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Manuals / Test Automation / Chapter 4

A · Foundations · beginner · Week 2 · Chapter 4 of 12

Risk-based test selection

Pro automation is risk management with code. Learn to score features by impact × likelihood, map risks to layers, and say “no” to low-value checks with evidence.

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Step 1 of 4

Build a risk matrix

List features. Score impact (1–5) and likelihood of failure (1–5). Multiply. High scores get automation priority.

Build a risk matrixDrag stickies · tap for tips
Study mapDrag stickies · tap for tipsKeep it shortdrag · tap →Name the waitdrag · tap →Scope locatorsdrag · tap →Trace when stuckdrag · tap →One browser firstdrag · tap →Isolate statedrag · tap →Assert the UIdrag · tap →Retry wiselydrag · tap →Seed datadrag · tap →Close the loopdrag · tap →Keep it shortdrag · tap →Name the waitdrag · tap →Scope locatorsdrag · tap →Trace when stuckdrag · tap →One browser firstdrag · tap →Isolate statedrag · tap →Pathwise hackdrag · tap →Build a risk matridrag · tap →Try thisdrag · tap →Follow the dashed drag · tap →

Do this now

Score 8 features on Sauce Demo or a fictional SaaS. Automate the top 3 risks first on paper.

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Chapter learning outcomes
  • Impact × likelihood scoring
  • Revenue and trust paths first
  • Automation ROI conversations with PMs

Clear these before you leave

Side quest

Risk charter

Write a 1-page RISK.md: matrix, top risks, proposed automation layers, and what stays manual.