General Test Automation Standards

These standards apply to all automated tests, including performance tests. Standards for writing functional tests are in the Playwright standards.

Standard Metadata

Area: Automated Testing
Owner: Technical Leadership group
Last reviewed: 2026-09-09
Next review due from: 2026-12-01
Enforcement: Code review
Status: Active

Regression tests must be automated · AT-01 · MUST · TEST

Automate all regression tests to ensure repeatability and reduce manual effort.

Tests must be run automatically when new functionality is released · AT-02 · MUST · TEST

Configure automated tests to run as part of the release process for new functionality.

Tests must be actively maintained · AT-03 · MUST · TEST

Actively maintain all tests as the system evolves.
This includes:

Checking pipelines after each run.
Addressing failing tests as soon as possible, following the process in the project’s test strategy.
Reprioritising tests as project priorities change.
Deleting tests that are no longer relevant or valuable.

There must be a link between automated test pull requests and work item(s) they test · AT-04 · MUST · TEST

Reference the relevant work item(s) in pull requests containing automated tests to ensure traceability between code changes and requirements.