Chapter 5 – Managing the Test Activities
Test Policy – ISTQB Definition
Last Updated: July 12, 2026 · SoftwareTestPilot QA Team
Official ISTQB Definition
A high-level document describing the principles, approach and major objectives of the organization regarding testing.
In simple words
The company-wide statement of why and how testing happens — signed off by senior management.
Exam tip
Test policy sits above test strategy: policy = organization-level, strategy = program-level.
Related terms
- Test StrategyThe organisation-wide ‘how we test’ document — reused across projects — that project test plans reference.
- Test PlanThe document that answers ‘what, when, how, and by whom’ for the testing effort — scope, schedule, risks, entry and exit criteria.
- Quality AssuranceQA = process focus — ‘are we working the right way so quality is likely?’.
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