Login Page Test Scenarios for QA Engineers

jamescantor38 27 views 23 slides Sep 05, 2025
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About This Presentation

This section provides practical login test scenarios covering functional, boundary, and error-handling cases to ensure flawless authentication.


Slide Content

Table Of Content
1.​Introduction​

2.​Test Scenarios Overview​

3.​Test Case Format​

4.​Example Test Case​

5.​Positive Test Cases​

6.​Negative Test Cases​

7.​Security Test Cases​

8.​Usability & UI Test Cases​

9.​Performance Test Cases​

10.​Traceability Matrix
Conclusion​

1. Introduction
Purpose
The purpose of this document is to define and outline the test cases for login page
validation, covering functionality, usability, performance, and security. A login page is a
critical entry point for any application, and ensuring its reliability is essential for both user
experience and system security. Each test case for login page execution will help verify that
the system correctly handles valid and invalid inputs, provides proper error messages, and
maintains compliance with security standards.
Scope
This document covers test cases related to:
●​Functional validation of the login process​

●​Positive and negative input handling​

●​Security aspects like brute force protection and session management​

●​Usability checks including layout, accessibility, and responsiveness​

●​Performance behavior under different loads​

The scope is limited to the login page only and does not cover features such as user
registration, multi-factor authentication, or password recovery workflows beyond verifying the
presence of related links.
Assumptions & Preconditions
●​Users have valid credentials already created in the system.​

●​The application is accessible via web and mobile interfaces.​

●​Necessary test environments and test data are available.​

●​Browser and device compatibility checks are included in a separate document.​

2. Test Scenarios Overview
A login page may appear simple at first glance — just a pair of input fields and a button. Yet,
behind this simplicity lies a critical function: it is the gateway to an application. A single flaw
here could compromise usability, performance, or even security. To make testing effective,
we categorize the scenarios into several groups, each addressing a specific dimension of
the login process.

2.1 Positive Scenarios
These scenarios validate the ideal paths, where the user enters correct information and the
system responds as expected. For instance, a user should be able to log in successfully with
a valid username and password, and the session should begin without delays. Additional
positive flows include using the “Remember Me” feature, ensuring that the user remains
logged in across browser restarts, or verifying that pressing the Enter key submits the form
just as reliably as clicking the login button. By confirming these behaviors, we establish that
the basic promise of the login page — smooth and successful access — is fulfilled.

2.2 Negative Scenarios
Equally important is testing how the system reacts when things go wrong. Negative
scenarios reveal how gracefully the application handles errors and protects itself against
misuse. For example, leaving both fields blank should trigger clear validation messages
rather than an ambiguous failure. Similarly, entering an invalid password, a nonexistent
username, or even pasting an excessively long string should not disrupt the system. Instead,
the login page must consistently guide the user with informative error feedback, ensuring
both clarity for the user and resilience for the application.

2.3 Security Scenarios
Security testing ensures that the login page cannot be exploited as an entry point for
malicious activity. Here, scenarios examine how the system responds under hostile
conditions. A common example is brute force protection: after a set number of failed login
attempts, the account should be temporarily locked, or additional verification (like a
CAPTCHA) should appear. Likewise, all login requests must be transmitted via HTTPS,
preventing credentials from being exposed in plain text. Security scenarios also involve
testing defenses against injection attacks, verifying proper session management, and
checking if idle sessions expire after a defined period. By doing so, we safeguard both user
data and the integrity of the platform.

2.4 Usability and UI Scenarios
Beyond functionality and security, a login page must feel intuitive and user-friendly. Usability
scenarios focus on how effortlessly a user can interact with the page. For example, are the
labels clear and placed near the input fields? Does the password input mask characters by
default while still allowing a toggle to show them? Is the “Forgot Password” link visible
without scrolling? Additionally, with today’s multi-device usage, responsiveness is key — the
page should adapt seamlessly whether accessed on a large desktop screen, a tablet, or a
mobile phone. These scenarios ensure that even first-time users can log in without friction.

2.5 Performance Scenarios
Finally, performance scenarios assess how well the login process scales under pressure. A
single user should experience near-instantaneous login, but what happens when hundreds
or thousands attempt to sign in simultaneously? The system must handle such load without
crashing or slowing down significantly. Tests in this category also evaluate how quickly a
session is established after successful login and whether the page remains stable during
stress testing. By simulating both normal and extreme conditions, performance scenarios
confirm that the login functionality remains reliable under real-world usage.

