What are two objectives of a test strategy?

Identifying entry and exit criteria for testing phases is a crucial objective of a test strategy. Entry criteria define the conditions that must be met before testing can begin, ensuring that the testing team starts with the right set of requirements, completed functionalities, and a stable environment. This can include aspects like the completion of development, availability of test data, and necessary documentation.

Exit criteria, conversely, establish when testing can be considered complete. This includes conditions such as reaching a certain level of test coverage, the number of critical defects fixed, or achieving specific performance benchmarks. By having clearly defined entry and exit criteria, the testing process is more organized and transparent, ensuring all necessary conditions are met for effective testing. This also supports risk management by enabling the testing team to assess whether they have done sufficient work before concluding the test phase, ultimately leading to higher quality software and reducing the likelihood of defects entering production.