Test Types & Levels


1. Test Level (Singular)

🔍 A Test Level is a specific stage in the testing process that focuses on a defined scope in the software lifecycle.

It's about where and what you're testing at that moment.

✅ Example:

  • “I’m currently testing at the system test level.”
  • This means: You’re validating the full product as a user would experience it.

2. Test Levels (Plural)

🧠 Test Levels refers to all the stages of testing in the entire software lifecycle — the full set.

It’s the complete testing hierarchy used across a project or organization.

✅ Example:

  • “Our testing process includes all test levels — unit, integration, system, and acceptance.”
  • This means: Your QA strategy covers every critical phase.

🧠 Simple Analogy:

Test Level
Like one floor of a building — you're working on that level right now
Test Levels
The whole building — all the floors stacked together






✅ What Is a Test Type?

Test Types refer to the purpose or goal of testing — what kind of quality or issue you're trying to evaluate.

While Test Levels refer to "where" in the lifecycle testing happens (e.g., unit, integration),
Test Types refer to "what you're testing for" (e.g., functionality, performance, security).


🎯 Test Level vs Test Type – A Quick Comparison:

1. Test Level: Stage of testing in SDLC 

EX: Unit Testing

2. Test Type: Objective or focus of testing
Ex: Security Testing

🧠 Example to Understand It Clearly:

Let’s say you're testing a food delivery app:

📦 Functional Test: Can I place an order?
⚙️ Performance Test: Does the app load within 2 seconds?
🔐 Security Test: Can someone access another user's data?
🧠 Exploratory Test: What happens if I place two orders and cancel one?
📱 Compatibility Test: Does it work the same on Android and iOS?

Each one is a type of test, focused on a specific risk or value.


✅ Functional Testing Types

  • Unit Testing
  • Integration Testing
  • System Testing
  • Sanity Testing
  • Smoke Testing
  • Regression Testing
  • User Acceptance Testing (UAT)
  • Interface Testing
  • API Testing
  • Database Testing

⚙️ Non-Functional Testing Types

  • Performance Testing
  • Load Testing
  • Stress Testing
  • Scalability Testing
  • Security Testing
  • Usability Testing
  • Compatibility Testing
  • Reliability Testing
  • Maintainability Testing
  • Accessibility Testing