3. Test Case Format
To maintain consistency and clarity, each test case in this document follows a structured
format. This ensures that testers, developers, and stakeholders can quickly understand what
is being validated, how it is tested, and what outcome is expected.
Below are the standard fields used in each test case:
3.1 Test Case ID
A unique identifier, usually in the form TC-Login-001, TC-Login-002, etc. This makes it
easy to reference test cases in reports, bug logs, and traceability matrices.

3.2 Test Scenario
A short description of what the test is about. For example: “Verify login with valid username
and password.” This acts as a headline for the case.
3.3 Preconditions
The conditions that must be true before executing the test. For login, preconditions may
include:
●​The application is accessible.​

●​A valid user account exists.​

3.4 Test Steps
A clear, step-by-step breakdown of how the test is performed. Each action is numbered to
reduce ambiguity.
3.5 Test Data
Specific inputs required for the test, such as:
●​Username: valid_user​

●​Password: valid_pass123​

3.6 Expected Result
The system’s anticipated behavior. For example: “User should be redirected to the
dashboard page after successful login.”

3.7 Actual Result
This field is left blank before execution. Testers fill it with the observed result during testing.

3.8 Status
Indicates whether the test passed or failed, typically recorded as Pass/Fail.
4. Example Test Case
Here’s how a complete positive test case looks when filled out:
Test Case ID: TC-Login-001​
Test Scenario: Verify login with valid username and password
Preconditions:
●​The user has a registered account in the system.​

●​The application is running and accessible at the login page.​

Test Steps:
1.​Navigate to the login page.​

2.​Enter a valid username in the username field.​

3.​Enter a valid password in the password field.​

4.​Click the “Login” button.​

Test Data:
●​Username: [email protected]

●​Password: SecurePass@123​

Expected Result:​
The system should authenticate the user and redirect them to the Dashboard page. The
session should be active.
Actual Result: (to be filled after execution)

Status: (Pass/Fail after execution)




5. Positive Test Cases
Positive test cases validate that the login page works smoothly when correct inputs are
provided. These scenarios represent the “happy path” — what a normal user expects when
logging in without making mistakes.

Test Case 1: Successful Login with Valid Credentials
●​Test Case ID: TC-Login-001​

●​Scenario: Confirm that a user can log in using a valid username and password.​

●​Preconditions: The account [email protected] exists with password
Pass@1234.​

Steps:
1.​Open the application login page.​

2.​Enter [email protected] in the username field.​

3.​Type Pass@1234 into the password field.​

4.​Click on the Login button.​

Expected Result: The system should authenticate the credentials and redirect the user to
the Dashboard page. A valid session should be created.

Test Case 2: Login Using “Enter” Key
Instead of relying only on the login button, users often press the Enter key. This test
confirms the form accepts both methods.
●​Test Case ID: TC-Login-002​

●​Scenario: Verify that pressing the Enter key submits the login form successfully.​

●​Preconditions: The user account already exists.​

Steps:
1.​Open the login page.​

2.​Provide correct credentials in both fields.​

3.​Press the Enter key instead of clicking the login button.​

Expected Result: The login attempt should succeed, and the user should be redirected to
the home/dashboard screen.

Test Case 3: Remember Me Functionality
Here we test if the “Remember Me” option keeps users signed in even after closing and
reopening the browser.
●​Test Case ID: TC-Login-003​

●​Scenario: Ensure that the “Remember Me” checkbox persists login sessions.​

Steps:
1.​Navigate to the login page.​

2.​Enter valid credentials.​

3.​Check the Remember Me box.​

4.​Close the browser after login.​

5.​Reopen the browser and access the application URL.​

Expected Result: The user should remain logged in without needing to re-enter credentials.

Test Case 4: Password Masking
When typing a password, it must be masked for privacy.

●​Test Case ID: TC-Login-004​

●​Scenario: Verify that the password field hides characters while typing.​

Steps:
1.​Navigate to the login page.​

2.​Enter any text into the password field.​

Expected Result: Characters should be displayed as dots or asterisks (***) instead of plain
text.

Test Case 5: Case-Insensitive Username
Some systems allow usernames (like emails) to be case-insensitive. This test checks if
logging in with different case variations still works.
●​Test Case ID: TC-Login-005​

●​Scenario: Confirm successful login regardless of case sensitivity in the username
field.​

Steps:
1.​Enter [email protected] in the username field.​

2.​Enter the correct password.​

3.​Submit the form.​

Expected Result: The login should succeed, and the system should normalize the
username.

