Test Charters

A test charter is a sentence that focuses on an exploratory testing session. Each test charter is based on a risk that has been identified within a specific area that has to be focused on. 

You can create test charters using templates. One such template could be to explore target with resources to discover information. Or you could try a mission to discover information. 

Test charters templates give much more structure to an exploratory tester in revealing information for a specific risk. It also allows an exploratory tester to determine whether they're going off charter and determine if that's acceptable. 

A group of test charters can help define the body of work for a tester to carry out on a user story or feature. Test charters need to be just the right level of abstract and specific to allow a space to explore but not to get lost in their exploration. These are required skills for identifying risks. 

They are fallible in that they focus on a specific risk, so missing charters can affect your level of coverage. 

Test Charter examples: 

Test Charters guide an exploratory testing session and give your exploratory session purpose. Combined with a timer they are a powerful tool.

Also known as test exploration goals, creating test charters that suit the context becomes easier over time. It typically helps to start wide with a reconnaissance charter to create charter ideas and then narrow down.

It’s ok to deviate from the goal of an exploratory session. Tag those items as off-charter. Track this over time to get a feel for how useful it is to stay on charter. Those off-charter items can feed the next charters. Use off-charter items to start conversations about risk.

Examples: