Designed for software testing professionals and others involved in software delivery, this course draws on industry best practice to teach you the core principles of risk management in software testing. The training demonstrates how risk-based approaches can support more informed decision making throughout the testing lifecycle. You’ll learn how to prioritise testing activities based on risk, helping teams focus effort in the areas most critical to project outcomes.
Introduction to Risk Based Testing
Using risk analysis to guide software testing
This course introduces the principles of risk-based testing and demonstrates how risk should influence test strategy and decision-making. Delivered over two days, the course combines tutor-led learning with interactive exercises and discussion. It is designed for professionals involved in software development or quality assurance who want to understand how risk can guide priorities and improve the effectiveness of test activities.
Learning objectives
- Explain the principles of risk-based testing
- Understand how risk influences test strategy and planning
- Identify product and project risks within a software development context
- Prioritise risks using recognised assessment techniques
- Define a test strategy using risk analysis for a given project
- Select suitable test phases and criteria based on risk level
- Apply test techniques informed by risk identification and prioritisation
- Demonstrate how risk-based approaches improve test coverage and business outcomes
Key facts
Certification
This is a skills and knowledge-based course with no formal accreditation.
Who it’s for
This course is suitable for testers, developers and project professionals who want to understand how risk influences testing strategy.
Prerequisites
There are no formal entry requirements, although experience working on IT projects is beneficial.
Exam information
There is no exam for this course.
Optional extras
There are no optional extras for this course.
Pre-course
There is no pre-course work for this course.
Course syllabus
Dive into the detail of the course by looking at the syllabus below.
- Introduction to risk-based testing
- Understanding risk in software and IT contexts
- How risk influences testing and test management
- The relationship between project management and testing risk
- Risk management process
- Risk identification
- Risk analysis and estimation
- Risk mitigation strategies
- Ongoing risk monitoring and management
- Risk-driven test strategy
- Selecting test techniques based on risk level
- Prioritising testing effort using risk analysis
- Risk management process improvement
FAQs
This course introduces the principles of risk-based testing and explains how risk can guide planning, prioritisation and execution within software projects. It combines theory with practical exercises so you can understand how risk-driven testing strategies are applied in development environments.
What is risk-based testing?
Risk-based testing is an approach where effort is prioritised according to the level of risk associated with different areas of a system. By identifying and analysing risks, testers can focus on the most business-critical functionality and higher-risk system areas.
Who should attend this course?
The course is suitable for professionals involved in software development projects, including testers, developers and project managers. It is particularly valuable for those who want to understand how risk management can improve the effectiveness and focus of testing activities.
Is risk-based testing suitable for agile development?
Yes. Risk-based testing can support agile delivery by helping teams continually assess and prioritise testing effort as requirements evolve. Regular risk evaluation helps ensure that testing remains aligned with the most important features and potential failure points.
What techniques are used in risk-based testing?
Risk-based testing may involve analysing requirements, reviewing system architecture, identifying critical user journeys and applying appropriate testing techniques to high-risk areas. These techniques help ensure that testing efforts support more targeted and efficient assurance activities.
What our customers say
I believe this was the third time that I met Rosie and like the two previous courses, I felt that Rosie did a great job of delivering the course content. I now feel more comfortable about identifying and discussing risks having taken this course.
Robert Ross
Introduction to Risk Based Testing
Introduction to Risk Based Testing
Understood risk based testing which would help me plan my tests and look out for critical areas
Ellen Mandevhana
Introduction to Risk Based Testing
Introduction to Risk Based Testing
Really informative. We were lucky to have a small number attend this course so we had plenty of time to ask questions and John ensured he helped us understand how the theory can apply to our particular experiences and current ways of working
ngil
Introduction to Risk Based Testing
Introduction to Risk Based Testing
Angelina delivered the course well, allowing us to have discussions and explained anything we were unsure of. Her energy kept the course flowing well and provided real-world examples to help us link the course content to our job roles
Pacey Clark
Introduction to Risk Based Testing
Introduction to Risk Based Testing
The course has been extremely useful to give an insight into the process of risk based testing, and I have been able to relate my project work to this training course which has been useful for knowledge consolidation.
William Pollyn
Introduction to Risk Based Testing
Introduction to Risk Based Testing
The course was overall great! Angelina was very enthusiastic and went through all the content well, at a good pace which was easy to understand.
Robert Macdonald
Introduction to Risk Based Testing
Introduction to Risk Based Testing
Angelina provided a very helpful and engaged course, and I feel I have benefitted and learned what I could from it. Only feedback I would give is as a person with a disability (Dyslexia), I found some of the tasks a bit challenging and could of perhaps done with more support. Still enjoyed the course!
Daniel Robson-Peschel
Introduction to Risk Based Testing
Introduction to Risk Based Testing
Very informative, with lots of realistic examples. I feel like I have learnt some useful skills which I can apply to my own workplace, So I definitely gained lots of value from this
Sam Ryan
Introduction to Risk Based Testing
Introduction to Risk Based Testing
Very interesting and informative course overall. There was a great mix of activites, content and breaks which made it feel much less strenuous than the typical online training course!
Samuel Green
Introduction to Risk Based Testing
Introduction to Risk Based Testing
I really enjoyed the course, it had a good structure, a nice balance between theory and practical scenarios. The theory was very well presented and explained with plenty of examples.
Iulia Olaru
Introduction to Risk Based Testing
Introduction to Risk Based Testing
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