6. Negative Test Cases
Negative test cases explore how the login page behaves when incorrect, incomplete, or
unexpected data is entered. A robust system should not only reject invalid attempts but also
guide the user with clear, actionable error messages.
Test Case 1: Blank Username and Password
●​Test Case ID: TC-Login-006​

●​Scenario: Verify behavior when both fields are left empty.​

Steps:
1.​Open the login page.​

2.​Leave the username and password fields blank.​

3.​Click on the Login button.​

Expected Result: The system should display a validation error such as “Username and
Password cannot be empty”. No login attempt should be processed.
Test Case 2: Invalid Username with Valid Password
Sometimes, users mistype their username but remember their password.
●​Test Case ID: TC-Login-007​

●​Scenario: Attempt login with a nonexistent username and a correct password.​

Steps:
1.​Enter [email protected] in the username field.​

2.​Enter the correct password for a different valid account.​

3.​Submit the login form.​

Expected Result: Login should fail with a message like “Invalid username or password.”
Test Case 3: Valid Username with Wrong Password

●​Test Case ID: TC-Login-008​

●​Scenario: Check system response when password is incorrect.​

Steps:
1.​Enter a valid username ([email protected]).​

2.​Provide an incorrect password (WrongPass!).​

3.​Submit the form.​

Expected Result: The system should reject the login attempt and prompt the user to
re-enter the credentials.
Test Case 4: Exceeding Character Limits
Some login fields impose a maximum length (e.g., 50 characters). This test confirms the
system enforces limits gracefully.
●​Test Case ID: TC-Login-009​

●​Scenario: Enter excessively long strings in both fields.​

Steps:
1.​Type a username longer than 100 characters.​

2.​Enter a password longer than 200 characters.​

3.​Click login.​

Expected Result: The system should either truncate inputs or display an error like “Input
exceeds maximum allowed length.”

Test Case 5: Special Characters in Username
Attackers often test login fields with symbols. This case ensures such input is properly
handled.
●​Test Case ID: TC-Login-010​

●​Scenario: Attempt login with unsupported characters in the username.​

Steps:
1.​In the username field, type: test@@@###.com.​

2.​Enter any password.​

3.​Submit the form.​

Expected Result: The system should not crash or behave unexpectedly. Instead, it should
display an error like “Invalid username format.”

Test Case 6: SQL Injection Attempt
A classic negative test, ensuring the login page is not vulnerable to injection attacks.
●​Test Case ID: TC-Login-011​

●​Scenario: Attempt login with SQL code as input.​

Steps:
1.​Enter ' OR '1'='1 in the username field.​

2.​Enter any password (or leave it blank).​

3.​Click login.​

Expected Result: The system should reject the attempt and show a normal error message.
No database error should be exposed.

7. Security Test Cases
The login page is the first line of defense for any application. Security test cases ensure that
unauthorized access is prevented, user credentials remain safe, and the system resists
common attack vectors.
Test Case 1: Brute Force Protection / Account Lockout
●​Test Case ID: TC-Login-012​

●​Scenario: Verify that repeated failed login attempts trigger account lockout or
CAPTCHA.​

Steps:
1.​Attempt to log in with a valid username but incorrect password multiple times (e.g.,
5–10 attempts).​

2.​Observe the system’s response after repeated failures.​

Expected Result: The account should be temporarily locked or require CAPTCHA
verification. A warning message like “Your account is temporarily locked. Try again after 15
minutes” should be displayed.
Test Case 2: Session Timeout After Inactivity
●​Test Case ID: TC-Login-013​

●​Scenario: Ensure that inactive sessions automatically expire to prevent unauthorized
access.​

Steps:
1.​Log in with valid credentials.​

2.​Remain idle for the duration of the session timeout limit (e.g., 15 minutes).​

3.​Attempt to navigate to a protected page.​

Expected Result: The session should expire, requiring the user to log in again.

Test Case 3: Login Over HTTPS Only

●​Test Case ID: TC-Login-014​

●​Scenario: Confirm that login requests are transmitted securely using HTTPS.​

Steps:
1.​Open the login page using http:// instead of https://.​

2.​Attempt to log in or observe redirection.​

Expected Result: The system should automatically redirect to HTTPS. No credentials
should be transmitted over HTTP.

Test Case 4: SQL Injection / Input Sanitization
●​Test Case ID: TC-Login-015​

●​Scenario: Test resistance against SQL injection attacks in both username and
password fields.​

Steps:
1.​Enter malicious SQL input, e.g., ' OR '1'='1 in the username field.​

2.​Enter arbitrary text in the password field.​

3.​Submit the login form.​

Expected Result: The system should reject the attempt and display a standard login error.
The database should not expose errors or sensitive information.
Test Case 5: Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) Attempt
●​Test Case ID: TC-Login-016​

●​Scenario: Verify that script injections in input fields do not execute.​

Steps:
1.​Enter <script>alert('test')</script> in the username field.​

2.​Enter any password and submit.​

Expected Result: The system should escape the input and display an error message,
without executing any scripts.
Test Case 6: Password Retry Limit
This scenario ensures that users cannot guess passwords endlessly.
●​Test Case ID: TC-Login-017​

●​Scenario: Limit the number of consecutive failed password attempts.​

Steps:
1.​Enter a valid username with an incorrect password repeatedly (e.g., 3–5 times).​

2.​Observe system behavior after exceeding the limit.​

Expected Result: The user should be temporarily blocked or forced to use password
recovery.



