Quality Assurance is more than just testing software—it’s about delivering clear, traceable, and valuable outputs that support the entire software development lifecycle.
So what exactly does QA deliver in a project?
In this blog post, we’ll walk through the key QA deliverables you’re expected to produce from planning through post-release, and how they contribute to a successful product launch.
🧾 1. Test Plan
✅ What It Is:
A document that outlines the scope, objectives, approach, resources, schedule, and risks for QA activities in the project.
🛠 Contents Typically Include:
- Test objectives and features to be tested
- Testing types and levels (unit, integration, UAT, etc.)
- Resources and tools
- Entry and exit criteria
- Risk and mitigation strategies
Why It Matters:
It sets expectations and provides a roadmap for the QA process.
🗂️ 2. Test Scenarios
✅ What It Is:
High-level situations or functionalities to be tested, usually derived directly from requirements or user stories.
Example:
- Scenario: User can reset password using the “Forgot Password” link.
Why It Matters:
Test scenarios help stakeholders understand what’s being tested in a business-friendly language.
🧪 3. Test Cases
✅ What It Is:
Detailed instructions that define how to test a feature, including inputs, expected results, and conditions.
Contents:
- Test ID
- Preconditions
- Test steps
- Expected result
- Status (Pass/Fail)
Why It Matters:
Test cases ensure consistency, repeatability, and traceability in testing.
🧰 4. Test Data
✅ What It Is:
The actual data sets used to execute test cases—especially for forms, calculations, or workflow testing.
Example:
- Valid email and password
- Sample product IDs
- Edge cases like empty fields or maximum values
Why It Matters:
Poor test data leads to missed bugs and invalid test results.
🧪 5. Test Execution Report
✅ What It Is:
A real-time or post-cycle report showing the results of executed test cases.
Includes:
- Total test cases
- Passed/Failed/Blocked
- Execution % completion
- Environment or build tested
Why It Matters:
This helps track progress and communicates testing status to stakeholders.
🐞 6. Defect Reports
✅ What It Is:
Logged bugs or issues found during testing, typically stored in a bug tracking system (e.g., Jira, qTest, Bugzilla).
Each Defect Includes:
- Steps to reproduce
- Severity and priority
- Actual vs expected results
- Screenshots or logs
Why It Matters:
A clear, detailed defect report helps developers fix issues faster and accurately.
📈 7. Traceability Matrix
✅ What It Is:
A document that maps requirements to test cases to ensure complete coverage.
Why It Matters:
This helps confirm that every requirement has been tested and nothing is missed.
🧾 8. QA Sign-Off / Test Summary Report
✅ What It Is:
A formal document or email where QA summarizes test results and gives a “Go/No-Go” recommendation.
Includes:
- Test coverage
- Known issues
- Risks
- Final status
Why It Matters:
This is one of the last steps before release—it communicates that QA has completed their checks and provides transparency.
🧼 9. Post-Release Testing & Feedback
✅ What It Is:
Testing the application after it’s released to production (also known as production validation or smoke testing).
Why It Matters:
Ensures the deployment was successful and critical functions work as expected in the live environment.
🧠 Final Thoughts
QA isn’t just about finding bugs—it’s about delivering high-value artifacts that support development, reduce risk, and maintain quality from start to finish.
Whether you’re the only QA in a startup or part of a large enterprise team, these deliverables help keep your work structured, measurable, and visible.
