Paper Tests
The most basic method of BCP testing is the paper test. Although it is not considered a replacement for a real test, this is a good start. A paper test is an exercise that can be performed by sending copies of the plan to different department managers and business unit managers for review. Each person the plan is sent to can review it to make sure nothing has been overlooked, and that everything that is being asked of them is possible. A paper test can also be performed by having the members of the team come together and discuss the BCP plan. This is sometimes known as walk-through testing. The plans are laid out across the table so that attendees have a chance to see how an actual emergency would be handled. By reviewing the plan in this way, some errors or problems should become apparent. Under either method, sending the plan around or meeting to review the plan, the next step is usually a preparedness test.

Preparedness Tests
A preparedness test is a simulation in which team members go through an exercise that reenacts an actual outage or disaster. This type of test is typically used to test a portion of the plan. The preparedness test consumes time and money because it is an actual test that measures the team’s response to situations that might someday occur. This type of testing provides a means of incrementally improving the plan.

Full Operation Tests
The full operation test is as close to the actual service disruption as you can get. The team should have performed paper tests and preparedness tests before attempting this level of interruption. This test is the most detailed, time consuming, and thorough of all discussed. A full interruption test mimics a real disaster, and all steps are performed to start up backup operations. This involves all the individuals who would be involved in a real emergency, including internal and external organizations. Goals of the full operation test include the following:
- Verifying the business continuity plan
- Evaluating the level of preparedness of the personnel involved
- Measuring the capability of the backup site to operate as planned
- Assessing the ability to retrieve vital records and information
- Evaluating the functionality of equipment
- Measuring overall preparedness for an actual disaster