The plan must be tested by those persons who would undertake those activities if the situation being tested occurred in reality. The test procedures should be documented and the results recorded. This is important to ensure that feedback is obtained for fine tuning the Plan.

Frequency of Testing
How often, and to what extent, you test your Disaster Recovery Plan is determined by the nature of the potential changes to systems, personnel, business processes, location, services and infrastructure; plus any legislative or contractual issues. Re-test the DRP whenever material changes have been made to its contents or to the organisation's business operations.

Testing in Authentic Conditions
Where the DRP Testing does not reproduce authentic conditions, the value of such testing is limited.

Test Plan
Develop a plan to test the DRP. Consider a range of planning activities, including start, stop, objectives, coordination, documentation of results, observers etc.

Resource Requirements
Resource the Test Plan with the same persons who would be likely to deal with a live situation. Test the plan by making certain key staff 'unavailable', simulating where practical the potential absence of personnel in a live situation.

Documented Test Procedures
Ensure that the DRP is tested using the documented procedures, thereby testing the adequacy of the instructions.

Test Results
Having concluded the DRP Test, the results must be analysed. A failure to undertake this task will likely detract from the value of the test. Learn from the results! The problems arising should be documented and addressed subsequently. You should have a formal mechanism for ensuring that this takes place.

Management and Staff Awareness
You must ensure that knowledge of the DRP is disseminated throughout the organization.