Chapter 2 – Testing Throughout the SDLC
Regression Testing – ISTQB Definition
Last Updated: July 12, 2026 · SoftwareTestPilot QA Team
Official ISTQB Definition
A type of change-related testing to detect whether defects have been introduced or uncovered in unchanged areas of the software as a result of changes made.
In simple words
After any change — bug fix, new feature, config update — you re-run existing tests to make sure nothing that used to work has broken.
Exam tip
Regression testing is the go-to candidate for automation because it is repetitive, stable, and executed often.
Related terms
- Smoke TestingA quick check that the build is stable enough to test — if login, home page, and basic navigation don’t crash, you go ahead with deeper testing.
- Sanity TestingA narrow, targeted check after a small change — did this specific fix work and did it not obviously break its immediate neighbours?
- DefectA flaw in the product — code, requirement, or design — that could cause a failure when executed.
Practice this term in the ISTQB Mock Test
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