Sound Estimation Technique and model is very essential for the success of any Project. As Software Engineering practice has evolved over the years, it led to various estimation models like Function Point, Use Case, and Complexity Based. Estimation for Testing is derived as a secondary outcome that is primarily based on the Complexity of the requirement or the rigor required for building the application. In the last decade Test Engineering has emerged as a specialized service and is offered as an independent service. About 40% of the effort spent in a Software Life Cycle goes towards testing and it is very important to arrive at estimates that is purely based on testing artifacts and not indirectly derived from requirements or other such factors.

Testing is today highly diversified and carried out at different stages of the Project life cycle (Unit to Functional to Integration to Business and User Acceptance). This article shares the experience of implementing a Common Test Estimation model that can cater towards different Life Cycle models and Test Techniques that may be prevalent in a Testing Organization or Testing Excellence Center.

This model is based on the unit being a Test Case and effort computed based on complexity of a Test Case. Test Cases are classified against specific complexities and at the same time Test Cases Standardized across different Test Techniques/Approaches. It also touches upon the mechanism implemented for assessing the actual effort spent against the estimation by implementing a simple Time Tracking system.

Savitha Kothandapany is currently a Manager at Quality function in a leading financial Services organization and is responsible for managing the Couple of Business units such as testing organization. She has about 11 years of Software industry experience out of which 4 years in delivery. She previously worked with IGATE. She is based in Bangalore and has holds a B. E (Computer) degree from Bharathiyar University. She was part of ATM in CMMI Level appraisal and holds a Six sigma black belt.

Srinivas Mandyam is currently a Project Manager a leading financial Services organization and is responsible for managing a Offshore testing project. In addition, he is also operating as the Organization Champion for the Testing
Horizontal in the Technology Organization. He has about 11 years of Test Industry experience and previously worked with First American Corporation, Object Orb Technologies. He is based in Bangalore and has holds a B. Sc (Electronics) degree from Bangalore University. He believes in the Mantra of Quality and been involved in implementation of ISO, CMMI Level 5 processes.