Chapter 3 – Static Testing
Specification – ISTQB Definition
Last Updated: July 12, 2026 · SoftwareTestPilot QA Team
Official ISTQB Definition
A document that specifies, in a complete, precise, verifiable manner, the requirements, design, behavior or characteristics of a component or system.
In simple words
A detailed document describing exactly what the system must do — the input to test design.
Exam tip
Reviewing specifications is the highest-ROI static testing — defects here are cheapest to fix.
Related terms
- RequirementA statement of what the system must do or how well it must do it.
- ReviewSomeone reads or discusses a document (requirements, code, test cases) to find problems before running the software.
- Test BasisThe source of truth you derive tests from — requirements, user stories, models, code, or standards.
Practice this term in the ISTQB Mock Test
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