Think of it this way: before building a house, you need plans, permits, and a detailed understanding of the land. In the software testing world, that “land” is known as the Test Basis.While the term sounds technical, understanding it is a game-changer for designing, planning, and executing software tests, especially if you're pursuing an ISTQB certification.
As defined in the official ISTQB glossary:
Test Basis: “All documents from which the requirements of a component or system can be inferred. The documentation on which the test cases are based.”
In simpler terms, it’s everything that tells you what the system should do, and it serves as the source information to build your tests.This may include:
During the test analysis activity, the team reviews the test basis to:
Then, in test design, it helps define coverage items, such as: “Does this test case cover this specific requirement?”
Let’s say you’re testing an e-commerce app. Your test basis might include:
You could then design tests like:
All starting from the test basis.
The test basis is the pillar that gives meaning to the testing process. Without aligning your tests to it, you risk missing what truly matters—or testing the wrong things.Mastering this concept not only boosts your ISTQB exam readiness but turns you into a more strategic, impactful tester.