Test Templates Vs Test Plans

[Scribe80]

Hi

What is the difference between a test template and test plan? Looking at the system architecture the test templates are linked to the control objective which in turn than links to the test plan when generating a control test. What is the reason for this? What benefits are derived when doing this? Is we only create test plans to generate control tests without creating test templates are there any up and downstream impacts on reporting and/or system funcationality?

[Community Alums · Accepted solution]

Hi @Scribe80 ,

 test template and test plan, these two terms are used mostly in Audit Space.

refer to this Doc , this covers everything you need : Manage test templates and test plans 

[Community Alums · Accepted solution]

Hi @Scribe80 ,

 test template and test plan, these two terms are used mostly in Audit Space.

refer to this Doc , this covers everything you need : Manage test templates and test plans 

[Scribe80]

Thank you for prompt response and providing the link regarding test templates and test plans. Much appreciated.

[Rajesh_Singh · Accepted solution]

@Scribe80 

In ServiceNow GRC application, the terms "Test Template" and "Test Plan" serve specific functions in the context of managing controls, compliance, and risk management. Here's an explanation of their differences and the benefits derived from their relationship:

1. Test Template: A Test Template in ServiceNow GRC is a predefined set of test steps or procedures used to assess the effectiveness of a control. The primary purpose of a Test Template is to standardize testing procedures, ensure consistency across various controls, and promote adherence to the desired compliance and regulatory requirements. Test Templates are linked to control objectives to make certain that the testing process aligns with the organization's policies and compliance requirements.

2. Test Plan: In the context of ServiceNow GRC, a Test Plan is a document outlining the strategy, scope, resources, and schedule for testing a specific set of controls. Test Plans are used to organize and manage the testing process, ensuring that the assessment of controls is conducted systematically and efficiently.

The relationship between Test Templates and Test Plans, along with their connection to control objectives, provides several benefits:

• Standardization: Test Templates ensure a consistent approach to control testing, promoting standardized test procedures across different Test Plans.
• Efficiency: By reusing Test Templates, control owners can save time and effort in creating Test Plans since they do not need to recreate test procedures from scratch for each plan.
• Compliance: Linking Test Templates to control objectives helps ensure that control tests are aligned with compliance and regulatory requirements, reducing the risk of non-compliance issues.
• Traceability: The connection between Test Templates, control objectives, and Test Plans allows for better traceability, making it easier to track and report on control testing progress and results.

[Scribe80]

Thank you for your detailed and prompted response.