, risks requiring contingency planning are described. Thus, a test plan is a record of the test planning process. The document can be divided into a master test plan or a level test plan." (Tilo Linz et al, "Software Testing Foundations, 4th Ed", 2014)

"A document that specifies how a program is to be tested" (Nell Dale & John Lewis, "Computer Science Illuminated" 6th Ed., 2015)

"A document describing the scope, approach, resources and schedule of intended test activities. It identifies amongst others test items, the features to be tested, the testing tasks, who will do each task, degree of tester independence, the test environment, the test design techniques and entry and exit criteria to be used, and the rationale for their choice, and any risks requiring contingency planning. It is a record of the test planning process." (IEEE 829)

"A document that outlines the specific steps that will be performed for a particular test, including the required logistical items and expected outcome or response for each step." (NIST SP 800-84)

[level test plan:] "A test plan that typically addresses one test level." (ISTQB)