Missing a requirement in production is every tester’s nightmare.
It leads to last-minute chaos, unhappy clients, and long “root cause” meetings nobody wants to attend.
This is where the Requirement Traceability Matrix (RTM) becomes your safety net.
Think of it as the bridge between Requirements and Test Cases, ensuring nothing is forgotten.
What is a Requirement Traceability Matrix (RTM)?
A Requirement Traceability Matrix (RTM) is a document that maps each requirement to its corresponding test cases, ensuring complete test coverage. It helps track testing progress, identify missing test cases, link defects, and confirm that every requirement has been verified before release.
Step-by-Step Guide to Creating RTM in Excel
Creating an RTM in Excel is simple, flexible, and completely tool-independent.
Whether you’re a beginner or a QA Lead, these steps will help you build a professional RTM quickly.
Step 1: Define the Columns (The Header Row)
Your RTM’s strength depends on the columns you choose.
At a minimum, include:
- Requirement ID
- Requirement Description
- Test Case ID
- Test Case Description (optional but recommended)
- Test Status (Pass/Fail/Blocked/Not Tested)
- Defect ID (linking failed tests to defects)
You may add more columns depending on project type (e.g., Priority, Module, Comments).
Step 2: Map Requirements to Test Cases
RTM supports many-to-many mapping:
- 1 Requirement → Multiple Test Cases
- 1 Test Case → Covers Multiple Requirements
This mapping ensures 100% coverage, especially during audits and client reviews.
For example:
Requirement “User must be able to log in” should map to test cases like:
- Valid Login
- Invalid Login
- Login with Empty Fields
- Login with Locked Account
Step 3: Track Execution Status
As testing progresses:
- Update Test Status
- Add Defect IDs where applicable
- Ensure every requirement has at least one passing test case
This is how RTM saves projects during UAT and audits, it provides proof of coverage.
Example RTM Excel Table
Below is a wide, clear table showing an RTM for a Login Module:
| Req ID | Requirement Description | Test Case ID | Test Case Description | Test Status | Defect ID |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RQ-001 | User should be able to log in with valid credentials | TC-001 | Validate login with valid credentials | Pass | — |
| RQ-001 | User should be able to log in with valid credentials | TC-002 | Validate login with invalid password | Fail | BUG-123 |
| RQ-002 | System must lock account after 3 failed attempts | TC-003 | Validate account lock after 3 failed attempts | Pass | — |
You can copy this directly into Excel.
Formatting tip: Use filters and color coding for visual clarity.
Forward vs Backward Traceability
Understanding these is crucial for QA interviews and real projects.
Forward Traceability
This maps requirements → test cases.
It answers:
“Do we have test cases for every requirement?”
Analogy:
A teacher checking if every chapter has corresponding homework.
Backward Traceability
This maps test cases → requirements.
It answers:
“Does this test case even belong to a valid requirement?”
Analogy:
A student checking if their homework actually covers the right chapter.
Bi-Directional Traceability
This covers both forward and backward mapping.
It is the most complete form and used in mature QA teams.
Frequently Asked Questions about RTM
1. What are the 3 types of Requirement Traceability Matrix?
The three major types are:
- Forward Traceability (Req → Test Case)
- Backward Traceability (Test Case → Req)
- Bi-Directional Traceability (Both directions)
Bi-directional is the most powerful and commonly used in QA audits.
2. Is RTM mandatory in Agile/Scrum?
Not mandatory, but highly recommended.
In Agile, requirements change frequently, and RTM helps ensure no story or acceptance criterion is missed during rapid sprints.
3. Can we create an RTM in Jira automatically?
Yes, if you use plugins like Xray, Zephyr, or TestRail.
But without these paid tools, Jira does not auto-generate an RTM.
That’s why Excel RTM is still popular and widely used.
4. What is the main purpose of RTM?
The main purpose of RTM is to ensure complete test coverage, link requirements to test cases, and validate that nothing is left untested before release. It also helps during UAT, audits, and defect analysis.
Conclusion
A well-prepared RTM helps you:
- Pass audits
- Reduce production defects
- Maintain test coverage
- Build stakeholder confidence
- Track testing progress easily
Every tester – manual, automation, or lead should master this skill.
Download the Free TestingMint RTM Excel Template
Don’t want to build this from scratch?
Download our pre-made TestingMint RTM Excel Template
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