2.2.Test Levels and Test Types
Test levels are groups of test activities that are organized and managed together. Each test level is an
instance of the test process, performed in relation to software at a given stage of development, from
individual components to complete systems or, where applicable, systems of systems.
Test levels are related to other activities within the SDLC. In sequential SDLC models, the test levels are
often defined such that the exit criteria of one level are part of the entry criteria for the next level. In some
iterative models, this may not apply. Development activities may span through multiple test levels. Test
levels may overlap in time.
Test types are groups of test activities related to specific quality characteristics and most of those test
activities can be performed at every test level.