What Needs to Be in a Test Case Document?

Published on: December 10, 2023

A test case document serves as the foundation for ensuring a systematic and efficient approach to software testing. It provides a detailed description of the testing process, scenarios, and expected results to validate that a software application meets its requirements. Well-structured test cases improve test coverage, repeatability, and quality assurance. Here are the key elements that need to be included in a test case document:

1. Test Case ID

Each test case should have a unique identifier. This makes it easier to reference, organize, and track test cases in a database or test management tool. A common format includes a prefix for the module and a numerical ID (e.g., UI-001, API-101).

2. Test Case Title

The title should be a concise description of the test case's objective. For example, "Verify user login with valid credentials."

3. Objective/Description

This section provides a clear and detailed explanation of what the test case aims to verify. It should state the purpose of the test and its expected outcome. Example: To ensure that the user is redirected to the dashboard after entering valid credentials.

4. Preconditions

List all the prerequisites that must be satisfied before executing the test case. This could include:

  • Test environment setup (e.g., browser version, operating system).
  • Test data preparation.
  • User roles and permissions.

5. Test Steps

Provide step-by-step instructions on how to execute the test case. Each step should be clear, specific, and actionable.

  • Open the login page.
  • Enter a valid username in the username field.
  • Enter a valid password in the password field.
  • Click the "Login" button.

6. Test Data

Include the data required to execute the test, such as:

  • Input values.
  • User credentials.
  • API payloads.

Clearly specify whether the data is static (hardcoded) or dynamic (generated at runtime).

7. Expected Results

Describe the expected outcome after executing the test steps. This should detail what the system should do if it behaves correctly.

  • The user is successfully logged in.
  • The dashboard page loads within 2 seconds.
  • A welcome message is displayed: "Welcome, [User's Name]."

8. Actual Results

During execution, document the actual behavior of the system. This helps in identifying discrepancies between expected and actual outcomes.

9. Pass/Fail Criteria

State how the test case will be evaluated. Typically, this involves comparing the actual results to the expected results:

  • Pass: All expected results are met.
  • Fail: Any deviation from the expected results.

10. Priority and Severity

Assign a priority level (High, Medium, Low) to indicate the test case's importance and impact. Severity relates to the potential consequences of failure for this test case.

11. Test Environment

Document the environment where the test case is executed, such as:

  • Browser version (e.g., Chrome 96.0).
  • Operating system (e.g., Windows 11).
  • Database version (e.g., MySQL 8.0).

12. Test Case Status

Include the status of the test case:

  • Draft: Test case is under development.
  • Reviewed: Test case has been reviewed and approved.
  • Executed: Test case has been run.

13. Associated Requirements

Reference the specific requirements, user stories, or acceptance criteria that the test case is designed to validate. This ensures traceability and helps link test cases to project documentation.

14. Dependencies

Highlight any dependencies that could affect the test case, such as:

  • Other test cases that must be executed first.
  • External systems or APIs that the test relies on.

15. Attachments/References

Include any relevant files, screenshots, or logs that provide additional context or support for the test case.

16. Reviewer and Author Details

Document the name of the person who wrote the test case and the reviewer who approved it. This provides accountability and a point of contact for clarifications.