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ft:publication_title :

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---

# Test definition

# Test definitions in Service Test Management {#ariaid-title1}

Release version: Brazil  
Updated October 23, 2026  
![](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/portal-asset/ico-clock) 1 minute to read  
A test definition specifies the parameters, metrics, and threshold rules for a service test. Use test definitions to identify the root cause of service problems across service types, product models, and inventory.

Test definition includes characteristics, relationships, test meaures definitions, measure consequences, and threshold rules. These entities enable the system to trigger relevant tests for the service problem that help to identify the
root cause of the problem. You can define these entities for each test based on your requirements.

To learn more about creating a test definition, see [Setting up test definitions](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/ldgIJkiGiOSbH10RIWgU5g "Define test definition to specify the parameters, metrics, and threshold rules for a service test in the Service Test Management application.").

## Test definition lifecycle {#test-definition-stm__test-definition-stm-lifecycle}

A test definition moves forward through four states. When a test definition is moved to a state, it can't return to an earlier state.

Draft
:   You can edit the test definition and its related records: relationships, test measure definitions, threshold rules, and measure consequences. A new definition starts in this state. For more information, see [Create a test definition](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/DYjsWugT9d~0pjrJUC2JCg "Create a test definition to define tests that can help troubleshoot a problem encountered by a particular type of service or product model. For example, use a speed test to troubleshoot the internet-related issues.")

Published
:   The test definition is locked, and test runs can reference it. For more information, see [Publish a test definition](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/_FYV8ozl2bda8hEPLj5KGQ "Publish a test definition in the Service Test Management application so that test runs can reference it and your teams see only approved tests.").

Retired
:   A published test definition that is no longer used. A retired definition can't be changed. For more information, see [Retire test definitions](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/hBNUaQ487rK3Cj9dl3ODmw "Retire published test definitions that you no longer use, so that new test runs can't reference them.").

Archived
: Only a retired test definition can be archived. Fore more information, see [Archive test definitions](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/SHydCHfg8mYToTYufmWqiw "Archive retired test definitions in the Service Test Management application to take them out of the working list.").  
Note:  
* Relationships, test measure definitions, threshold rules, and measure consequences can be changed only while the test definition is in the Draft state.
* A test definition that is the related definition of a published test definition can't be retired or archived. On the form, the system shows an error. From a list, the system skips those definitions and names them in a message.
* A test run can reference only a published test definition.
{#test-definition-stm__ul_fgh_dq2_blc}

For the messages that the system shows, see [Service Test Management error messages](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/I3u_7HrYQBw0vcf8tmFkXg "Find the cause of a Service Test Management error message and the action that resolves it."). To reuse a locked definition as a starting point, see [Copy a test definition](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/9M5rp1f4aIEw_O0VCZlsuQ "Copy a test definition to create a draft that you can edit, instead of building a similar test from the start.").
**Related concepts**   

* [Test groups in Service Test Management](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/A19gKFAaOM9oU~mhCPItoQ "A test group organizes related test definitions and measurement consequences to help identify the root cause of a service problem. Use test groups to define manual or automated testing strategies, apply shared characteristics across test definitions, and limit scope using conditions tied to product inventory records.")
* [Test run in Service Test Management](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/mQyxtyZ6LSDFrjdjg4fJ9Q "A test run is one execution of a published test definition that validates service behavior. Create test runs from a workspace, through the subflow, or from an external system using the TMF 653 API.")
* [Test group run in Service Test Management](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/igrio9Ez_w1t5l0t2rztZA "A test group run captures one execution of a published test group and provides a structured record of test runs, measures, and characteristics.")