Risk Register Template

1. What is a Risk Register in QA?

A Risk Register is a structured tool used in software testing to log, analyze, and monitor potential risks that may affect project timelines, quality, or delivery. It provides visibility into issues like technical dependencies, schedule delays, or resource shortages.

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2. Why Risk Management Matters in Testing

QA teams face constant challenges, from missed deadlines to integration issues. A Risk Register ensures:

• Early identification of risks
• Prioritization by severity and probability
• Proper mitigation planning
• Transparency for stakeholders

Without it, projects risk unexpected failures, budget overruns, and poor-quality outcomes.

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3. Columns Explained

Your Risk Register Template includes the following fields:

• ✅ Risk ID – Unique identifier for tracking
• ✅ Description – Detailed explanation of the risk
• ✅ Category – Schedule, Technical, Resource, or Compliance
• ✅ Probability – Low, Medium, High likelihood of occurrence
• ✅ Impact – The severity if the risk occurs (Low, Medium, High)
• ✅ Mitigation Plan – Preventive or corrective actions
• ✅ Owner – Person responsible for monitoring/resolving the risk
• ✅ Status – Open, Mitigated, or Closed

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4. Sample Risk Register (with sample data)

Risk ID	Description	Category	Probability	Impact	Mitigation Plan	Owner	Status
R001	Schedule delays due to resource shortage	Schedule	High	High	Assign backup testers	QA Manager	Open
R002	API integration issues with third-party system	Technical	Medium	High	Use mock APIs for early testing	Dev Lead	Open
R003	Incomplete requirements documentation	Process	Medium	Medium	Organize BA review meetings	Product Owner	Mitigated
R004	Test environment downtime	Infrastructure	Low	High	Add cloud backup environment	IT Admin	Open

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5. FAQs