Interview #235: Any idea about RTM? Requirement Traceability Matrix

The Requirement Traceability Matrix (RTM) is a document or table used in software testing to ensure that every requirement from the Software Requirements Specification (SRS) or Business Requirement Document (BRD) is mapped to its corresponding test cases. It acts as a bridge between requirements and testing, ensuring that no requirement is left untested and helping in measuring test coverage.

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In simple terms:

RTM answers the question – “Have we tested everything we were supposed to?”

Why Do We Need an RTM?

1. Ensures Complete Test Coverage: Guarantees that every requirement is addressed by at least one test case.
2. Helps in Impact Analysis: If a requirement changes, you can instantly identify the test cases that need updating.
3. Avoids Missing Critical Requirements: Minimizes the risk of delivering software that does not meet stakeholder needs.
4. Supports Compliance and Audits: In regulated industries (like healthcare, finance), RTM is mandatory to prove traceability.
5. Facilitates Communication: Provides a clear, easy-to-read mapping for stakeholders, testers, and developers.
6. Defect Tracking: If a test fails, RTM helps in tracing it back to the exact requirement.

When Do We Build It?

• Initial Creation: RTM is typically created early in the testing phase, right after the test case design stage.
• Updates: It is updated continuously whenever:

• A new requirement is added.
• An existing requirement changes.
• Test cases are modified.

How to Build an RTM?

Step 1 – Gather Requirements

• Collect all functional and non-functional requirements from BRD/SRS.
• Assign unique IDs (e.g., REQ-001, REQ-002).

Step 2 – Create a Table

• A spreadsheet or test management tool (like JIRA, TestRail, or Zephyr) is often used.

Step 3 – Map Requirements to Test Cases

• For each requirement, link the IDs of one or more related test cases.

Step 4 – Add Execution and Defect Links

• Map test results and related defects (if found during execution).

Step 5 – Maintain and Update

• Keep the RTM dynamic and aligned with changing project requirements.

Common Fields in RTM

Example RTM (Simplified)

✅ In summary: The RTM is a quality assurance safety net — it ensures that no requirement slips through the cracks, helps track testing progress, supports compliance, and makes requirement changes easier to manage.