How are TMMi assessments done?

In this second blog on TMMi assessments I will outline the steps carried out to actually perform the assessment. A TMMi assessment is a relatively straightforward process, but it must pass through certain phases, as laid out by the TMMi Foundation’s test assessment method application requirements (TAMAR). These phases are;

• Planning
  • Agree the scope of the assessment (project, programme, organisation)
  • Identify the maturity level being sought
  • Plan the activities and deliverables
  • Arrange interview times
  • Prepare the assessment team and assessment tool
• Preparation
  • Provide list of artefacts to be reviewed
  • Arrange any necessary access (to sites, people and tools/repositories)
  • Ensure back up plans are in place
• Interviews
  • Conduct planned interviews (being realistic about how many can happen in a day)
  • Ensure that interviewees are put at ease – this is not a test of their knowledge!
  • Keep information from interviews confidential
  • Request any artefacts mentioned during interviews for review if not previously supplied
  • View applications / tools if required
• Reporting
  • Provide initial feedback to validate findings and obtain agreement
  • Perform the final analysis and determines scores and the TMMi level indicated
  • Formulate recommendations for follow up actions
  • Create the report and/or process improvement plan
  • Formally present the report and/or process improvement plan. The report will include;
    • A list of the inputs to the assessment (artefacts and people interviewed)
    • The findings from the documentation review and interviews
    • An overview of the assessment method used
    • An indication of the TMMi maturity level achieved
    • Optionally, a detailed process improvement plan

TMMi assessments are best carried out by an accredited TMMi assessor or lead assessor following an accredited assessment method as this will ensure consistency of approach and recommendations. If you are seeking certification to a TMMi maturity level the this is mandatory. Good assessors will be able to assess your processes not only against the TMMi model, but also taking into account the context of your organisation and development methodologies in use.

I hope that this overview of the process of carrying out a TMMi assessment has been interesting and useful. If you would like to know more, please take a look at our TMMi page.

In my next blog, I’ll talk about how you can become a TMMi assessor and use those skills to help your organisation improve its testing practice.