Interview Question - “How do you prioritize test cases when faced with time constraints?” (2024)

Hi All,

In today’s newsletter, I will try to explain the answer for the interview question- “How do you prioritize test cases when faced with time constraints?”

One thing is for sure. Time is always a constraint.

(another constraint is cost !).

So entire SDLC should be executed within the time frame.

Testing specially has pressure to complete testing within deadline as it is one of the steps which is closer to the end of SDLC.

In this situation, prioritization is the best option- Prioritization of tasks. Meaning do only what is important.

While testing, when faced with such time constraints and the need to prioritize test cases, it's important to have a structured approach.

Before I get in to prioritization, let me tell you, why this question is asked.

Why do they ask “How do you prioritize test cases when faced with time constraints?” interview question ?

Interviewer asks this question to check your:

• Approach during crucial times
• Understanding of test strategy
• The knowledge on the process
• Time management skills
• Decision making skills
• Communication skills
• Experience in testing
• Emotional strength
• Analytical skills

You now know what are the expectations from this question.

Let me now explain the concepts. So that you can answer them confidently.

First, lets understand why prioritization is important and what happens if you don't prioritize.

Why do you prioritize test cases?

Before I dive in to steps of prioritization of test cases, let me explain you the impacts of not prioritizing test cases.

Here are the possible consequences :

• Incomplete test coverage
• Slippage of critical defects
• Reduction in product quality
• Additional time and cost of testing
• Increased possibility of business risks
• Poor decision making and poor test strategy
• Limited test coverage and test progress visibility

How to prioritize test cases ?

This ensures the most critical and impactful test cases are executed first.

Here's my step-by-step guide for prioritizing test cases in such situations:

1. Understand the Requirements:

I begin by understanding the product requirements and the goals of the testing phase. This will help me identify the key features and functionalities that need to be tested.

2. Identify Critical Areas:

I identify the critical areas of the application that have a significant impact on users or the business if they have defects. These could be core functionalities, high-risk areas, or frequently used features.

3. Assess The Risks :

I assess the risk associated with each test case/functionality. I consider the potential impact of a failure, the likelihood of occurrence and the extent of test coverage. I Assign a risk priority to each test case based on this assessment.

4. Evaluate Dependencies:

I see if there are any dependencies between test cases or functionalities. If certain test cases rely on the successful execution of others, I prioritize the ones that are prerequisites for subsequent tests.

5. Evaluate Business Value:

I evaluate the business value of each test case. And determine the test cases that align with the project's objectives, customer needs, and overall product quality. I prioritize the ones that provide the most value to stakeholders.

Usually these will be positive scenarios and may contain end-to-end flow of a feature.

6. Check Functional Coverage:

I ensure that the test cases cover the critical functionalities of the application. I prioritize test cases that provide maximum coverage of the essential features and ensure the core functionality is working as intended.

7. Mind Time and Resources:

Availability of time and resources for testing is critical factor. I estimate the effort required for each test case and prioritize those that can be executed within the given time frame. And then balance the number of test cases with the available resources.

8. Use Prioritization Techniques:

I also use prioritization techniques like pairwise testing, boundary value analysis, or risk-based testing to further refine the order of test cases. These techniques help me optimize coverage and identify high-impact test scenarios.

9. Communicate and Collaborate:

I do discuss the prioritization approach with the team or stakeholders (Product manager and development manager). I seek their input and ensure alignment on the chosen priorities. Collaboration fosters transparency and helps make informed decisions.

10. Document:

Documentation is super important. I document the prioritized test cases and the rationale behind the prioritization process. This will provide clarity to the team, facilitate future discussions. a

I hope you got me step-by-step process of test case prioritization.

If you cover these points in your interview, they demonstrate your thought process during interviews.

Remember, the key is to prioritize the most critical and high-impact test cases while balancing time constraints and available resources.

Employing a systematic approach and clear communication will help you effectively answer this question during interviews and demonstrate your ability to make informed decisions as a junior tester.

Conclusion

Absence of test cases prioritization can significantly impact the overall quality of the product. Can increase product/business risks. Prioritization ensures that testing efforts are focused on critical areas, providing better test coverage and reducing the likelihood of severe defects escaping into production.

All the best. If you have any questions, do let me know.