Software Testing - Test Maturity Model (TMM)

---

---

Software Testing is a mandatory step towards achieving its quality. The Test Maturity Model (TMM) is used to evaluate the testing process and enhance it. TMM is built on the Capability Maturity Model (CMM). The concept of CMM was first introduced by the Illinois Institute of Technology to check out the advancement of the test processes. The Test Maturity Model Integration (TMMI) is the current version of Test Maturity Model. TMMI is a five level model that gives a framework to assess the progress of the testing processes.

Why is Test Maturity Model Required?

Test Maturity Model Required is required for the reasons listed below −

• It helps in enhancement and measurement of the testing process.
• By using TMM, the testing process improves by leaps and bounds.
• It can be integrated with other development models.
• It is primarily used to reduce the chances of defect leakage.

What are the Test Maturity Model Levels?

Test Maturity Model Required has five levels listed below −

Level 1 - Initialization

At this time, the testing is performed without any impediments and there are no hard core processes being followed, only testing on an ad hoc basis is done. There is absence of any quality checks prior to being shipped to the customers.

Level 2 - Definition

This is the second level where the requirements are finalized. Post that, the test plan, strategy, scenario, and tests are created and executed against the requirements.

Level 3 - Integration

This is the third level where the testing processes are integrated with the software development life cycle (SDLC) and executed independently after the development has been completed. The main target of this level is to mitigate the risks.

Level 4 - Measurement and Management

This is the fourth level where all the testing methodologies form the part of SDLC including reviews of requirements, design, code etc. Integration and Unit testing are performed and every testing related activities are gauged in this level.

Level 5 - Optimization

This is the fifth level where the testing processes are optimized and evaluated to look for further improvements. The steps are taken so that errors can be further reduced. Different optimization tools are used at this level.

Difference Between TMM and CMM Levels

Importance of Test Maturity Model

The importance of Test Maturity Model Required are listed below −

• It helps to improve testing processes and detects any shortcomings which can be overcome in future.
• It is needed to improve the quality of the software.
• It aids in identifying the potential risks, problems, and hazards that may be faced in the testing activities.
• It educates and trains team members on the improvement of the testing processes.
• It ensures that the testing process is as per the standards followed in the industry.

Advantages of Test Maturity Model

The advantages of Test Maturity Model Required are listed below −

• The process of TMM is systematic and organized as each level has defined processes.
• From level 4, code review is done and test plans are followed. Thus there are no ambiguities and there are clear requirements.
• This model works on the primary objective of reducing the number of defects. Hence the probability of encountering them is less and quality software is delivered.
• The software quality is enhanced as testing is performed at all the phases of SDLC.
• All the potential risks are identified and mitigated.

How to Get the Highest Maturity with Test Maturity Model?

Level 1 and Level 2

The level 1 is not driven by any test processes and it is unsystematic. However, from level 2, proper rules are defined and they are followed.

Level 2 and Level 3

After level 2 is achieved, at the level 3, there are more layers of documentation, testing standards, resources etc added.

Level 3 and Level 4

At level 4, all the processes of level 3 are followed. Some testing procedures can be modified without compromising on the software quality. Furthermore, the complex methods are broken down into smaller chunks and test metrics are introduced to measure the effectiveness of these smaller units.

Level 4 and Level 5

Level 5 is the final stage towards getting the maximum test maturity. New innovations in testing are adopted to see the results. All the tools and procedures used in level 4, are evaluated to find its effectiveness.

Conclusion

This concludes our comprehensive take on the tutorial on Software Testing Maturity Model. We’ve started with describing why TMM is required, what are the TMM levels, importance and advantages of TMM, and How to get the highest maturity with TMM. This equips you with in-depth knowledge of Software Testing Maturity Model. It is wise to keep practicing what you’ve learned and exploring others relevant to Software Testing to deepen your understanding and expand your horizons.