TORCH Technique

TORCH Technique image
The TORCH technique is a way to structure exploratory testing, building on top of a testing charter. The acronym TORCH stands for timer, oracles, risks, considered questions, heuristics - which are all connected and support each other to “light up” parts of your exploration which wouldn’t seem possible with scripted testing.

Using this technique, testers should;
  • T - set a timer (between 30 and 90 mins)
  • O - define supporting oracles to support or inspire testing
  • R - define a list of risks,
  • C - consider questions to ensure the exploratory testing is flexible and
  • H - heuristics also to spark testing ideas
Explore MoT
QA Leadership Summit - The AI-Native Edge: Leading the Future of QA image
QALS Summer 2026: a leadership summit to move beyond AI testing pilots and build production-ready, AI-first QA organizations - powered by the BrowserStack AI Test Platform and 25+ connected AI agents
MoT Software Testing Essentials Certificate image
Boost your career in software testing with the MoT Software Testing Essentials Certificate. Learn essential skills, from basic testing techniques to advanced risk analysis, crafted by industry experts.
This Week in Quality image
Debrief the week in Quality via a community radio show hosted by Simon Tomes and members of the community
Subscribe to our newsletter