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Exploratory Testing Mastery

Become an expert in exploratory testing techniques, session-based testing, and creative bug finding. Learn structured approaches to uncover hidden issues that scripted testing misses.

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Join Membership to unlock human reviews of your work, 21 advanced specializations, and higher coach limits. 1:1 mentorship comes with Pro later.

10
Lessons
10
Lessons
~21h
Est. Time
0%
Complete
Overall Progress0 of 51 sections completed
1
Exploratory vs. Scripted Testing: The Great Debate

Master the two fundamental modes of human testing. Learn when to follow the script and when to go "off-road" with Session-Based Testing and Heuristics.

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1. The Two Modes

15 min

2. The Pesticide Paradox

20 min

3. Session-Based Testing

25 min

4. Heuristics & Tactics

15 min

5. Conclusion

10 min
2
Charters & Time-Boxing: The Art of Structured Exploration

Pro exploration is not random. Master the discipline of Charters, the focus of Time-Boxing, and the creativity of Tours to find the bugs that matter.

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1. The Charter

15 min

2. The Session

15 min

3. Tactical Tours

20 min

4. The Debrief

10 min

5. Conclusion

5 min
3
Heuristics & Oracles: Deciding "Is this a Bug?"

Master the cognitive tools of high-level testing. Learn how to use Oracles (FEW HICCUPPS) to prove a problem exists and Heuristics to discover bugs faster.

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1. The Oracle

30 min

2. The Heuristic

20 min

3. Winning Arguments

10 min

4. Conclusion

5 min
4
Tour-Based Exploration: SFDPOT & FCC CUTS VIDS

Master the frameworks of the world's best exploratory testers. Learn how to map your product with SFDPOT and inspect it with the 11 lenses of FCC CUTS VIDS.

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1. SFDPOT: The Map

25 min

2. FCC CUTS VIDS: The Lenses

35 min

3. Strategy & Execution

15 min

4. Conclusion

5 min
5
Risk-Based Planning: Testing What Matters Most

Learn the "Economic" approach to quality. Master risk identification, build a Probability vs. Impact Heatmap, and run "Risk Storming" sessions to protect your company's most critical assets.

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1. The Risk Formula

25 min

2. Mining for Risks

25 min

3. Action Plan

25 min

4. Conclusion

5 min
6
Note Taking & Debriefing: Professional Reporting

Master the high-value skill of session documentation. Learn how to act as the "Black Box" flight recorder, use Rapid Tags (#BUG, #ISSUE), and deliver executive-level PROOF debriefs.

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1. The Art of Session Notes

25 min

2. Session Metrics (TBS)

20 min

3. The Debrief

20 min

4. Conclusion

10 min
7
Exploratory Toolkit: Supercharge Your Discovery

Equip yourself with the tools of the pros. From "Time-Travel" bug reporting with Jam.dev to instant data generation with Bug Magnet, learn how to test 10x faster.

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1. Minimalist Session Tools

25 min

2. Engineering Grade Reporting

25 min

3. The Art of Evidence

15 min

4. Conclusion

10 min
8
Edge Cases & Misuse: High-Level Bug Hunting

Master the art of destructive testing. Learn heuristics like "Zero, One, Many", adopt "Anti-Personas" to simulate misuse, and uncover race conditions that standard tests miss.

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1. Heuristics of the Edge

25 min

2. Persona-Based Misuse

25 min

3. Timing & Resources

25 min

4. Conclusion

10 min
9
Exploratory Reporting: From Observation to Action

Master the art of bug advocacy. Learn the RIMGEA framework, the Golden Rule of Minimal Steps, and how to write reports that developers thank you for.

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1. The RIMGEA Framework

25 min

2. Writing the Report

25 min

3. Selling the Bug

15 min

4. Conclusion

10 min
10
Scaling Exploration: The Team Quality Playbook

Transform from a solo tester to a quality leader. Learn how to run high-energy Bug Bashes, master "Strong-Style" Pair Testing, and build a culture where everyone hunt bugs.

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1. Running a Bug Bash

30 min

2. Collaborative Testing

40 min

3. Gamification & Metrics

20 min

4. Conclusion

10 min