The global skills and competency framework for the digital world

Process testing PRTS

Assessing documented and undocumented process flows within a product, system or service against business needs through investigation and testing.

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, Making SFIA easier to consume (new levels).
  • Previous SFIA assessments or skills mapping of other SFIA skills may be impacted by this new skill. See also Functional testing and User acceptance testing

Guidance notes

Process testing focuses on ensuring systems effectively support business processes, deliver value and meet user needs.

It involves identifying and mitigating risks such as inefficient or error-prone processes, unsupported user roles, restricted user actions, system complexity, inconsistent data handling and non-compliance with business requirements.

Activities may include, but are not limited to:

  • collaborating with stakeholders to align testing with business requirements and objectives
  • designing test cases that cover entire business workflows, including business rules, alternate paths and exception scenarios
  • setting up test environments that simulate real-world conditions, user roles and data flows
  • preparing and managing test data to accurately support the scenarios being tested
  • executing manual and automated tests to validate workflows, ensuring systems operate correctly across scenarios
  • logging and reporting findings with an emphasis on business process impact, providing insights and recommendations
  • analysing results to identify inefficiencies and areas for system and process enhancement
  • promoting a shift-left approach by integrating process testing early in the lifecycle for early issue detection
  • developing and maintaining scalable automation frameworks
  • 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.

Show/hide extra descriptions and levels.

Levels of responsibility for this skill

1 2 3 4 5 6

Process 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 process test scripts under supervision to verify business workflows and user journeys.

Configures basic test environments to simulate business processes.

Uses standard testing tools for process validation, records results and reports issues.

Process 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.

Designs test cases and scripts to validate key business scenarios and workflows.

Supports the preparation and management of test data under supervision to align with business processes Configures test environments to reflect real-world business processes.

Executes and records manual and automated process tests in line with test plans.

Analyses and reports on test activities, identifying issues and risks related to business process validation.

Process 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 process test cases and scripts that cover end-to-end business scenarios.

Actively participates in requirement and design reviews to refine test plans. Prepares and manages test data that accurately mirrors business processes.

Configures test environments, executes tests and addresses issues as they arise. Undertakes structured exploratory testing to assess alternative business flows.

Automates repeatable tests for efficiency. Analyses and reports on outcomes, focusing on impacts to business processes.

Process 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 and applies appropriate testing approaches based on business criticality, risk and process complexity.

Develops, automates and executes detailed test plans focusing on end-to-end process validation. Ensures automated test environments accurately simulate real business processes and workflows.

Collaborates closely with stakeholders to refine business requirements and ensure full coverage. Identifies and mitigates risks throughout the testing process and addresses issues.

Provides detailed analysis and reports on the impact of test results on business operations, including work done by others.

Process 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.

Leads process testing activities across all stages of development, ensuring alignment with business objectives and prioritising key workflows based on risk.

Ensures test environments are robust and reflective of actual business operations.

Provides expert advice on process testing, ensuring tests are effective and align with business needs.

Leads efforts to improve the efficiency and reliability of process testing. Identifies gaps and risks and contributes to the development of policies and standards that support comprehensive and risk-based process testing.

Process 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 large-scale process testing initiatives, focusing on validating complex and critical processes.

Leads efforts to optimise and innovate process testing methodologies, integrating them with overall business goals and risk management strategies.

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

Keywords
New skill Structural change