10 OKR examples for Software Test Engineer

What are Software Test Engineer OKRs?

The Objective and Key Results (OKR) framework is a simple goal-setting methodology that was introduced at Intel by Andy Grove in the 70s. It became popular after John Doerr introduced it to Google in the 90s, and it's now used by teams of all sizes to set and track ambitious goals at scale.

Creating impactful OKRs can be a daunting task, especially for newcomers. Shifting your focus from projects to outcomes is key to successful planning.

We have curated a selection of OKR examples specifically for Software Test Engineer to assist you. Feel free to explore the templates below for inspiration in setting your own goals.

If you want to learn more about the framework, you can read our OKR guide online.

3 tools to create the perfect Software Test Engineer OKRs

Turn your vision into great OKRs in seconds with Tability

While we have some examples available, it's likely that you'll have specific scenarios that aren't covered here.

You can use Tability's AI generator to create tailored OKRs based on your specific context. Tability can turn your objective description into a fully editable OKR template -- including tips to help you refine your goals.

Tability will then use your prompt to generate a fully editable OKR template.

Already got goals? Use AI feedback to optimise your OKRs

If you already have existing goals, and you want to improve them. You can use Tability's AI feedback to help you.

AI feedback for OKRs in TabilityTability's Strategy Map makes it easy to see all your org's OKRs

Tability will scan your OKRs and offer different suggestions to improve them. This can range from a small rewrite of a statement to make it clearer to a complete rewrite of the entire OKR.

You can then decide to accept the suggestions or dismiss them if you don't agree.

Need a quick template? Use the free OKR generator

If you're just looking for some quick inspiration, you can also use our free OKR generator to get a template.

Unlike with Tability, you won't be able to iterate on the templates, but this is still a great way to get started.

Our Software Test Engineer OKRs examples

We've added many examples of Software Test Engineer Objectives and Key Results, but we did not stop there. Understanding the difference between OKRs and projects is important, so we also added examples of strategic initiatives that relate to the OKRs.

Hope you'll find this helpful!

1OKRs to enhance the efficiency of our software testing suite

  • ObjectiveEnhance the efficiency of our software testing suite
  • KRIncrease the speed of test execution by 25%
  • TaskOptimize code base to reduce unnecessary testing steps
  • TaskUtilize faster test automation tools and frameworks
  • TaskImplement parallel testing to distribute tests across different machines
  • KRReduce software test suite setup time by 15%
  • TaskImplement automated test setup protocols
  • TaskOptimize code for greater setup efficiency
  • TaskReduce redundant or unnecessary tests
  • KRDecrease bug identification time by 20%
  • TaskImplement automated testing tools for routine bug discovery
  • TaskUse dedicated bug tracking systems to report issues
  • TaskConduct regular training for staff in debugging techniques
Tability

2OKRs to implement efficient test automation processes

  • ObjectiveImplement efficient test automation processes
  • KRReduce manual testing work by 40% through customized automated scripts
  • TaskImplement and monitor the automated scripts’ efficacy regularly
  • TaskDevelop customized automated scripts for these processes
  • TaskIdentify repeated manual testing processes suitable for automation
  • KRSuccessfully automate 70% of all repetitive tests while maintaining accuracy
  • TaskResearch suitable automation tools or software
  • TaskImplement, monitor, and adjust automated processes accordingly
  • TaskIdentify and catalog all existing repetitive tests
  • KRAchieve a 30% decrease in software bugs and glitches through automated testing enhancement
  • TaskRegularly evaluate and refine our testing processes
  • TaskTrain developers in advanced automated testing
  • TaskImplement enhanced and rigorous automated testing protocols