8. Usability & UI Test Cases
A login page can be fully functional and secure, yet still frustrate users if the design is
confusing or inconsistent. Usability and UI testing ensures that the page is intuitive,
accessible, and visually clear across devices. These tests focus on how the user
experiences the login process rather than just whether the credentials work.

Test Case 1: Field Alignment and Label Clarity
Consistency and alignment make a big difference in usability. Misaligned fields or unclear
labels can confuse users.
●​Test Case ID: TC-Login-018​

●​Scenario: Verify that all input fields, buttons, and labels are properly aligned.​

●​Steps:​

1.​Open the login page on a desktop browser.​

2.​Check that username and password fields are aligned vertically.​

3.​Verify that labels are clearly readable and correctly associated with their
fields.​

Expected Result: Fields should be neatly aligned, labels must be visible and unambiguous,
and the login button should be prominent.
Test Case 2: Password Visibility Toggle
Passwords are usually masked for privacy, but users often want to see what they typed. A
small toggle can make a big difference.
●​Test Case ID: TC-Login-019​

●​Scenario: Ensure that the “Show Password” option functions correctly.​

●​Steps:​

1.​Enter a password in the password field.​

2.​Click on the eye icon to toggle visibility.​

Expected Result: Password should toggle between masked and visible. Users should be
able to verify input without errors.

Test Case 3: Responsive Layout Across Devices
With a mix of desktop, tablet, and mobile users, the login page must adapt seamlessly. This
test ensures the layout remains intuitive regardless of screen size.
1.​Open the login page on a smartphone, tablet, and desktop.​

2.​Check that input fields, buttons, and links are fully visible and accessible.​

3.​Verify that no overlapping or horizontal scrolling occurs.​

Expected Result: The layout should adapt to all devices, maintaining readability and
usability.

Test Case 4: Error Message Clarity
Even a secure login system can frustrate users if error messages are vague. Error
messages must be descriptive and guide the user toward corrective action.
●​Test Case ID: TC-Login-020​

●​Scenario: Validate that all error messages are clear, concise, and visible.​

●​Steps:​

1.​Leave the username blank and click login.​

2.​Enter an invalid username and click login.​

3.​Observe how messages are displayed.​

Expected Result: Messages should be easy to read, placed near the relevant field, and
instructive (e.g., “Please enter your username” or “Invalid username or password”).
Test Case 5: “Forgot Password” and “Sign Up” Link Visibility
Supporting links like “Forgot Password” and “Sign Up” should be intuitive and easy to
access. Users shouldn’t struggle to find them.
●​Test Case ID: TC-Login-021​

●​Scenario: Ensure that supporting links are easily noticeable.​

●​Steps:​

1.​Observe the login page on all device types.​

2.​Check placement, font size, and clickability of links.​

Expected Result: Links should be visible, accessible, and responsive to clicks or taps.
Test Case 6: Tab Navigation Order
Keyboard navigation is important for accessibility. Users should be able to move between
fields and buttons in a logical sequence using the Tab key.
●​Test Case ID: TC-Login-022​

●​Scenario: Confirm logical tab order across all input fields and buttons.​

●​Steps:​

1.​Press Tab from the username field.​

2.​Navigate through password, “Remember Me” checkbox, and login button.​

Expected Result: Focus should move sequentially, following a natural flow from top to
bottom.




9. Performance Test Cases
A login page isn’t just about correctness and security — it must also perform reliably under
different conditions. Performance testing ensures the system handles normal and peak loads
efficiently, responds quickly, and maintains session stability. These tests simulate real-world
usage to identify potential bottlenecks.
Test Case 1: Login Response Time Under Normal Load
Even under standard usage, users expect the login process to be fast and seamless.
●​Test Case ID: TC-Login-023​

●​Scenario: Verify that the login process completes within acceptable response time
under normal conditions.​

●​Steps:​

1.​Access the login page with a standard browser session.​

2.​Enter valid credentials.​

3.​Submit the form and measure the time taken to reach the dashboard.​

Expected Result: The user should be redirected to the dashboard in less than 3 seconds
(time may vary based on SLAs)

