Non-functional testing NFTS

Assessing systems and services to evaluate performance, security, scalability and other non-functional qualities against requirements or expected standards.

Revision notes

Updates for SFIA 9

This is a new skill introduced in SFIA 9.
Theme(s) influencing the updates for this new skill: Support for specialised domains in the field of testing.
Previous SFIA assessments or skills mapping of other SFIA skills may be impacted by this new skill. See also Functional testing, Penetration testing and User experience evaluation.

Guidance notes

Non-functional testing assesses the behaviour of technology, system components, configurations and packages, ensuring they work together to support the system's operation. It focuses on identifying and mitigating risks related to system qualities and characteristics, such as performance, security, backup and recovery, availability, scalability, reliability, maintainability, monitoring, resource efficiency and compliance with technical standards.

Activities may include, but are not limited to:

collaborating with stakeholders to clarify non-functional requirements and expectations
setting up test environments that mirror production conditions, simulating real-world usage
preparing and managing test data to accurately represent necessary variety and volumes
designing and executing stress, load, security and other non-functional tests
troubleshooting issues during testing, coordinating with technical teams to resolve problems
participating in reviews to refine non-functional requirements, identifying risks and suggesting enhancements
analysing results to assess system performance, security and other key qualities, providing insights for improvement
promoting a shift-left approach by integrating non-functional testing early in the lifecycle for early issue detection
adapting testing strategies to suit various development methodologies
developing and maintaining automated tests, monitoring systems and frameworks to continuously assess system quality and performance
ensuring compliance with industry standards, regulations and recognised good practices.

Understanding the responsibility levels of this skill

Where lower levels are not defined...

Specific tasks and responsibilities are not defined because the skill requires a higher level of autonomy, influence, and complexity in decision-making than is typically expected at these levels. You can use the essence statements to understand the generic responsibilities associated with these levels.

Where higher levels are not defined...

Responsibilities and accountabilities are not defined because these higher levels involve strategic leadership and broader organisational influence that goes beyond the scope of this specific skill. See the essence statements.

Developing skills and demonstrating responsibilities related to this skill

The defined levels show the incremental progression in skills and responsibilities.

Where lower levels are not defined...

You can develop your knowledge and support others who do have responsibility in this area by:

Learning key concepts and principles related to this skill and its impact on your role
Performing related skills (see the related SFIA skills)
Supporting others who are performing higher level tasks and activities

Where higher levels are not defined...

You can progress by developing related skills which are better suited to higher levels of organisational leadership.

Click to learn why SFIA skills are not defined at all 7 levels.

Show/hide extra descriptions and levels.

Levels of responsibility for this skill

Non-functional testing: Level 1

Level 1 - Follow: Essence of the level: Performs routine tasks under close supervision, follows instructions, and requires guidance to complete their work. Learns and applies basic skills and knowledge.

Executes given non-functional test scripts under supervision, focusing on system qualities and characteristics such as performance.

Sets up basic test environments and uses standard tools to execute prescribed tests.

Records results and reports issues.

Non-functional testing: Level 2

Level 2 - Assist: Essence of the level: Provides assistance to others, works under routine supervision, and uses their discretion to address routine problems. Actively learns through training and on-the-job experiences.

Assists in designing non-functional test cases and creating test scripts.

Supports the preparation of test data for non-functional testing under supervision. Configures test environments. Executes both manual and automated non-functional testing.

Implements appropriate test tools based on given non-functional requirements or specifications. Defines test conditions for given non-functional requirements.

Analyses and reports on test activities, results, issues and risks.

Non-functional testing: Level 3

Level 3 - Apply: Essence of the level: Performs varied tasks, sometimes complex and non-routine, using standard methods and procedures. Works under general direction, exercises discretion, and manages own work within deadlines. Proactively enhances skills and impact in the workplace.

Designs non-functional test cases and scripts, mapping to pre-set criteria for system qualities and characteristics.

Prepares and manages test data to reflect real-world scenarios. Configures test environments, collaborates with stakeholders to clarify requirements and automates repeatable tests.

Participates in requirement reviews to refine comprehensive test plans. Undertakes exploratory tests to investigate unusual behaviours.

Executes tests, troubleshooting issues as they arise. Analyses and reports on test activities, providing thorough coverage of non-functional attributes.

Non-functional testing: Level 4

Level 4 - Enable: Essence of the level: Performs diverse complex activities, supports and guides others, delegates tasks when appropriate, works autonomously under general direction, and contributes expertise to deliver team objectives.

Selects suitable non-functional testing approaches, considering system criticality and complexity.

Develops, automates and executes test plans for end-to-end system attributes. Configures and manages complex, test environments, ensuring alignment with production conditions.

Applies risk-based strategies to prioritise test efforts and collaborates across teams to ensure comprehensive automated test coverage. Troubleshoots issues in real-time, ensuring prompt resolution.

Analyses and reports on test activities, results and risks, including the work of others.

Non-functional testing: Level 5

Level 5 - Ensure, advise: Essence of the level: Provides authoritative guidance in their field and works under broad direction. Accountable for delivering significant work outcomes, from analysis through execution to evaluation.

Plans and drives non-functional testing across all stages, ensuring alignment with requirements and prioritising risk-based strategies.

Provides expert advice on non-functional methods, tools and frameworks. Leads the setup and maintenance of advanced test environments.

Monitors the application of testing standards, ensuring they reflect real-world conditions. Troubleshoots and resolves complex issues, working closely with stakeholders.

Leads efforts to improve the efficiency and reliability of non-functional testing. Identifies improvements and contributes to organisational policies, standards and guidelines for non-functional testing.

Non-functional testing: Level 6

Level 6 - Initiate, influence: Essence of the level: Has significant organisational influence, makes high-level decisions, shapes policies, demonstrates leadership, promotes organisational collaboration, and accepts accountability in key areas.

Develops organisational policies, standards and guidelines for process testing, ensuring they align with business strategy and incorporate a risk-based approach.

Plans and leads strategic, complex testing activities, ensuring they align with overall system quality goals. Manages risks and opportunities, coordinating with other types of testing.

Develops organisational capabilities to address complex quality validation challenges. Drives continuous automation and improvements in test environments.

Promotes a culture of quality in non-functional testing, driving adherence to organisational standards and proactive risk mitigation.

Level 7

Level 7 - Set strategy, inspire, mobilise: Essence of the level: Operates at the highest organisational level, determines overall organisational vision and strategy, and assumes accountability for overall success.

Structural change New skill