A sound test plan must contain test cases with the following characteristics, if it is to be correctly executed:

• Precise – Tests must correctly describe what they verify.
• Economical – The test should only contain the necessary steps for its purpose.
• Repeatable - The tests must be consistent and include all necessary features (environment, initial status, etc.) for the results to be the same when they are run at any time.
• Adequate – The tests should describe the situation in which it is applicable (validation, regression, etc.).
• Traceable – The tests must be related with the functional requirement covered if it is to identify failure and allow straightforward monitoring of corrections.

The relevant tests are selected and run based on the project plans and the pertinent reports are made as required in the Project Quality Assurance Plan.

• Report on the execution of periodic tests
• Defects report
• Reports on the status of the test plan

The test cases are graded using classification parameters, which are the determining factor for execution depending on the objectives pursued, which might be product acceptance, delivery of an alpha version, system performance testing, etc.