Skip to main content

Module 3 · Test design

Scenarios, test cases and checklists

Three levels of detail for writing tests down, and how to choose between them.

About 8 min reading and 15 min practice (estimates)

Loading progress…

Read

Learning objectives

  • Tell scenarios, test cases and checklists apart.
  • Write a test case with preconditions, steps, data and an expected result.
  • Choose the right level of detail for the situation.

Explanation

  • A scenario is a story-level idea of something to test: "A shopper buys a gift with a promotion code."
  • A test case is precise: preconditions, numbered steps, test data and the expected result, so anyone can run it the same way.
  • A checklist is a short list of things to verify, relying on the tester's knowledge for the details — ideal for repeated checks and experienced teams.

Detailed test cases cost time to write and maintain. Use them where precision matters — complex calculations, regulated areas, or tests others must repeat exactly. Use checklists for broad coverage and scenarios to plan.

Example: one test case

ID: CART-07  Remove the only eligible item after applying SOUQ10
Preconditions: Cart contains 1 × Palm-leaf basket (4.750 OMR)
               and 1 × Pocket sketchbook (2.250 OMR)
Steps:
  1. Open the cart.
  2. Apply code SOUQ10.
  3. Remove the Palm-leaf basket.
Test data: code "SOUQ10"
Expected:
  - Discount is 0.000 OMR (notebooks are not eligible).
  - A note explains no items are eligible.
  - Total = 2.250 + delivery.
Rules taken from the training shop's published expected behaviour.

Common mistakes

  • Steps that combine several actions, so a failure can't be pinned down.
  • Expected results like "works correctly" that nobody can check.
  • Test cases depending on hidden data or on another test having run first.

Try

Practise what you just read. Answers are checked here; nothing is graded publicly or counts toward Bug Arena.

Exercise

Write one complete test case for: "WELCOME2 gives 2.000 OMR off when the merchandise subtotal is 15.000 OMR or more." Include preconditions, steps, data and expected results.

Write your answer first, then compare it with the sample solution. It stays on this page only and isn't sent anywhere.

Review

Check yourself — you should now be able to:

  • Tell scenarios, test cases and checklists apart.
  • Write a test case with preconditions, steps, data and an expected result.
  • Choose the right level of detail for the situation.

Practise in QA Lab

Continue

When you’re ready, mark the lesson complete in the Try step and move on.

Marked as read when you reach the end of the lesson.