What is the purpose of exit criteria in a testing process?

The purpose of exit criteria in a testing process is fundamentally about establishing specific conditions that must be fulfilled before a testing phase or activity can be deemed complete. This ensures that all necessary requirements and conditions have been met, providing a clear and objective basis for determining when testing is finished.

Having well-defined exit criteria is essential for maintaining quality and ensuring that the objectives of the testing phase align with stakeholder expectations. It serves as a checklist of sorts, which can include metrics like test coverage percentages, number of critical defects fixed, or the completion of specific deliverables. By adhering to these criteria, teams can have confidence that the testing conducted was thorough and that any release is based on sound testing practices.

In contrast, the other options focus on aspects that do not align with the core purpose of exit criteria. Some suggest a lack of thoroughness or accountability, which could lead to premature conclusion of testing tasks without ensuring quality.