API Test Plan Template

Author: Janki Bhimijani

1. Introduction

The API Test Plan outlines the strategy and approach for testing the APIs to ensure they
meet functional and non-functional requirements. This document serves as a roadmap for
the API testing process, including test objectives, scope, resources, schedule, and
deliverables.

2. Test Plan Overview

This section provides an overview of the testing process, including the objectives, testing
types, and the high-level strategy for testing the APIs.

2.1 Test Objectives

 To validate the functional correctness of the API.

 To ensure the API meets security, performance, and scalability requirements.

 To verify that the API handles edge cases and error scenarios effectively.

 To check compatibility with various platforms and environments.

2.2 Test Scope

 In-Scope:

o Functional testing of API endpoints.

o Validating the correctness of HTTP methods (GET, POST, PUT, DELETE).

o Testing API responses (status codes, headers, body).

o Security testing (authentication, authorization).

 Out-of-Scope:

o Testing of the underlying database logic.

o Non-API components of the system (e.g., frontend).

2.3 Testing Types

 Security Testing: Ensuring proper authorization, encryption, and data protection.

 Performance Testing: Measuring the response times and throughput of the API
under load.

 Compatibility Testing: Ensuring the API works across different environments and
platforms.

 Regression Testing: Ensuring that new changes do not affect existing functionality.

3. Test Strategy

3.1 Test Design

 Test Cases: The test cases will be designed to cover all API endpoints with both
valid and invalid inputs.

 Test Data: Different sets of data will be used, including valid data, boundary values,
and invalid inputs to test the API's response.

 Test Environment: Testing will be performed on the staging environment to

3.2 Tools to be Used

 API Testing Tools: Postman, RestAssured, SoapUI

 Performance Testing Tools: JMeter, LoadRunner

 Version Control: Git for managing test scripts and API requests

 CI/CD Integration: Jenkins for automating API test executions

4. Test Scope and Deliverables

4.1 Test Scope

 All public and private API endpoints will be tested.

 Error handling and API response codes (e.g., 400, 404, 500) will be verified.

 API security checks, such as input validation, authentication, and authorization, will
be performed.
4.2 Test Deliverables

 Test Plan Document: Detailed test plan describing all testing activities.

 Test Cases: A comprehensive list of test cases with test inputs, expected outputs,
and steps.

 Test Execution Report: Summary of test execution results, including pass/fail

 Defect Report: A detailed report on defects identified during the testing process.

 Performance Test Report: A report detailing the API's performance metrics, such
as response time and throughput under load.

5. Test Approach

5.1 Test Execution

The tests will be executed in the following phases:

1. Preparation Phase:

o Test environment setup.

o Configuration of API tools (Postman/RestAssured).

o Creation of test cases and test data.

2. Execution Phase:

o API calls will be made for different HTTP methods.

o Validations on API responses will be done for status codes, response body,
headers, and authentication.

o Security tests will be run to verify the authorization and data encryption.

3. Reporting Phase:

o Test results will be documented and analyzed.

o Test logs and reports will be shared with the development team.

o Any issues found will be logged in the issue tracker (e.g., JIRA).

5.2 Test Environment Configuration

 Database: Mocked or actual database with relevant test data.

 Tools: Postman, RestAssured, Jenkins, JIRA

6. API Testing Requirements

6.1 Functional Requirements

 The API should return the correct HTTP status codes for each endpoint.

 The API response time should be within the defined SLA.

 The API should handle both valid and invalid inputs gracefully.

6.2 Non-Functional Requirements

 The API should be able to handle large payloads and multiple concurrent requests.

 The API should implement proper authorization and authentication mechanisms.

 The API should be tested under different load conditions to verify its scalability.

7. Risk and Mitigation

7.1 Risk Analysis

 Incomplete or Invalid Test Data: Inaccurate data could lead to false

o Mitigation: Work with the development team to ensure the availability of

 API Endpoint Changes: Changes in API endpoints during testing may require
rework.

o Mitigation: Regular communication with the development team to ensure

 Tooling Issues: Issues with test tools like Postman or RestAssured.

o Mitigation: Have backup tools and resources ready, such as SoapUI or

Task Duration Start Date End Date

Test Environment Setup 2 days [Start Date] [End Date]

Test Case Creation 3 days [Start Date] [End Date]

API Functional Testing 5 days [Start Date] [End Date]

API Security Testing 2 days [Start Date] [End Date]

Performance Testing 3 days [Start Date] [End Date]

Test Reporting and Closure 2 days [Start Date] [End Date]

9. Conclusion

This API Test Plan outlines the necessary steps and resources required to test the API
effectively. It aims to ensure that all functional and non-functional aspects of the API are
thoroughly tested to guarantee its quality and reliability. The plan is designed to be flexible
and can be adapted based on evolving project requirements.