DRP Test Worksheet
Introduction: How to Use This Worksheet
Use the DRP Test Worksheet to test the effectiveness of the Disaster Recovery Plan (DRP) in an organization.
First determine the scenario that will be tested and decide what type of test will be performed. For more information
on how to test the DRP, refer to the note How to Test Your DRP.
Complete the section I. Outlining the Disaster Recovery Plan Test Scenario first. This section outlines the
particular scenario that will be tested, what type of test will be performed and addresses goals and personnel
requirements.
In section II. Testing the Disaster Recovery Plan, complete the test type form that the organization will be
performing. In this template, the example presented is a walkthrough test.
Once the first two sections are complete, fill in section III. Making Changes to the Disaster Recovery Plan. This
section addresses next steps and the remedial actions that need to be taken to address any gaps in the current
Disaster Recovery Plan.
Be sure to delete all information where text is colored GREY (such as this paragraph and the examples provided
below) and fill in the information relating to the disaster recovery plan as necessary.
Be sure to change all necessary text to
BLACK before printing or sending.
This template has been pre-populated with a real-life example of what a walkthrough test might look like. Change,
delete, or add to the example as required.
I. Outlining the Disaster Recovery Plan Test Scenario
Outline Scenario
Test scenario
A lightening storm has caused a power surge to the
data centre. The order entry application server has
crashed.
Remedial actions required
1. A review of the server indicates that the unit must be
replaced.
2. A backup server is available in the IT storage area.
3. Install the new server into the network.
4. Restore/install order entry application.
5. Restore data.
Goal(s) of test scenario
The main goal of this test scenario is to get the servers
running again within 5 hours, ensuring that access to all
company data is restored.
Date of test
January 26, 2010
Type of test(s) to be performed
X Walkthrough
Simulation
Parallel Test
Full-Interruption Testing
People/groups/departments involved in test
DRP Team
Hardware Team
Data/Software Team
Downtime forecasted
0 hours
Assignment of Action Items
Action Item
Recovery Control Meeting
Person Assigned to Action Item
DRP Project Manager
Installation of server
Hardware Team
Installation of order entry application
Data/Software Team
Restoration of data
Data/Software Team
II. Testing the Disaster Recovery Plan
Test Scenario: Walkthrough
Testing Documentation
Step
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Action
Recovery control meeting
Installation of server hardware walkthrough
Installation of OE application walkthrough
Restoration of data walkthrough
Walkthrough debrief
[Action Item]
[Action Item]
Team
DRP Project Manager
Hardware Team
Data/Software Team
Results/Comments/Time
Meeting held January 26,
2010, 10:00AM
Not enough information
provided in the DRP for
configuring the server
Location of software was
not documented in the
DRP
Data/Software Team
OK
All teams
January 26, 2010,
3:00PM
[Team]
[Results/Comments/Time]
[Team]
[Results/Comments/Time]
Walkthrough Checklist
Step
1
Walkthrough Checklist
Did the recovery team have adequate
information to restore the service?
Results
No, the information needed for the installation of the
server hardware was incomplete and would have
resulted in serious delays had this been a real
emergency.
2
Was the documentation readily available to
assist the team?
Yes, the documentation was available in multiple
locations and forms. Copies of the documentation were
available online as well as in a hard copy in the server
room.
3
Were all resources and tools available to do
the job?
No, the documentation required for the installation of the
server hardware was missing.
4
Were the right people involved on the teams?
Yes the teams were well structured.
5
How long did it take to restore this service?
From the walkthrough, we predict that it would have
taken over 1 working day to restore the service since the
documentation was incomplete.
Test Scenario: Simulation
Testing Documentation
Step
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Action
[Action Item]
[Action Item]
[Action Item]
[Action Item]
[Action Item]
[Action Item]
[Action Item]
Team
Results/Comments/Time
[Team]
[Results/Comments/Time]
[Team]
[Results/Comments/Time]
[Team]
[Results/Comments/Time]
[Team]
[Results/Comments/Time]
[Team]
[Results/Comments/Time]
[Team]
[Results/Comments/Time]
[Team]
[Results/Comments/Time]
Simulation Checklist
Step
1
Simulation Checklist
Did the recovery team have adequate
information to restore the service?
Results
[Results]
2
Was the documentation readily available to
assist the team?
[Results]
3
Were all resources and tools available to do
the job?
[Results]
4
Were the right people involved on the teams?
[Results]
5
How long did it take to restore this service?
[Results]
Test Scenario: Parallel
Testing Documentation
Step
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Action
[Action Item]
[Action Item]
[Action Item]
[Action Item]
[Action Item]
[Action Item]
[Action Item]
Team
Results/Comments/Time
[Team]
[Results/Comments/Time]
[Team]
[Results/Comments/Time]
[Team]
[Results/Comments/Time]
[Team]
[Results/Comments/Time]
[Team]
[Results/Comments/Time]
[Team]
[Results/Comments/Time]
[Team]
[Results/Comments/Time]
Parallel Checklist
Step
1
Walkthrough Checklist
Did the recovery team have adequate
information to restore the service?
Results
[Results]
2
Was the documentation readily available to
assist the team?
[Results]
3
Were all resources and tools available to do
the job?
[Results]
4
Were the right people involved on the teams?
[Results]
5
How long did it take to restore this service?
[Results]
Test Scenario: Full-Interruption
Testing Documentation
Step
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Action
[Action Item]
[Action Item]
[Action Item]
[Action Item]
[Action Item]
[Action Item]
[Action Item]
Team
Results/Comments/Time
[Team]
[Results/Comments/Time]
[Team]
[Results/Comments/Time]
[Team]
[Results/Comments/Time]
[Team]
[Results/Comments/Time]
[Team]
[Results/Comments/Time]
[Team]
[Results/Comments/Time]
[Team]
[Results/Comments/Time]
Full-Interruption Checklist
Step
1
Walkthrough Checklist
Did the recovery team have adequate
information to restore the service?
Results
[Results]
2
Was the documentation readily available to
assist the team?
[Results]
3
Were all resources and tools available to do
the job?
[Results]
4
Were the right people involved on the teams?
[Results]
5
How long did it take to restore this service?
[Results]
III. Making Changes to the Disaster Recovery Plan
Remedial Actions Required
Remedial Action Required
Person/Team Assigned to Action
Item
Hardware Team
Expected Date of Completion
Data/Software Team
February 1, 2010
[Team]
[Date]
[Remedial Action]
[Team]
[Date]
[Remedial Action]
[Team]
[Date]
[Remedial Action]
[Team]
[Date]
Provide sufficient documentation for
configuring the server
Provide exact location of software
for DRP
[Remedial Action]
February 26, 2010
_____________________________________________________
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