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CONTENTS
What is Session-Based Testing?Who is a Session Tester?Key Components of Session-Based Testing?Session-Based Testing Process: Step-by-Step GuideSession-Based Testing and Agile MethodologyChallenges of Session-Based TestingBest Practices to Overcome Session-Based Testing ChallengesSession-Based Testing in AutomationFinal Words
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Session-Based Testing: A Complete Guide for Session Testers
By VIVEK NAIR
Updated on: 13/03/25
17 min read
CONTENTS
What is Session-Based Testing?Who is a Session Tester?Key Components of Session-Based Testing?Session-Based Testing Process: Step-by-Step GuideSession-Based Testing and Agile MethodologyChallenges of Session-Based TestingBest Practices to Overcome Session-Based Testing ChallengesSession-Based Testing in AutomationFinal Words
Session-Based Testing (SBT) is a way of exploratory testing that makes it easier for session testers to get into the software and figure out how it works. It's all about doing quick tests in chunks, where testers dive into different parts of the software without having a set of test plans ready. The main goal is to understand the software better by using a method that's both organized and adaptable.
What is Session-Based Testing?
Session-Based Testing (SBT) is a method for testing software that mixes exploratory testing with a detailed plan for how to test, do the testing, and write down what was done. It was created by Jonathan and James Bach and works well in situations where the requirements are changing or not completely clear, like in agile development.
Who is a Session Tester?
A Session Tester is a tester who is responsible for conducting time-boxed, focused testing sessions. The role involves exploring the software application within a set timeframe and reporting findings, issues, or bugs that are discovered during the session.
A session tester needs to possess both technical knowledge and creativity, as they may encounter issues that are not immediately apparent through traditional scripted testing approaches. The session tester’s ability to think critically, document issues effectively, and adapt to unexpected situations is key to the success of session-based testing.
Key Components of Session-Based Testing?
Mission:
The mission defines the primary goal of the testing session, outlining what specific functionality or issues the tester should focus on. This helps to maintain direction while still allowing for exploratory testing.
Charter:
A charter is a detailed guideline for the session that specifies what to test, what data to use, and any other relevant instructions. It serves as a roadmap for the tester during the session.
Session:
The session itself is an uninterrupted period of focused testing, typically lasting between 45 minutes to two hours. During this time, session testers explore the software based on the mission and charter while documenting their findings.
Session Report:
At the end of each session, testers compile a report that summarizes their activities. This report includes details on what was tested, any defects found, and insights gained during the session. It may also document how much time was spent on various activities like bug investigation versus actual testing.
Debriefing:
Following the session, a debriefing occurs where testers discuss their findings with team members or managers. This discussion can help identify trends in defects and inform future testing sessions.
Session-Based Testing Process: Step-by-Step Guide
Planning:
Mission: The main goal of the session, what to test, or issues to look for.
Charter: Detailed instructions on what to test, data to use, scenarios.
You can learn more about test planning and strategy in our detailed guide.
Creating a Time-Boxed Session:
Set a 60 to 120 minute session for session tester to stay focused.
Execution:
Explore software using manual and automated methods, document findings and defects.
Documentation:
Note defects, observations, time spent on activities.
Debriefing:
Discuss session progress, defects, insights, using PROOF framework.
Review and Analysis:
Perform software testing review and look for patterns in defects to improve testing.
Session Reporting:
Include feature/story link, session details, defects, questions.
Session-Based Testing and Agile Methodology
Session-Based Testing (SBT) is a great match for Agile teams because it matches their need for quick changes and flexibility. Its step-by-step approach, set time limits, and focus on being adaptable all work well with Agile sprints. In Agile teams, where things can change often and requirements might shift, SBT helps testers quickly adjust while still providing important information through agile testing metrics.
It also helps keep feedback going, which is crucial for Agile development. The teamwork during the review of SBT sessions helps everyone in the team agree on how good the product should be.
Challenges of Session-Based Testing
Time Limits:
SBT requires testers to be thorough but also work within set time frames. Rushing can cause overlooked issues or incomplete testing.
Knowledge Requirements:
Session testers need a good grasp of the application, which can be hard for newbies or less experienced testers.
Documentation Challenges:
The open-ended nature of exploratory testing makes it hard to document everything found. Testers must keep track of tested areas, discoveries, and what's left, often maintaining a testing document to organize their findings effectively.
Unpredictability:
Unlike scripted testing, SBT's lack of set tests means results can vary, challenging teams accustomed to structured methods.
Best Practices to Overcome Session-Based Testing Challenges
Before starting tests, take time to learn the app well. This helps testers use their time more effectively.
Talk and work with your team to set goals and share your findings. This keeps the team on track and doesn't miss important things.
Write down your work in templates to keep everything organized and easy to look at later.
Focus on the parts that are most at risk or hard to understand. This helps you make the most of your time.
Do automation for tasks that are the same over and over. This makes tests better and faster.
Session-Based Testing in Automation
While Session-Based Testing is inherently exploratory, there is room for automation to make it more efficient.
Automated tools can be used to cover repetitive tasks, such as performing regression tests or running the same set of actions repeatedly. This allows session testers to focus more on discovering new defects and exploring the system's behavior.
Combining manual session-based testing with automated tests helps achieve better test coverage while maintaining the flexibility and adaptability of session-based testing.
Final Words
Session-Based Testing is a smart, adaptable, and quick way to test software. For session testers, it's a good mix of having a plan and being creative, letting them dive deep into an app without feeling stuck by strict test plans. Even though there are some problems, following the right steps like getting ready, talking things through, and smartly using automation can make these problems easier to handle. In short, this method fits well with Agile development and can really make software products better when done right.
FAQ's
A test session refers to a focused period of time where specific testing activities are performed to achieve certain objectives or goals.
In performance testing, a session refers to the interaction between a user and a system within a defined period to measure the system's performance.
There are generally three types of testers: Manual Testers, Automation Testers, and Performance Testers.
A test session can vary in duration, but it typically lasts between 30 minutes to several hours, depending on the scope and objectives.
Written by
VIVEK NAIR
Vivek has 16+ years of experience in Enterprise SaaS, RPA, and Software Testing, with over 4 years specializing in low-code testing. He has successfully incubated partner businesses and built global GTM strategies for startups. With a strong background in software testing, including automation, performance, and low-code/no-code testing solutions, he ensures high-quality product delivery and innovation in the testing space.
