Testing in Salesforce isn’t optional; with so many updates being launched by Salesforce (one every 3 months), you must test it frequently. Even a small change can break custom workflows, triggers, or integrations. That’s why frequent testing is essential to keep your org running smoothly and your automation intact.
And this is an issue that most people seem to overlook; they think that test classes are nothing but an afterthought, which leads to poor coverage. Here are 7 actionable tips to help QA engineers and developers structure Salesforce test classes that ensure high code quality, maintainability, and reliability. Read on to get an understanding of the important aspects.
What is Salesforce QA testing?
Salesforce QA Testing is the process of checking and confirming how the Salesforce platform works, including its custom apps, settings, workflows, and connectors. It includes testing standard features, custom Apex logic, Flow Builder workflows, third-party integrations, and data management processes.
Set a goal for Salesforce QA testing to:
- Find flaws early in the development process.
- Check that the application meets the needs of the business and the users.
- Make sure that bespoke procedures and workflows function well and are reliable.
- Make it easy for frequent Salesforce updates and releases to go smoothly.
There are several types of testing, including functional, regression, integration, security, and performance testing. Testing can be performed manually or through automation tools.
The Philosophy Behind Well-Structured Tests
Now, let us understand what test classes in Salesforce are. A test class in Salesforce is a custom-made Apex class that tests other Apex code, such as methods, triggers, and classes. Before Apex code can be deployed to production, at least 75% of it must be tested. Test classes do more than just meet coverage criteria; they also help make sure that code logic is correct and keep issues from getting to end users.
Test classes use methods that have the @isTest tag, and programmers write assert statements to make sure that the actions give the right result. Good test classes don’t only check the code; they also check positive, negative, and edge case scenarios to make sure everything works.
The 7 Tips that make Structuring Test Classes in Salesforce Effective
These 7 tips simplify the process of structuring test classes in Salesforce. The following table summarizes each focus area:
| Focus Area | What It Means | Why It Matters for QA Teams | Example/ Tip |
| Test Data Setup | Instead of creating records inside every test, build them once in a shared setup method or a small “factory” class. | It saves time, avoids duplication, and keeps your test data clean and consistent. | Use @TestSetup to insert common records like Accounts or Contacts before tests run. |
| One Unit = One Test Class | Keep each Apex class or trigger paired with its own test class. | Makes debugging easier – when something fails, you instantly know where to look. | Try naming patterns like AccountServiceTest or OpportunityTriggerTest to stay organised. |
| Meaningful Names | Don’t name your tests test1 or verifyLogic. Describe what they actually test. | Clear names help your teammates (and future you) understand what’s being validated. | Example: test_AccountCreation_WhenValidData() tells you exactly what’s going on. |
| Positive & Negative Scenarios | Test both the happy path and the “what if it breaks” path. | Ensures your code works not just when things go right, but also when they don’t. | Create one test for a valid record and another for missing required fields or errors. |
| Data Isolation (SeeAllData=false) | Never depend on real org data to make your tests pass. | Keeps tests predictable — they won’t break when someone changes a record in the sandbox. | Set SeeAllData=false by default. Only allow it for standard data like Pricebooks if needed. |
| Using Test Suites & CI | Group related tests and run them automatically during builds. | Saves time, gives faster feedback, and keeps regression testing consistent. | Create Apex Test Suites and schedule them in Jenkins or Salesforce CLI for every release. |
| Coverage Quality Over Numbers | Don’t just aim for the 75% coverage requirement – make sure your tests are actually meaningful. | High coverage without strong assertions doesn’t catch real issues. | Focus on testing logic branches, conditions, and expected outputs, not just lines of code. |
Challenges with Structuring Test Classes in Salesforce
Well, before we go to structuring directly, let us understand some mistakes that generally happen with testers that you absolutely need to avoid. Firstly, make sure that you don’t write tests after the code is deployed, and make sure all issues are fixed before deployment. Secondly, you should not ignore exception handling; it will cause problems later on.
Third, avoid reusing outdated test data across unrelated classes, as it may lead to unreliable results. Lastly, do not make the mistake of not maintaining test code when logic changes. Avoiding these minor mistakes will go a long way when structuring test classes in Salesforce.
Conclusion
Test classes are an important part of making sure that Apex programming in Salesforce is of high quality. They make sure that your code works as it should and stays reliable as your app develops and changes.
You can build a strong, test-driven base for your Salesforce apps by following best practices, making clear assertions, and using reusable test data patterns. Well-written test classes not only meet deployment requirements, but they also build trust in your codebase over time.
By following these structuring tips, you can ensure a smooth, error-free deployment.