3OKRs to enhance quality control testing effectiveness

  • ObjectiveEnhance quality control testing effectiveness
  • KRDecrease defects found post-release by 20%
  • TaskIncorporate more rigorous beta testing phases
  • TaskImprove training for software developers
  • TaskImplement thorough quality assurance procedures
  • KRInitiate 100% of staff into new quality-control training program
  • TaskCreate an informative and engaging training schedule
  • TaskIdentify and list all staff requiring the new training
  • TaskBegin rollout of quality-control training to all staff
  • KRIncrease test coverage rate to 90%
  • TaskIdentify areas of the code lacking sufficient testing
  • TaskImplement and regularly update tests to maintain coverage
  • TaskDevelop comprehensive, relevant tests for those areas

4OKRs to enhance knowledge and skills in unit test learning process

  • ObjectiveEnhance knowledge and skills in unit test learning process
  • KRObtain a professional certification in unit testing from an established tech organization
  • TaskResearch established tech organizations that offer unit testing certifications
  • TaskEnroll in the selected professional certification program
  • TaskStudy for and pass the certification examination
  • KRComplete three comprehensive online courses on unit testing methodologies and practices
  • TaskEnroll and start the online courses
  • TaskComplete all coursework and assessments on time
  • TaskSelect three thorough online courses about unit testing methodologies
  • KRDevelop and execute unit tests for ten distinct functions in current project
  • TaskRun and analyze results of tests
  • TaskDevelop unit tests for the functions
  • TaskIdentify ten key functions within the project

5OKRs to implement unit-testing in Mid-Office

  • ObjectiveImplement unit-testing in Mid-Office
  • KRDevelop a comprehensive unit testing plan within 4 weeks
  • TaskSchedule and delegate testing tasks
  • TaskIdentify all functionalities for testing
  • TaskDraft a detailed unit testing procedure
  • KRTrain the team on unit-testing best practices and tools by 6 weeks
  • TaskSchedule and conduct weekly team training sessions for 6 weeks
  • TaskDevelop a comprehensive training program on unit-testing practices
  • TaskIdentify appropriate unit-testing software and tools for training
  • KRAchieve 80% code coverage with unit tests by the end of the quarter
  • TaskWrite effective tests for identified sections
  • TaskIdentify sections of code lacking unit tests
  • TaskRegularly run and adjust tests for improvement

6OKRs to achieve quicker releases of the real estate application through automation

  • ObjectiveAchieve quicker releases of the real estate application through automation
  • KRReduce bugs by 30% using automated testing tools and practices
  • TaskTrain the team on effective automated testing practices
  • TaskRegularly review and improve testing procedures
  • TaskImplement automated testing tools in the development process
  • KRIncrease deployment frequency by 50% by optimizing the CI/CD pipeline
  • TaskImplement performance monitoring for continuous optimization
  • TaskReview and streamline the existing CI/CD pipeline
  • TaskAutomate tests to reduce bottleneck issues
  • KRImplement an automated roll-back system to minimize downtime by 40%
  • TaskSelect and purchase appropriate roll-back system software
  • TaskResearch available automated roll-back system platforms
  • TaskTrain staff on roll-back system operations and procedures

7OKRs to enhance Quality Assurance automation capacity

  • ObjectiveEnhance Quality Assurance automation capacity
  • KRImplement automation for at least 70% of previously manually tested scenarios
  • TaskIdentify primary scenarios for automated testing
  • TaskEvaluate automation coverage and effectiveness
  • TaskDevelop and implement automation scripts
  • KRAchieve 80% pass rate for all new automated test scripts
  • TaskImplement rigorous script debugging and revision process
  • TaskDevelop comprehensive and effective automated test scripts
  • TaskTrain team members on standard script writing
  • KRIncrease automation coverage by 30% across all project modules
  • TaskDevelop and implement automation scripts for these areas
  • TaskMonitor and assess the increase in automation coverage
  • TaskIdentify areas with low automation within project modules

