How to Prepare Test Scenarios from Requirements
Test scenarios are high-level descriptions of what needs to be tested. It helps to ensure test coverage, approved by stakeholders, and clarity for creating test cases. But how do you write them effectively — just from the requirements? Let’s break it down step-by-step.
What are Test Scenarios?
A test scenario is a one-liner that describes what you want to test. It usually answers the question: “What should I verify?” It is also called Test Condition.
Example: If you’re testing a login page, a test scenario could be: “Verify user is able to log in with valid credentials.”
Step-by-Step: How to Derive Test Scenarios from Requirements
Step 1: Read Requirement
- Read the requirement or user story thoroughly.
- Clarify any doubts with the BA, Developer, or Product Owner.
- Focus on “what” the system should do — inputs, outputs, rules.
Step 2: Predict Functional Areas
Break the requirement into smaller parts or modules (e.g., Login, Registration, Cart, etc.). Each functional block usually contains its own set of test scenarios.
Step 3: Think Like the User
- What would the user do?
- What inputs will they give?
- What should happen on success or failure?
Step 4: Cover Positive and Negative Conditions
Write both successful flow and edge-case test scenarios:
- ✅ Valid login
- ❌ Login with incorrect password
- ❌ Login with empty email
Step 5: Write Clear and Concise Scenarios
Use simple and specific language. Avoid writing test steps — just focus on what needs to be tested.
Step 6: Review by Stakeholders
The scenarios created are reviewed by your supervisor. Later, they are also reviewed by other Stakeholders in the project.
Example: Requirement – “User Should Be Able to Reset Password”
Test Scenarios:
- Verify user can access the “Forgot Password” link
- Verify user receives a password reset link on valid email
- Verify system shows error for invalid email
- Verify user can set a new password using the reset link
- Verify system doesn't allow password reuse
Tips to Write Better Test Scenarios
- ✅ Use a checklist format to track coverage
- ✅ Align each test scenario with a requirement ID or user story
- ✅ Review test scenarios with your peers or team lead
- ✅ Keep language action-oriented (e.g., “Verify…”, “Check…”, “Ensure…”)
Difference Between Test Scenario and Test Case
| Aspect | Test Scenario | Test Case |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | What to test | How to test (steps, data, result) |
| Level | High-level | Detailed-level |
| Example | Verify user can login | Step 1: Enter username, Step 2: Enter password... |
For Test Scenario: Verify the user can login, the possible test cases could be:
Test Cases:
- Check system behavior when valid email ID and password is entered.
- Check system behavior when invalid email ID and valid password is entered.
- Check system behavior when valid email ID and invalid password is entered.
- Check system behavior when invalid email ID and invalid password is entered.
- Check system behavior when email ID and password are left blank and Sign In is clicked.
- Check if Forgot your password functionality is working as expected.
- Check system behavior when valid/invalid phone number and password is entered.
- Check system behavior when “Keep me signed in” is checked.
Practice Exercise
Requirement: “User should be able to add a product to the shopping cart and proceed to checkout.”
Your Task: Write at least 5 test scenarios based on this requirement and post your answers in the comments!
Final Thoughts
Writing test scenarios from requirements is a skill every QA must master. It helps ensure full coverage, communication clarity, and a strong foundation for test case writing. With regular practice, you’ll become quicker and sharper at identifying scenarios in any feature.
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