Test Case 2: Stress Testing with Multiple Concurrent Logins

Performance issues often appear under heavy load. This test simulates multiple users
logging in simultaneously.
●​Test Case ID: TC-Login-024​

●​Scenario: Ensure the system can handle a high number of concurrent login attempts
without slowing down or crashing.​

●​Steps:​

1.​Simulate multiple users (e.g., 50–100) logging in at the same time using load
testing tools.​

2.​Observe system response, errors, or delays.​

Expected Result: All valid users should be able to log in successfully, and the response
time should remain within acceptable limits.
Test Case 3: Session Creation Time
After a successful login, the system must create and maintain a user session efficiently.
●​Test Case ID: TC-Login-025​

●​Scenario: Verify that session creation is instantaneous and does not introduce
delays.​

●​Steps:​

1.​Log in with valid credentials.​

2.​Measure the time taken from clicking login to session establishment.​

Expected Result: Session should be created immediately, and users should gain access to
protected pages without lag.
Test Case 4: Login Under High Traffic Conditions
Peak usage periods can affect performance. This test checks login reliability under simulated
high traffic.
1.​Generate high traffic to mimic multiple users accessing the login page
simultaneously.​

2.​Attempt to log in with valid credentials.​

3.​Monitor page loading, server response, and error rates.​

Expected Result: The login process should remain functional, errors should be minimal or
absent, and server response should remain stable.
Test Case 5: Session Persistence During Load
While stress testing, it’s crucial to verify that user sessions remain active without unexpected
logout or session dropouts.
●​Test Case ID: TC-Login-026​

●​Scenario: Ensure session integrity during simultaneous login attempts.​

●​Steps:​

1.​Multiple users log in at the same time.​

2.​Users navigate through the application for 5–10 minutes.​

3.​Observe whether any sessions are terminated unexpectedly.​

Expected Result: All active sessions remain stable, and users maintain uninterrupted
access.

10.Traceability Matrix
A traceability matrix ensures that every functional and non-functional requirement is covered
by one or more test cases. It provides visibility for stakeholders and helps track testing
progress.
Requirement
ID
Requirement
Description
Test Case ID(s) Test Type Priority
R1 Users must log in
with valid
credentials
TC-Login-001,
TC-Login-002
Positive High
R2 System should
reject invalid
credentials
TC-Login-007,
TC-Login-008,
TC-Login-009
Negative High

R3 “Remember Me”
functionality should
persist sessions
TC-Login-003 Positive Mediu
m
R4 Password input
must be masked
TC-Login-004 Positive/UI Mediu
m
R5 Username should
be case-insensitive
TC-Login-005 Positive Low
R6 Login must prevent
brute force attacks
TC-Login-012,
TC-Login-017
Security High
R7 Sessions should
expire after
inactivity
TC-Login-013,
TC-Login-026
Security/Performan
ce
High
R8 Login page must
use HTTPS
TC-Login-014 Security High
R9 Inputs must be
sanitized against
SQL/XSS
TC-Login-015,
TC-Login-016
Security High
R10 Login page should
be visually intuitive
TC-Login-018,
TC-Login-019,
TC-Login-020,
TC-Login-021,
TC-Login-022
Usability/UI Mediu
m
R11 Login response time
under normal load
TC-Login-023 Performance High
R12 System should
handle multiple
concurrent logins
TC-Login-024,
TC-Login-026
Performance High
Notes:
●​Test Type categorizes each case (Positive, Negative, Security, Usability/UI,
Performance).​
●​Priority indicates importance: High = must pass, Medium = should pass, Low =
nice-to-have.​

●​Multiple test cases can map to a single requirement if they cover different aspects.​

Conclusion
The login page is a critical component of any application, serving as both the gateway for
users and the first line of defense against unauthorized access. Through the comprehensive
set of test cases outlined in this document — spanning positive, negative, security,
usability, UI, and performance scenarios — we ensure that the login functionality is
robust, reliable, and user-friendly.
By executing these tests, we can confidently verify that:
●​Users can access the system seamlessly under normal conditions.​

●​Invalid inputs and malicious attempts are handled gracefully without compromising
security.​

●​The interface is intuitive, responsive, and accessible across devices.​

●​System performance remains stable even under high load or concurrent access.​

Additionally, these tests provide traceability, allowing stakeholders to map each test case
back to functional and security requirements. This structured approach ensures that nothing
is overlooked, risks are mitigated, and the application delivers a smooth and secure login
experience for end users.
In summary, the execution of this test plan lays a solid foundation for maintaining quality,
security, and usability, while also providing actionable insights for future improvements.