What is a Test Execution Report? My Guide To Create One

A test execution report is a vital document in the software testing process. It captures the outcomes of all the tests run during a specific cycle or release, giving you a clear snapshot of how your software is performing.

But what is a test execution report exactly? Simply put, it’s a structured summary showing which test cases passed, failed, were blocked, or skipped. This report provides essential visibility for QA teams, project managers, and stakeholders to understand testing progress and make informed decisions about software quality and release readiness.

In this article, we will explore:

• What is test execution report and why it matters
• The purpose of a test execution report in your QA workflow
• Key components you should include in every test execution report
• How to write test execution reports that deliver real insights
• Tools and best practices to make execution reporting easier and more effective

Let’s dive in and uncover how a well-crafted test execution report can become your most powerful ally in delivering quality software.

What is a test execution report?

A test execution report is a structured summary of the results from all the test cases run during a specific testing cycle or software release. It captures essential details such as which tests passed, which failed, which were blocked, and which were skipped. This clear view of testing progress helps teams stay aligned and focused on quality.

Test execution reports serve as a key communication tool for QA leads, project managers, and stakeholders. They offer a reliable way to assess software quality and decide whether the product is ready to move forward. By providing transparency, these reports support better decision-making and reduce risks before release.

In essence, a test execution report is not just a list of results. It is an artifact that ties test outcomes to overall project health and release readiness. It provides traceability between tests and defects, highlights problem areas, and documents progress in a way everyone can understand.

Purpose of a test execution report

The purpose of a test execution report is to provide a clear and accurate status of testing progress. It shows exactly which tests passed, which ones failed, and where issues may lie. This visibility helps teams focus on fixing the most critical problems before moving forward.

Test execution reports also link failed tests directly to defects, making it easier to track and resolve issues. They help identify high-risk modules or features that need extra attention, allowing teams to prioritize their efforts effectively.

Beyond immediate testing needs, these reports serve as valuable historical evidence for compliance and audits. They document what was tested, when, and the results, ensuring accountability and traceability throughout the software lifecycle.

Key components of a test execution report

A comprehensive test execution report includes several important components that give a full picture of testing results and context.

• Project details: This section covers the project name, release version, sprint number, and build identifier. It sets the context for the report and helps track progress across iterations.
• Execution summary: A concise overview showing the total number of test cases executed, along with how many passed, failed, were blocked, or skipped. This summary gives an instant status of testing activities.
• Defect mapping: Links failed test cases to defect IDs, providing clear traceability between test results and known issues. This helps prioritize fixes and monitor defect resolution.
• Environment details: Lists the browsers, devices, operating systems, and configuration settings used during testing. This ensures the report reflects the actual test conditions and supports reproducibility.
• Execution trends: Visual elements like graphs or tables that display pass and fail rates over multiple test cycles. These trends help spot patterns, improvements, or recurring problems.
• Remarks and recommendations: Insights from the QA team highlighting any risks, challenges, or readiness for release. This section guides stakeholders on the next steps based on test results.

Benefits of a test execution report

A well-prepared test execution report offers many advantages to software teams and stakeholders. It provides real-time visibility into testing progress, so everyone stays informed about the current quality status.

These reports create clear traceability between test cases and defects, making it easier to understand the impact of failures and track their resolution. This transparency improves collaboration across teams and reduces confusion.

• Better decision-making for releases, as stakeholders have detailed insights into test results and risks
• Improved accountability across QA, development, and management teams
• Faster identification of problem areas, allowing quicker fixes and less downtime
• Documentation that supports audits, compliance, and future reviews

Overall, the importance of execution reporting lies in its ability to connect testing efforts with business goals, ensuring that quality remains a priority throughout the release cycle.

How to create a test execution report?

Creating an effective test execution report is a straightforward process that follows clear steps to deliver valuable insights.

1. Gather test case results: Collect data from your test management system or automation tools. This includes which tests passed, failed, were blocked, or skipped.
2. Consolidate metrics: Summarize key numbers like total tests executed, pass/fail counts, linked defect IDs, and environment details. This gives a solid foundation for your report.
3. Add visual summaries: Use charts, graphs, or tables to present the data clearly. Visual elements make complex results easier to understand at a glance.
4. Provide insights and recommendations: Analyze the failed tests and identify risks. Share your team's observations and suggest next steps to improve quality.
5. Share with stakeholders: Distribute the report through dashboards or export it as a document. Ensure the right people have access to make informed decisions.

Following these steps ensures your test execution report is both informative and actionable. It supports transparency and aligns teams around shared quality goals.

Example structure of a test execution report

A typical test execution report follows a clear and organized layout that highlights key information at a glance.

Header section: Includes project name, sprint number, release version, and build details. This sets the context for the report.

Defect details table:

Charts: Pie or bar charts visualize pass/fail ratios and track execution trends over time. These visuals make it easy to spot improvements or areas needing attention.

Remarks: The QA lead provides final observations, highlighting risks and offering recommendations to guide release decisions.

Sample of a test execution report

Best practices for test execution reports

• Ensure defect traceability: Always link failed tests to their related defect IDs. This makes tracking and resolution faster and clearer.
• Include relevant screenshots or logs: Attach evidence for failed tests to help developers understand issues quickly and reproduce problems if needed.
• Automate report generation: Use CI/CD pipelines to create and distribute test execution reports automatically. This saves time and keeps everyone updated in real time.
• Tailor reports for stakeholders: Customize the level of detail depending on the audience. QA leads might need deep technical data, while executives prefer high-level summaries.
• Keep reports concise and clear: Focus on key metrics and actionable insights to avoid overwhelming readers with too much information.
• Update reports regularly: Maintain consistency by delivering reports at set intervals, such as after each sprint or release.

Tools for generateing test execution reports

Several tools can help you create detailed and insightful test execution reports, making it easier to track progress and share results.

1. Katalon TestOps (Best for real-time dashboards with linked defects)

Katalon TestOps offers real-time dashboards that provide detailed insights into test execution status. It links defects directly to failed tests and supports collaboration across teams. With automated report generation and scheduling, it streamlines the entire execution reporting process.

2. TestRail

TestRail delivers customizable test execution reports and integrates well with many automation and defect tracking tools. It allows teams to tailor reports to their needs and keep stakeholders informed with clear metrics and trends.

3. Zephyr

Zephyr is a Jira-native test management solution that provides powerful test execution reporting inside the Jira environment. It offers seamless integration with development workflows and defect tracking.

4. PractiTest

PractiTest focuses on traceability and transparency. Its test execution reports connect test cases, requirements, and defects in a single view, giving comprehensive insight into product quality.

5. BrowserStack Test Management

BrowserStack Test Management supports cross-browser testing and generates reports that show execution status across different browsers and devices. This helps teams ensure consistent performance everywhere.