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Test Estimation Framework

A rigid yet practical test estimation framework is important but its only job half done

You can never have enough of a good thing, time for instance. No matter what testing methodology, Agile or Traditional, organizations use, “there's not enough time to test”. Having a test estimation framework which is rigid yet practical does help. Most organizations agree that there is no specific estimation framework or one-framework-fits- all. Like management test estimations are both an art and science sometimes more art than science and sometimes more science than art.  

There are many methods that that provide practical foundations for building test estimates, these coupled with prior experience can help managers make a fair test estimation framework which meets the aforementioned criteria of being rigid yet practical.
 
Among the most common methods that provide a solid base to your test estimation framework are industry metrics, including best practices (what percentage of development time and headcount should be devoted to testing), function points, story points, use cases, etc. Finally the goal of testing isn’t simply to find defects; it is to ensure that quality software gets shipped.  While a good test estimation framework will ensure that the testers get enough time and resources throughout the SDLC for testing, it is imperative for organizations to appreciate the fact that testing isn’t just a validation job.