3.5The Agile QA Checklist

Use this checklist to ensure nothing falls through the cracks during a sprint.

Before the Sprint

• Review upcoming stories for testability and clarity
• Identify testing dependencies (environments, data, tools)
• Prepare test environments and test data
• Write draft test cases from acceptance criteria
• Verify CI pipeline is stable and reliable
• Check that previous sprint's flaky test fixes are deployed

During the Sprint

• Attend all ceremonies and contribute the QA perspective
• Test incrementally as features complete (do not batch at the end)
• Communicate blockers immediately at standup
• File defects with clear reproduction steps and evidence
• Update test management tools with execution results
• Pair with developers on complex test scenarios
• Run exploratory testing sessions on completed features

End of Sprint

• Verify all stories meet the Definition of Done
• Run full regression suite (automated)
• File and communicate any remaining defects
• Prepare quality metrics for sprint review
• Participate in retrospective with quality data
• Document what was tested and what was not (release notes)

Between Sprints

• Address flaky tests and test infrastructure issues
• Refactor test code that has become hard to maintain
• Update test documentation and onboarding materials
• Research new tools or approaches for upcoming features
• Review and update the Definition of Done if needed
• Prepare for the next sprint's testing needs