8OKRs to elevate overall test coverage across all features

  • ObjectiveElevate overall test coverage across all features
  • KRImplement a process for monitoring and increasing test coverage on an ongoing basis
  • TaskImplement a continuous test coverage monitoring system
  • TaskDevelop strategies to continuously improve test coverage
  • TaskIdentify existing areas lacking sufficient test coverage
  • KRIdentify and address 30% of areas with low test coverage across existing features
  • TaskPrioritize these features based on importance
  • TaskIdentify features with less than 70% test coverage
  • TaskDevelop and implement tests to increase coverage
  • KRAchieve 70% code coverage for all new features developed in the next quarter
  • TaskConduct reviews and refactoring sessions to improve coverage
  • TaskImplement mandatory unit tests for all newly developed features
  • TaskMonitor code coverage regularly using suitable tools
Tability

9OKRs to improve organizational DevOps practices with DORA

  • ObjectiveImprove organizational DevOps practices with DORA
  • KRReduce mean time to recovery (MTTR) for critical incidents to X minutes through improved incident response processes
  • KRIncrease deployment frequency by X% through continuous integration and delivery
  • TaskImplement automated testing to identify and fix issues early in the development process
  • TaskStreamline the build and release process to minimize manual intervention
  • TaskInvest in continuous integration and delivery tools for seamless and frequent deployments
  • TaskEstablish a robust version control system for efficient code management
  • KRAchieve X% increase in test automation coverage for application releases
  • KRImprove employee satisfaction by X% through promoting a culture of collaboration and learning

10OKRs to improve software quality and testing efficiency

  • ObjectiveImprove software quality and testing efficiency
  • KRImplement automated regression testing on 95% of codebase
  • TaskCreate and develop automated regression testing scripts
  • TaskImplement and regularly run these automated tests on the identified code
  • TaskIdentify areas of the codebase that can support automated regression testing
  • KRIdentify and resolve 90% of bugs before next development phase
  • TaskReview code thoroughly for possible bugs
  • TaskEstablish robust testing procedures for overlooked bugs
  • TaskPrioritize and resolve detected bugs efficiently
  • KRReduce manual testing time by 60% with increased automation
  • TaskIdentify repetitive tasks suitable for automation
  • TaskTrain staff on utilizing automation tools
  • TaskDevelop and implement automation scripts

Software Test Engineer OKR best practices

Generally speaking, your objectives should be ambitious yet achievable, and your key results should be measurable and time-bound (using the SMART framework can be helpful). It is also recommended to list strategic initiatives under your key results, as it'll help you avoid the common mistake of listing projects in your KRs.

Here are a couple of best practices extracted from our OKR implementation guide 👇

Tip #1: Limit the number of key results

Having too many OKRs is the #1 mistake that teams make when adopting the framework. The problem with tracking too many competing goals is that it will be hard for your team to know what really matters.

We recommend having 3-4 objectives, and 3-4 key results per objective. A platform like Tability can run audits on your data to help you identify the plans that have too many goals.

Tip #2: Commit to weekly OKR check-ins

Setting good goals can be challenging, but without regular check-ins, your team will struggle to make progress. We recommend that you track your OKRs weekly to get the full benefits from the framework.

Being able to see trends for your key results will also keep yourself honest.

Tip #3: No more than 2 yellow statuses in a row

Yes, this is another tip for goal-tracking instead of goal-setting (but you'll get plenty of OKR examples above). But, once you have your goals defined, it will be your ability to keep the right sense of urgency that will make the difference.

As a rule of thumb, it's best to avoid having more than 2 yellow/at risk statuses in a row.

Make a call on the 3rd update. You should be either back on track, or off track. This sounds harsh but it's the best way to signal risks early enough to fix things.

How to track your Software Test Engineer OKRs

Your quarterly OKRs should be tracked weekly in order to get all the benefits of the OKRs framework. Reviewing progress periodically has several advantages:

Spreadsheets are enough to get started. Then, once you need to scale you can use a proper OKR platform to make things easier.

A strategy map in TabilityTability's Strategy Map makes it easy to see all your org's OKRs

If you're not yet set on a tool, you can check out the 5 best OKR tracking templates guide to find the best way to monitor progress during the quarter.

More Software Test Engineer OKR templates

We have more templates to help you draft your team goals and OKRs.