Glossary Updates12 new terms added to the glossaries · October 2, 2026, 22:44 CEST
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Glossary · Engineering, integration and validation

Test protocol

Also known as: Test record, Test report

German: Prüfprotokoll

In testing and quality assurance, a test protocol (test record) is the documented record of a test execution: the test item and its version, the procedure used, equipment, date, tester, measured values, results against acceptance criteria and deviations. It serves as evidence that the test was performed.

  • Validation
  • Technical documentation

In one sentence

A test protocol records a test execution: item and version, procedure, equipment, tester, measured values, results and deviations.

Example

The test protocol records that the stopping time of the robot cell was measured ten times at full speed, with a maximum of 280 ms against a limit of 300 ms.

How it applies

  • Testing: Testers fill in the protocol during the test, not afterwards, and sign it. Deviations are recorded with their resolution or as open points.
  • Compliance: Test protocols are part of the evidence in the technical file and can support Safety evidence for safety functions. They show what was tested, not that the product is compliant in general.
  • Maintenance: Protocols of periodic tests show the history of a machine and help detect trends.
  • Documentation: The documentation team ensures that protocols reference the exact software, hardware and Test procedure versions, and that templates are consistent. Protocols are controlled records with a retention period and an Audit trail where they are kept electronically.

Test protocol vs. test procedure

The Test procedure is the instruction; the test protocol is the record. Note that in some English-speaking regulated industries, "protocol" means the approved test plan executed later (for example validation protocols), while the results are in a report. Define which meaning a project uses.

By knowledge.aitechdoc.world · Published September 26, 2026 · Last reviewed

Source: AI TechDoc Knowledge editorial definition, based on quality assurance and test documentation practice

Definitions follow the cited standards and specifications. Where a source is a copyrighted publication, such as an ISO, IEC or EN standard, the definition is a close paraphrase, not a verbatim quotation, so as not to infringe copyright. We recommend reading the original publication. The sections “How it applies” are editorial commentary by AI TechDoc Knowledge and are not part of any standard.

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