The success of a software testing project greatly depends on the project test estimation technique and its implementation. It is essential to work as per the estimation technique in order to maintain good rapport with the client. From the point of view of quality assurance test estimation techniques are a must. Software testing estimations can be made based on previous work records, available documents, assumptions, calculated risks. All testing companies and IT companies provide a test estimation to their clients to give them an approximate idea about how long it would take to test the software. With every project the team will understand its flaws and learn to create a more accurate estimation report which is again a very important QA requirement. While it is not difficult for experienced people to provide estimates but those who are new in testing jobs or are going to prepare software test estimation for the first time should keep certain things in mind.

When it comes to software testing, always remember to add a buffer time to your estimates. So, that in case there is a delay or any other issue due to which the project cannot be continued then there is no panic created. The buffer time should be practical. The test estimation depends on the bug cycle. If a developer takes time to fix the bug then it is quite obvious that the bug cycle will be delayed causing a delay in testing. Before starting off with the estimation techniques call all your team members and check if any one of them is planning to take a leave during the project and if yes then what are the dates. By considering the availability of the resources you will be able to draft a realistic estimation. It is important to understand that estimations can wrong therefore before finalizing the test estimations it is necessary to have discussion with the team members and make the necessary changes and then make a commitment.

While making software testing estimation think of your past experiences as a tester and analyze the issues that the team faced during that time and also check previous records and analyze the issues with the previous estimates. An estimate is a sort of prediction which helps in evaluating what the project would cost approximately. It is done to provide the client a rough idea about how long it would take for the task to get completed. This is necessary in order to keep a track of how the project is progressing and to ensure that the cost of the project does not go beyond the budget and does not cross the defined time frame. Through the test estimation document the company explains the client about approximately how much time and cost it would take to complete the project. Test estimation techniques are very important requirement of software testing in Ireland based companies. Many software recruitment agencies in Ireland have been briefed to look out for professionals who are able to draft good quality test estimation reports.

In a company less than 50% of the projects are finished as per the time and schedule. There are many reasons behind this. The project requirements may not be clear, the project may not be planned well, poor project management skills, less resources or poor equipments, there can be many such reasons behind project’s failure in performing as per the estimation. Sometimes the estimation itself is not calculated correctly. However, the practice must be continued as the team will continue to learn from its mistakes. The quality assurance team in any company would put great emphasis of  carrying out the best test estimation techniques.