📖 What is Exit Criteria?
Exit Criteria are the set of conditions for officially completing a defined task. In testing, they determine when to stop testing activities, such as when a certain level of coverage is achieved or all critical defects are resolved.
"Exit criteria are tied to the concept of 'Done'. Questions may trick you by confusing exit criteria with test completion activities; exit criteria decide IF you can stop."
📚 Certification: Certified Tester Foundation Level (CTFL-v4.0)
🔑 What are the Key Concepts of Exit Criteria?
- ▸ Definition of Done (DoD) in agile contexts.
- ▸ Metrics used for exit (e.g., code coverage, defect density).
- ▸ Balancing risk, time, and budget when deciding to stop testing.
🎯 How does Exit Criteria appear on the CTFL-v4.0 Exam?
A project is delayed, and management decides to stop testing because time ran out, even though 100% coverage wasn't met. You must evaluate how this impacts exit criteria.
Distinguishing between an exit criterion (0 critical bugs) and a test completion activity (archiving testware).
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
When do we stop testing?
Ideally, when the pre-defined exit criteria are met. Pragmatically, when the risk is acceptable or time/budget runs out.
Is 'all tests passed' a realistic exit criterion?
Rarely. More common is 'all high-priority tests passed and no critical defects remain open'.