Process testing PRTS

(new)

Investigating software and systems implementations to validate and verify that they meet business needs.

SFIA 9 is in development

SFIA 9 beta due in early July 2024
SFIA 9 planned for publication October 2024

This is a prototype for SFIA 9. It is subject to change before publication.

Guidance notes

(new)

The scope of Process testing includes technology, system components, configurations, packages and their interfaces which are intended to deliver business value or outcomes.

Activities may include, but are not limited to:

planning, designing, managing, executing and reporting of process tests
collaborating on the creation of specific and measurable acceptance criteria for business requirements
testing of business value related capabilities or features
static testing and static analysis
managing risks associated with testing and taking preventative action when needed
adopting and adapting testing methods including waterfall, incremental or agile approaches
conforming to agreed process standards, industry-specific regulations and data protection legislation
engineering, using and maintaining testware to measure and improve the quality of the software being tested
promoting productivity through test automation, tools and best practices
developing scalable and reliable automated tests and frameworks.

Examples of the risks addressed by Process testing:

the system not supporting necessary processes
the system implementing inefficient or error-prone processes
the system not supporting required user roles
the system restricting users from performing necessary tasks
the system being too complex for intended users
the system not matching the organisation's look-and-feel consistently.

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 reponsibilities.

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 with tasks (generic examples are provided by the essence statements for each level)

Where higher levels are not defined...

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

Levels

Defined at these levels:

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

Show/hide extra descriptions and levels.

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.

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Executes given manual process test scripts under supervision.

Uses basic automated testing tools.

Records results and reports issues.

Develops an understanding of the role of process testing as a tool for design improvement and a validation process.

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.

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Designs test cases, creates test scripts and test data, and automates repeatable tasks working to the business requirements or specifications provided.

Defines test conditions for given business requirements.

Executes and records manual and automated process testing in accordance with test plans.

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

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.

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Designs process test cases and test scripts under own direction, mapping back to pre-determined criteria, recording and reporting test outcomes.

Participates in requirement, design and specification reviews, and uses this information to design process test plans and test conditions.

Applies agreed standards to specify and perform manual and automated process testing. Automates testing tasks and builds test coverage through existing or new infrastructure.

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

Process testing: Level 4

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

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Selects appropriate process testing approach, including manual and automated testing.

Develops and executes process test plans and test cases. Implements scalable and reliable automated tests and frameworks in relation to process testing.

Collaborates across parties involved in product, systems or service design and development to enable comprehensive process test coverage. Identifies improvements in requirements, and related design or specification processes, to increase the effectiveness and efficiency of process testing.

Analyses and reports on test activities, results, issues and risks, including the work of 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 achieving workgroup objectives and managing work from analysis to execution and evaluation

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Plans and drives process testing activities across all stages and iterations of product, systems and service development.

Provides authoritative advice and guidance on any aspect of process test planning and execution. Adopts and adapts appropriate testing methods, automated tools and techniques to solve problems in tools and testing approaches.

Measures and monitors applications of standards for testing. Assesses risks and takes preventative action.

Identifies improvements and contributes to the development of organisational policies, standards, and guidelines for 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, fosters organizational collaboration, and accepts accountability in key areas.

(new)

Develops organisational policies, standards, and guidelines for business process testing.

Plans and leads strategic, large and complex process testing activities. Leads activities to manage risks and opportunities associated with process testing and in coordination with other types of testing.

Adapts or develops organisational process testing capabilities and methods to solve complex business and engineering problems in tools and testing.

Promotes a culture of quality throughout the organisation and drives adoption of and adherence to testing policies and standards, with special focus on process testing.

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

New skill